Writing is a Joy

My third graders look forward to writing now and even ask for extra times to write. Giving them the control of what to write I think makes the difference. They have the ownership so they can write about what they know. Paired with reading they see the conventions and are even trying to make their writings use what they see.

Mini lessons are coming along and they aren't overwhelmed with so much at once. No one moans when you say lets write. I hear "Yay!"

We do need bigger writing folders. Think I am going to try the expandable file folders. Not sure what size. If I get the bigger ones we can keep the notebook and writings in it. Maybe dividers to keep works in progress from completed work. I am open for suggestions. Thought I had it managed until the little folders we have are bulging.

Conferencing is getting a bit easier. Guess practice does help. We are working on writing partners and what that means. They are way to kind to one another so far. Constructive criticism must be a learned trait. I love teaching!

Stage Two!

Met with my third grade this morning. They were excited and eager to hear about what I had learned in my workshop. I shared Peacocks and Dragons. We were right, dragons aren't scary. In fact, they just couldn't see it so I said, "Ok. You tell me what is scary." First they wanted to know if they could have cool pictures like my teacher gave me. I assured them that could happen if a picture fit the idea and after a short discussion it was decided to call our "feel good" side Butterflies and our scary side Ogres after the characters in Spiderwick Chronicles. (Mulgarath in particular) I even found appropriate pictures thanks to Google and we are all happy. They were surprised to see what things they thought of to put on their respective sides and are still working. They want to be careful to make sure the words fit. The thinking caps went on and the pencils went to work. I just love watching it all come together. I got a boost and so did they. The really exciting part is I have more fun things to share later thanks to the mini lessons and books.

By the way, someone had asked me about the 6 Traits Crate that I use in my classroom and today I realized they are put together by Sholastic. I got mine from Crystal Springs Books, but you may can find them closer if you look. There is one for each grade second through fifth for sure . I love that the books are included with a guide and a list of other picture books if you have access to them or want to purchase them. Kids seem to understand what I am talking about better when we share a book and listen to how a trait is used. All of this ties together so well. I just love it when plans flow together and kids are having fun learning. There is my Christmas bonus! Thanks Melissa.

Getting Ready

OK Writers! I am getting ready for Institute #2! Are you ready for some football?! I can't wait to see you all again! :) Let's huddle up for minilessons... ready, WRITE!

Positive Input

Hello Writers! This is Becky Lamb, and I've been where you are! Many times, I still am! I know how stumped you can feel when it comes to Writer's Workshop, but don't give up! I have been reading Lucy Calkin's book, The Art of Teaching Writing, for 3 years! I reread it every year, hoping to gain more insight into what I need to do for my First Graders. It has been a blessing having Melissa come into my classroom and flesh out so much of what Lucy teaches in her book. I'm beginning to get it! I've discovered my expectations were way too high, so I got frustrated! Having come from the upper grades, I was looking for writing that I could immediately have kids edit and revise! "NOT YET!" I must tell myself! Let them have the freedom to learn to be writers. Affirm their efforts at every turn. They know so much. I am the one who must teach them, show them, how to express themselves on paper. They have the stories. I must gradually teach them how to put there stories down in "writing". Not necessarily with whole words and/or sentences on the page. I must first let them know they each have the most remarkable stories to share. It takes time...lots of time and a different kind of "writer's eye", where I look and listen to them tell me about their lives. Please be patient. You'll get it, and gloriously, so will they! Charge!!

In a rutt

Does anyone else feel like they are in a rutt? I'm not real sure where to go from here.........my students have been writing pretty much everyday, but I don't feel like I'm with it quite as much as I was a few weeks ago. November can't get here quick enough!

Okay, I think I am missing a link. When do we revise and publish? I feel a mini lesson in here somewhere and not sure how to move forward. I have been "saving" our stories in a folder. Open House is coming up and I would love to have a good quality paper or am I rushing it?

We are stumped in third grade. Loving the writing time and being very productive. Just need to keep that ball rolling and keeping them excited about writing and reading.

What do you use for a grade? rubrics?

Questions.........

Ok ladies, I know we all have our way of doing things, but I would appreciate feedback on what works for ya'll for the following:

1. What do you do when student's paper is TOTALLY blank at the end of your WW time?

2. What do you do with their paper when they are "done". Do you keep it, send it home............?