Musings for primary teachers

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November 23, 2010
Dear Colleague,

Happy week of Thanksgiving!  This week's newsletter was inspired by a blog post written by the freelance writer Michelle Lipton: Ten Reasons to Love Writing.   You may wish to read some or all of these reasons to your students.  Better yet, ask them to write their own ten reasons for loving writing.  I've posted my ten reasons for loving writer's workshop below!

And don't forget, if you're participating in YesWriWith and want to be eligible to win a book(s), report on your experience or post something that you wrote during Quiet Ten.  All postings can be found here.
Ten Reasons to Love Writer's Workshop

1.       It is a truly effective method of differentiation - one that meets the needs of all of our students wherever they are in their writing development.

2.       Students become fellow "explorers" of writing.  Together we look to professional authors to learn the craft.

3.       With the freedom of topic choice, students bring their interests and therefore their own powerful voices to their pieces.

4.       Each and every writing conference provides a moment for positive learning and discovery.

5.       A regular, predictable writer's workshop provides the needed practice for growth.  As Tom Romano wrote: "The amount of writing students do should be far more than a teacher can evaluate."

6.       With author's chair and publishing (true publishing --not copying over), students receive and therefore develop an understanding of authentic audience.

7.       Students take increased ownership and responsibility over their own writing success.

8.       Teachers encourage risk-taking in writing which is essential for writing growth.

9.       Students of all ages will willingly revise!

10.   Students do not ask, "How long does it need to be?" nor do they ever shout out, "I'm done!"

 

What are your reasons for loving writer's workshop?

 
I would love to come to your school!  Please view my website to see if a teacher inservice or residency might fit your staff development needs.
 
I'm available for author visits too.

Writing Tip 

To help students to focus their writing, ask: What is the most important thing you wish to say in this piece? Asking this question helps students to determine which parts belong and which should be deleted. Celebrate the crossing out of irrelevant information. Even first graders can be proud of their cross-outs.

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No More I'm Done
 

No More "I'm Done!"  focuses on nurturing independent primary writers.  In addition to suggesting a classroom set-up and routines that support independence, a year of developmentally appropriate minilessons is provided.

Preview the text online here.
 
To listen to a podcast about the book go here.