My little writers
I taught elementary school, mostly 5th grade, for just shy of 10 years, and there are countless sweet memories and faces, but one class stands out above the rest. The 2010-2011 students were my sweet guinea pigs as I pursued National Board Certification in Early-Middle Literacy and Language Arts. As part of the requirements, I had to record several lessons, provide student work samples, all the while justifying my teaching practice and philosophy. In the end, I submitted a 100+ page portfolio before taking a 3 hour exam.
Not surprisingly, my favorite thing to teach was writing. It wasn't just about the mechanics, but the craft and process. I taught the students how to do Writers' Workshop and have their own writing circles where they read and constructively critiqued one another's writing. I was in heaven because I had the latitude to create this sweet environment for my budding writers, and these kids blew my expectations out of the water. They were supportive, helpful, and unbelievably creative. The class spanned the spectrum in ability, but the consistent element was their commitment to the craft.
As a celebration for completing a piece, the students would sit in the author's chair and read their work to the class. You would think only the traditionally gifted writers would want to share, not so. Every kid wanted their moment to share their hard work, and each kid was celebrated. I taught the kids to share 2 stars and a wish (two specific positives and one piece of constructive feedback) followed by some groovy poetry snaps.
One of my workshop mini-lessons was on bold beginnings. I gave examples, students edited their drafts and met in their writing circles. All of the students really absorbed the lesson and ran with it including Isaiah who shared his beginning with me, "I was eating an ice cream cone 13 hours before I died." What in the world? I was completely hooked.
I gave them a space and some tips and they flourished. It was a gift that I won't forget, and I hope they are still writing.
Not surprisingly, my favorite thing to teach was writing. It wasn't just about the mechanics, but the craft and process. I taught the students how to do Writers' Workshop and have their own writing circles where they read and constructively critiqued one another's writing. I was in heaven because I had the latitude to create this sweet environment for my budding writers, and these kids blew my expectations out of the water. They were supportive, helpful, and unbelievably creative. The class spanned the spectrum in ability, but the consistent element was their commitment to the craft.
As a celebration for completing a piece, the students would sit in the author's chair and read their work to the class. You would think only the traditionally gifted writers would want to share, not so. Every kid wanted their moment to share their hard work, and each kid was celebrated. I taught the kids to share 2 stars and a wish (two specific positives and one piece of constructive feedback) followed by some groovy poetry snaps.
One of my workshop mini-lessons was on bold beginnings. I gave examples, students edited their drafts and met in their writing circles. All of the students really absorbed the lesson and ran with it including Isaiah who shared his beginning with me, "I was eating an ice cream cone 13 hours before I died." What in the world? I was completely hooked.
I gave them a space and some tips and they flourished. It was a gift that I won't forget, and I hope they are still writing.
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