Saturday, April 7, 2012

Saturday Sayings Times Four!

(click on the above graphic to see previous Saturday Sayings)

Seven weeks ago some of you might have noticed that I started a new tradition called Saturday Sayings.  Every Saturday I post about a favorite teacher quote and add my two cents.  For the month of April, three other fabulous teacher bloggers are going to join me each week with their own Saturday Sayings. (Thanks to Lori for suggesting such a great idea!)  We would love for you to visit each of our blogs today and every Saturday during April.  We're making it easy for you and providing links below.  Their blogs are just a click away.  I know I'm thoroughly looking forward to their weekly reflective posts.  What are the gurus of education saying, and how will their thoughts make me a better teacher today?  That's what I hope Saturday Sayings is all about.  We'd love for you to join us.
Conversations in Literacy
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?







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18 comments:

  1. LoriApril 7, 2012 at 8:39 AM

    Love that last quote! He definitely tells it like it is, but it is so true!
    Lori
    Conversations in Literacy

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    1. TammyApril 7, 2012 at 7:46 PM

      Thanks Lori for thinking Saturday Sayings is worth your time. I agree. Donald sure doesn't hold back at all.

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  2. JulieApril 7, 2012 at 9:53 AM

    Love it! Truth hurts sometimes :)

    Julie
    Light a Fire in Third Grade

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    1. TammyApril 7, 2012 at 7:46 PM

      Julie, yes it does. I'm so glad you're doing these Saturday Sayings with us.

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  3. SCTigerApril 7, 2012 at 12:41 PM

    Writing 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!
    So glad that we joined up for this fun and informative adventure!

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    1. TammyApril 7, 2012 at 7:47 PM

      Sandi, I'm so glad that you joined up too. I love these types of reflective posts.

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  4. Mr. JonesApril 7, 2012 at 7:20 PM

    First 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.

    Mike
    First Upon A Time
    firstuponatime@gmail.com

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    1. TammyApril 7, 2012 at 7:50 PM

      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!

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  5. UnknownApril 7, 2012 at 7:59 PM

    I love this idea. Tammy you are brilliant. I am definitely going to check in every Saturday.

    Amy

    The Crazy Adventures of a University Graduate
    The Crazy Adventures of Two Quilters

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    1. TammyApril 7, 2012 at 8:22 PM

      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!

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  6. PaigeApril 7, 2012 at 9:56 PM

    Hey, I know that picture! I was on the top of that mountain with you. :)

    Paige

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  7. Mrs. YouelApril 8, 2012 at 7:09 PM

    Love the fact others are joining your Saturday sayings! :)

    On another note, you've been tagged! Head over to my blog to find the questions/rules!

    Happy Easter! :)
    Chrissy
    Adventures in Second Grade

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    1. TammyApril 8, 2012 at 8:31 PM

      Thank you Chrissy! That means a lot to hear. I sure do what it to be worthwhile! Thanks for thinking of me too. :)

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  8. Tamera WilsonApril 8, 2012 at 8:30 PM

    Hi Tammy,
    I am your newest follower and uh oh! - I have tagged you too!
    :)
    Tamera

    http://myheartbelongsinfirst.blogspot.com/2012/04/surprises-2-tags.html

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    1. TammyApril 8, 2012 at 8:33 PM

      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!

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  9. Mrs. LindseyApril 9, 2012 at 2:59 PM

    So true and he really tells it like it is. Teaching writing takes a lot of work, but you get out what you put in.

    I'm your newest follower :)

    Lindsey
    Lovin’ First Grade

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    1. TammyApril 9, 2012 at 4:26 PM

      Lindsey, I totally agree. It certainly is a lot of work, but it's very rewarding too. Thanks for following.

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