Saturday, April 19, 2014

Saturday Sayings: My Promise



Recently my school's instructional coach asked our staff to ponder Lucy's question.  She asked each of us to make a Writing Bill of Rights, so to speak.  While I have no idea how others reacted to her request, I was thrilled.  It's a conversation we've needed to have for a long time now.  I'm anticipating what the teachers at each grade level will say  and what enlightening shifts can be made due to future discussions.  Making my list was easy.  Here's my promise to each parent. 

I promise that...  
  • there will be a structure or plan to your child's writing time.  It will begin with a mini-lesson, followed by time to write, and finished with an opportunity to share and celebrate what's going well. 
  • Every mini-lesson will teach them something they can try in their writing that day. 
  • I will give your child feedback.  I will acknowledge what they're doing well and nudge them to try something that will hopefully improve them as writers, not just improve the piece they're currently working on.
  • your child will be constantly writing during writing time.  There will be no waiting for me to read everything they write.  When they finish one piece, they'll start another.
  • your child will write for a variety of authentic audiences.
  • your child will frequently see me model the writing process.  They will also share the writing process with me as the class writes together.
  • your child will study the work of mentor authors.
  • your child will experience writing a variety of genres.
  • your child's use of conventions and spelling is important, but their ideas and content will be valued first.
Amen.  

(Did I miss something?)



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22 comments:

  1. Love your promise, Tammy! So well said!

    Crystal

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    1. Thank you Crystal. I'm glad it made sense.

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  2. Love it! Thank you also for the recommendation of One to One by Calkins. I am loving it!

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    1. Kimberley, I'm so glad you're enjoying it. It's difficult not to enjoy Calkins.

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  3. LOVE this! We have really been focusing on writing instruction this year at my school!

    Ms. Smith
    Adventures of Ms. Smith

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    1. Ms. Smith, cool! It's such an important subject to tackle for all grade levels.

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  4. Wow. Just Wow.

    Happy Easter!

    Barbara

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    1. Barbara, thank you much. Happy Easter to you too.

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  5. Well Said Tammy!! Love it!! Melissa

    You can include...your child will become a better reader because they write everyday

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    1. Melissa, that's a great suggestion. Thank you!

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  6. What a wonderful list of promises, Tammy!! I believe my list would be exactly the same!
    Connie Anderson
    Welcome To First Grade Room 5

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    1. Connie, I'm not surprised that yours would be exactly the same. Makes me know that I'm on the right track.

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  7. As a writing teacher to all our firsties I say.... Amen too! :) Especially your last one..... I'm a firm believer in content first as well because it's my job to help each firsties see themselves as authors.

    What writing program do you use? Do you use Lucy? I'd love any advice/suggestions. :) eshman.m@norwoodschools.org

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    1. Maria, I use Lucy, but I read Regie Routman's ideas as a foundation first. They're both so great.

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  8. So well said, Tammy! This is a fabulous list!! Which is why your young writers blossom in your room. :)
    Lori
    Conversations in Literacy

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    1. Lori, thank you. I've come a long way and so have my writers.

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  9. You got everything! Awesome list, Tammy. I'm pinning it.

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    1. Barb, thanks for thinking so, and thanks for the pin too.

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