Saturday, October 20, 2012

Saturday Sayings: The Cart Before the Horse

(Click above for more Saturday Sayings.)



I could be off, but I think it's fairly safe to say that walk into most any elementary classroom and there'll be evidence of daily spelling instruction.  I don't believe the same is true for daily writing instruction.  That's not to say that kids aren't doing any writing, but practicing spelling isn't writing instruction. Practicing grammar isn't writing instruction.  Worksheets aren't writing instruction.  I even have my doubts as to whether integrating writing into other subject areas is considered writing instruction.  Will I walk into any elementary classroom and see evidence of a daily concentrated writing block where kids are learning the craft of writing?  I hate to say it, but I don't believe this is the case like it is for spelling.  Unfortunately, spelling doesn't do writers much good if writing doesn't come first and everyday, for that matter.  How does the saying go?  Put the cart before the horse?   

(By the way, I do teach spelling.  With individualized lists and no tests, it wouldn't be considered traditional spelling by any means.  You can read about it here.)

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14 comments:

  1. Great thoughts today, Tammy! The writing block is so important to teach every day- teaching them the craft and giving them choice. It's not easy, but the rewards are wonderful!
    Lori
    Conversations in Literacy

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    1. Lori, I agree totally. It's not easy but so so worth it. They can do so much when given the chance.

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  2. Love your saturday sayings as usual. I think this is the firs year in a long time you could walk in my room and see me teaching writing. Well I'm not sure how much of me you would see teaching. More like the kids writing and working and me trying to direct and prod. I think they've learned more about writing from sharing with each other than I could ever teach them. Thanks for inspiring me to continue to grow and change in my teaching.
    Ms. Kerri and her Krazy Klass

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    1. Kerri, I applaud you for pushing yourself to jump right it and get your feet wet. It can be a little messy at times especially when it's new. Sometimes that's the only way to find what really works best. Keep it up!

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  3. I have to AMEN this post! I love how you teach spelling! (I also like Words Their Way.) Customizing spelling to the writer is always best! I also think that writing what is in a child's heart and mind should be our priority.
    Literacy Minute

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    1. Sandi, I like Words Their Way as well, although I haven't found a way to incorporate as much of it as I'd like. We have the same priorities!

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  4. Right on target again Tammy. I wish some of the teachers in my school could grasp the concept:) My writing block is from 12:20 to 1:20 every day. No spelling, no grammar, no convictions, just writing. And I love it! Love your Saturday's Tammy.
    Tammy
    First Grade @ Storybook Cafe
    dtklinger@gmail.com

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    1. Tammy, I wish more teachers had themselves a daily writing block too. Kids sure need time to authentically practice being writers aside from the spelling, grammar, and conventions. Amen is right.

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  5. I'm doing writer's workshop with my kinders this year, following Dee Wills/Deanna Jumps writing units. WOW, this has given my class a focus that I've never seen before. All week, they think about writing, about what story they want to tell. During recess and transitions, they talk about writing, planning for workshop. They see details in the illustrations and word choices of nearly every book I share with them.

    As a child, I was an A+ speller; I attribute most of that success to learning best by sight AND by being a voracious reader.

    Great post! (Sunday Song is up! I couldn't wait!)

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    1. Chrissy, I'm glad that you're seeing passion in your young writers. I always enjoy hearing that kindergarten kids are writing. It makes such a difference when they come to first grade. (I love your Sunday Song! I'm glad you didn't wait.)

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  6. Great reminders- The purpose of grammar & spelling is to aid readers in the reading of the writer's thoughts and ideas ... and both of those areas can be reinforced in the context of writing. Writing MUST come first!

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    1. Mary, you always add the most profound thoughts to my blog. Thank you for coming by and commenting. I love hearing what you have to say.

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  7. Tammy, I wish you could have been my kids' teacher. You are so smart:)
    Lyn

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    1. Lyn, that's a wonderful compliment. My moments of smartness come from the professionals who line my bookshelves and the mentor teachers who have made an impact on my life. Thank you for such a blessed comment.

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