I could count on one hand the number of writing prompts I'll use this year. Do I believe they're bad? Nope. Do I believe they tend to be overused? Very possibly. I think kids need a heavy dose of writing about their own topics on a daily basis with prompts sparingly sprinkled into the mix here and there.
"Students need to be able to choose most of their writing topics if they are to take writing seriously, take pride in their work, and write with strong voice." - Regie Routman
"The teaching of writing is not tied to topics. The teaching of writing should revolve around strategies, techniques, and understandings that aren't connected to specific material." - Katie Wood Ray
Having said all that, and hopefully without stepping on too many toes, I actually used a prompt this week in honor of MLK Jr. This is by no means a tremendously creative or original idea that I believe the blogging world will be rushing to pin on Pinterest (although some day that would be really cool). Pretty much, this post is all about cuteness. Enjoy.
(Translation: I have a dream that I will be useful.)
(Yep, you read that right. Don't we all agree the world would be a better place without certain unmentionables left behind?)
Your kids did a great job!
ReplyDeleteJennifer
First Grade Blue SKies
Thanks Jennifer. Their minds go to funny places for sure.
ReplyDeleteHow adorable! We did a similar prompt today, as I am sure many people did! :)
ReplyDeleteLisa
Stories From Second
Thanks for dropping by Lisa!
ReplyDeleteHaha! Love that last one! =)
ReplyDeleteMs. Smith
The Adventures of Ms. Smith
I like the writing prompt. Some are too funny. I don't do many writing prompts either.
ReplyDeleteHaha, this is a great writing prompt. That last one was too funny!
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by everyone. I enjoy the comments too!
ReplyDeleteThese were just too cute! Love the idea of the first one and being useful and of course the last one is just sweet! :)
ReplyDeleteThat last one is too funny! :) I am your newest follower!
ReplyDeleteThe world would definitely be a better place if more adults had the same dream as your last student. :)
ReplyDeleteThinking Out Loud
I love the Writing Workshop! (I have three PD's to lead this semester for our teachers.) That said, in our state we have to write to a prompt for testing in grades 3-5. I like to incorporate practicing for them in just the way that you did! A little here and there in grades 1 and 2. In grade three, we move to at least once per month. I also like to tie the prompt to something we have just read or studied.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your post!
Thanks Sandra for dropping by. I like how you're preparing kids by using prompts with such wisdom. Sounds like there's a nice balance in what you're doing. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I love these kinds of conversations!
ReplyDeleteI wholeheartedly agree with you about children writing what they want to write. I too use writing prompts very sparingly. I want to grow writers who LOVE to write.
ReplyDeleteDee
First Impressions
Amen to that Dee!
ReplyDelete