(click on the above graphic to see previous Saturday Sayings)
Lori from Conversations in Literacy
Julie from Lighting a Fire in Third Grade
Sandi from Literacy Minute
Now for my thoughts. Actually, let me rephrase that. Now for Donald Graves' thoughts, which are significantly better than mine.
I love that quote. It's brimming with absolute honesty and truth. I appreciate that he's aware of how inconsistent writing affects not only the student but also the teacher. He's right, isn't he? Our students need to believe they can write as much as we teachers need to believe we can teach. What's the answer then? I'll leave you with a thought from Donald quoted in Writing Essentials.
"If we don't teach writing at least four days a week for at least forty-five minutes, we shouldn't bother to teach it at all" (qtd. in Routman 175).
Wow, he doesn't pull any punches does he? How can we find time each day to ensure that our kids believe they can write and we believe we can teach? We all deserve just that. Thanks Donald for pressing us.
On that note, I'm off to read some other Saturday Sayings. Would you like to join me?
Love that last quote! He definitely tells it like it is, but it is so true!
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Thanks Lori for thinking Saturday Sayings is worth your time. I agree. Donald sure doesn't hold back at all.
DeleteLove it! Truth hurts sometimes :)
ReplyDeleteJulie
Light a Fire in Third Grade
Julie, yes it does. I'm so glad you're doing these Saturday Sayings with us.
DeleteWriting in response to what we read should be the norm! That would be every day! Better writers means better readers! Such a great quote and post!
ReplyDeleteSo glad that we joined up for this fun and informative adventure!
Sandi, I'm so glad that you joined up too. I love these types of reflective posts.
DeleteFirst grade is such fun isn't it? Forever in first? I don't know. I have been here for 14 years and LOVE it. There are days that I wonder what it would be like to have kids a little more independent. But when it comes down to it, I can't even imagine leaving. So Forever? Maybe.
ReplyDeleteMike
First Upon A Time
firstuponatime@gmail.com
Hi there Mr. Jones. I agree. There are days. In fact, the first quarter can be somewhat painful. Once I've got them trained, it's all good though. I visited your blog. Thanks for visiting mine!
DeleteI love this idea. Tammy you are brilliant. I am definitely going to check in every Saturday.
ReplyDeleteAmy
The Crazy Adventures of a University Graduate
The Crazy Adventures of Two Quilters
Amy, that's awfully sweet of you to say. I'm not sure if "brilliant" is the right word though. :) I'm glad that you want to come back though!
DeleteHey, I know that picture! I was on the top of that mountain with you. :)
ReplyDeletePaige
Yep, you were. Can we do that again?
DeleteLove the fact others are joining your Saturday sayings! :)
ReplyDeleteOn another note, you've been tagged! Head over to my blog to find the questions/rules!
Happy Easter! :)
Chrissy
Adventures in Second Grade
Thank you Chrissy! That means a lot to hear. I sure do what it to be worthwhile! Thanks for thinking of me too. :)
DeleteHi Tammy,
ReplyDeleteI am your newest follower and uh oh! - I have tagged you too!
:)
Tamera
http://myheartbelongsinfirst.blogspot.com/2012/04/surprises-2-tags.html
Hi Tamera! I'm a Tamara. Thank you for finding my blog. That means a lot to me. I cherish each new face. I'll come visit your blog for sure!
DeleteSo true and he really tells it like it is. Teaching writing takes a lot of work, but you get out what you put in.
ReplyDeleteI'm your newest follower :)
Lindsey
Lovin’ First Grade
Lindsey, I totally agree. It certainly is a lot of work, but it's very rewarding too. Thanks for following.
Delete