Helping Students to "own" their reading and writing

    Jackie helps her third graders look closely at text to make decisions as a reader and writer.  When her students began to "read like writers", she recognized the many opportunities this provided for teaching. It continues to expand her literacy curriculum.
    These young writers develop a working relationship with favorite authors, giving them a voice in the process. The writing lessons stem from their reading, and help them to see the importance of their decisions. Her conferences now include a discussion about the intentions and decisions they must make as a writer.
Something to Think About:
What decisions do your students make in their writing?
Who are their favorite authors?
Be sure to include non-fiction authors as well as fiction!
Recommended Reading:
How's It Going by Carl Anderson
Wondrous Words by Katie Ray
From the Ground Up:Improving student writing through teacher collaboration by Wrobleski,Cushing,Hemphill, Johnson, Marcotte, Lurvey,Prewitt, McMullen in New England Reading Journal, Vol.47, Number1, 2011

  

Spend time with favorite authors! Your students' favorite authors can teach alongside you! When students read like writers, they begin to think and articulate as a writer. Jackie's students learn the craft of writing based on their needs and interests. Not only are the students learning, but Jackie loves the excitement of new teaching ideas that come from her students.

Something to Think About:

 Fold a piece of paper into four columns. In the first column, make a list of your students' names. In the next column, list what they are writing about; either the topic or the genre. In the third column, write what they need to enhance their piece. In the fourth column, list the mentor text that will help them meet that need?

Recommended Reading:

Mentor Author, Mentor Texts by Ralph Fletcher

Jackie's students recommend books by Judith Brinkloe, Jim Arnosky, Ralph Fletcher, Cynthia Rylant, and Jane Yolen!

In the third interview with Jackie, she reviews the chart her students created after reading Fireflies by Judith Brinkloe (1986). She helps her students develop the language of writers. After reading the book through, they reread it to examine it for the techniques they might use in their own writing.

Something To Think About:

At the beginning of writing workshop, remind students of the new techniques they might try in their own writing. When you notice a student has tried a new craft,  ask them to write their name on the board. When it is time to share, they will be asked to model their intention. It is a great way to motivate students to try something new, acknowledge the attempt, and  teach it to their friends.

Recommended Reading:

What You Know by Heart: How to develop curriculum for your writing workshop by Katie Wood Ray

Helping students to "own" their reading and writing

 

     Time, choice, feedback, and a community of learners are the basic premises of a successful writers workshop. Students choose what to write about based on their interests and the purpose for their writing. They then need time to work and re-work their piece. Time to talk and share their ideas and words before, during, and after the process provides the feedback writers need. Together this creates a community where each writer is a respected member of the group.

     In the first segment of my interview with Kris, she speaks to the importance of creating a community at the beginning of the year. They use their interests as a springboard for their writing, play with words, and reflect on who they are as writers.

Something to think about:

    Time - there never is enough time!

When you feel the pressure of time, what do you let go? Too often, it is the time to talk and to share, yet we all know our students need it.

What are some ways you can provide time for your students to talk and share?

Recommended reading:

Writing Essentials by Regie Routman

Fresh Look at Writing by Donald Graves

Writing Workshop by Ralph Fletcher

Helping students "own" their writing

I interviewed teachers and asked them how they help their students "own" their writing. I will be adding these interviews to my blog. Listen to Kiley discuss how she explored mentor texts with her 4th grade students. She admits to being nervous about letting go but realized allowing her students to make decisions and take control of  their writing, opened up opportunities for quality teaching. Following the interview are points for you to ponder as well as some suggested reading. I welcome your comments and questions! Upcoming topics: silence in our students' day, conferring, observing student writers...Let me know which topics are of interest to you! Email me if you would like to submit an interview.