Application! Application! Application!
At the end of every school year my students dictate to me all the things they learn over the year. They shout out as much as they can (and I try to keep up by scribbling it on the whiteboard). I always take a picture of it to help reflect what they found important and what might or might not have had any impact. I always wonder...."How much of this will they really remember, and how much will they apply to their everyday lives?" Great expectations, I know.
Probably the greatest challenge I face, whe nhelping my students understand its purpose and application, is in writing. They have been so accustom to writing a cute little story and everyone applauding their brilliance, that they are shocked to discover that their first effort is, well, to be frank, garbage. Learning and embracing the writing process is not easy, especially when they equate their identified "gifted"-ness with perfection.
Some teachers use Six Traits. I use The Mighty Writing Process.
Students really respond to the fun labeling of the process.
Brain Drain Identify key components that will lead to strong development of the writers ideas.
Sloppy Copy Compose a written draft.
Pair Share Share your writing with peers.
Neat Sheet Improve your writing through suggestions and recommendations.
Goof Proof Edit your writing.
Glory Story Produce functional text.
Like most classrooms, we write, share, write, edit, write, share, write, edit....and so on. I always hope it will stick with them, but, am never sure.....at least not until this year. I received the greatest teacher appreciation gift a teacher could ever hope for. I received student application.
My darling student wanted to write the perfect thank you note and so she followed the process. Needless to say, I, as well as her mother, am quite proud. Mom wanted to make sure that I knew this came from her daughter and not mom, and knowing this student, I believe it.
My student proudly included proof of her process inside the card. It's so refreshing to see that she not only labeled her step, she also included a parent/editor signature (required in our class).
I love watching the transformation of this first draft.
Like any good collaborator, Mom offers the writer suggestions.
You can see where Mom has made editing marks for her.
Again, we see mom/editor signature of suggestions and/or edits.
Take a look at this final product. I couldn't be more proud.
How sweet is that! I love it!
ReplyDeleteI know. It's just another affirmation as to why I teach!
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