It's been a while.

Chapter #12 Make Every Minute cou

What I took from this chapter:

I learned about timesavers. Having a writing schedule everyday, provide choices for prompts, have high expectations and teach kids to edit as they go.

Over all I know that I need to keep it simple. I tend to make writing diffucult I want my kids to enjoy writing.

Chapter #11 Build on Best Practice & Research

I think that our district is beginning focus on writing more than years past. I know for a fact that that our district does a pretty good job focusing on "Best Practice."

This looks like (some good points):

* teach reading and writing together
*write every day
*develop a community of writers

Chapter #10 Make Assessment Count

What did I take from this chapter?

Do not overdue that use of rubrics.

Collaborate with other teachers about rubrics - We did this as a 6th grade team!!!

Provide samples for students of great work and not so great.

Use "Front load" time to prepare the kids.

Chpater #9 Conference with Students

I've always known that conferencing with students was important, I just did know there was a variety of ways to accomplish it.
*Quickshare
*Roving
*One-on-One
*Peer
Good Ideas!

Always prasie students for their efforts!

Chapter #8 Organize for Daily Writing

Write lots of letters? I have to admit, I didn't see the value of letter writing until I read this chapter. I learned about many different types of letter writing. Again, I was reminded about authentic writing. I like the idea about writing to parents or grandparents.

Use of short writing projects was also a good thought. I always seem to think of large projects for some reason.

Chapter #7 Be Efficient and Integrate Basic Skills

What stood out for me-

I understand the idea of reducing isolated skill work. I know kids learn better if their writing takes on meaning. I think it is a good idea to work on skills, but it needs to follow authentic writing.