(Click the graphic to read more Saturday Sayings.)
Have you read much of Frank Smith's work? I've only read one book of his, but from what I can tell, he doesn't worry about stepping on toes. See below.
When I read this quote, I immediately find myself thinking about the conferring process. Would you agree that the hardest part of conferring is sifting through a piece to find a teachable focus that will create the most profound change in that writer's abilities? This can be a difficult task. I believe it's made even more difficult by our natural instinct. Time after time I've found that teachers naturally gravitate towards noticing certain things first when looking at a student's piece. Any guesses as to what those are? How about conventions? Spelling, capitals, punctuation, etc. Those seem to be the first and sometimes only things that are discussed between a teacher and writer. As Frank Smith has pointed out, conventions should not be the standard by which a piece is considered acceptable or unacceptable. I don't mean to insinuate that they are unimportant, but I'd like to challenge us all to look past the surface errors and focus first on what will really push that writer to the next level. It might take a little more sifting and digging on our part to find out what that thing is, but it will be worth the extra effort. I'll bring this to a close by letting Regie speak her mind, which she always does so well.
"It is easy to get distracted and try to focus on everything. Focus first on quality content, and work on editing later." Regie Routman, Writing Essentials 226
It is easy for teachers to fall into the trap of focusing on editing rather than on the writing process itself. Not only does it stretch the student to work on the process of taking their ideas to the next level, but it stretches the teacher too! :)
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Lori, it does stretch us, huh? It's much harder to work on content than the periods and capitals.
DeleteI love your saturday sayings. It gives me a lot to think about. I've been slowly tweaking my writing instruction this year. I loop with my kids so I'll have them next year for first grade. What are some ideas of lessons to work on with the kids? Do you have any resource ideas? I see so many great books out there I'm not sure what to focus on. I've been working on spacing with my kids which I know is a convention but it is helpful for being able to read it. But I've also been trying to get them to use more interesting words. Thanks for all the food for thought. I think I asked too many questions.
ReplyDeleteMs. Kerri and her Krazy Kindergarten
Kerri, I'm blessed to hear that you enjoy my Saturday Sayings. That means a lot. "Writing Essentials" by Regie Routman is a great book for foundational writing philosophy. She's just really smart! As far as lesson resources, Lucy Calkins' K-2 Units of Study is exceptional. It's a kit of sorts, and it isn't cheap. You can find used cheaper copies out there though on places like Amazon, ebay, half.com, etc. It's definitely worth looking into for ideas for lessons and just a general flow for the year. I hope that helps, and nope you didn't ask too many questions. Writing isn't an easy subject to teach. It takes time to figure out. I'm still figuring it out! It sounds like you are headed in the right direction.
DeleteAs a first grade teacher, my focus is on developing a love of writing with my kids. Yes, conventions are important, but first they must WANT to write. As teachers of beginning writers, we must instill a love of writing first and then the rest is easy.
ReplyDeleteConnie, you've made a great point. I totally agree. Thanks for adding that to the mix this morning. The love of writing trumps all!
DeleteI too have found that to be the hardest part of conferencing. Sometimes I almost have to bite my tongue not to point things out, I don't know if that is the teacher, mom, or control freak in me. I have noticed it is easier not to if I have the child read their writing to me while I just "listen." I always try to make a "big deal" about the writing and work on conventions in the mini lessons. I am definitely a work in progress. Thank you for the great quote, and tip for a new book to read!
ReplyDeleteTammy2
First Grade @ Klinger Cafe
dtklinger@gmail.com
Tammy, me too. "Seriously? You know how to spell that word?" That's what I really want to say, but like you said, I bite the tongue. We're all a work in progress. I'm still figuring all this out. We'll figure it out together. Thanks for coming by!
DeleteI completely agree. But boy, it's hard to do sometimes:)
ReplyDeleteBTW, Tammy, have you come across any great books about play-based learning for grades one or two? I want to shift my teaching focus next year.
Barbara
Grade ONEderful
Ruby Slippers
Beleyne@gmail.com
Barbara, agreed. It is hard to do for sure. Nope, I haven't come across books about play-based learning. It sounds like it would be an intriguing read. Let me know if you find one.
DeleteAnother truth :) Conferencing is SO hard for me- I try to push students to work on content but it can be frustrating at times! Thanks for the reminder :)
ReplyDeleteJulie
Light A Fire in Third
Julie, it's hard for me too. I still feel incompetent at it most days. Surely we're moving in the right direction though. We hope? :)
DeleteGlad that I found your blog and became a follower!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jessica Stanford
Mrs. Stanford's Class Blog
My TpT Store
Jessica, me too. I hope you always feel at home here. Blessings to you as well.
DeleteI had not read that quote before by Frank Smith, but it is powerful! I was going through my drawer of memories/keepsakes recently and found works of writing my children had done years ago. One teacher had corrected, in red, every convention my son had missed that year. I had saved them because of what was written on the page. It breaks my heart that his beautiful thoughts were marred by red marks. My son would have agreed with Regie and Frank. I am glad I saved them! I will use them in my workshops for teachers.
ReplyDeleteThanks for another great post! I love it!
Sandi
Literacy Minute
Sandi, that's so smart of you to share your son's work with other teachers. What a perfect example of what we're talking about. I'm guessing your son didn't really grow as a writer much that year or at least not as much as he could have. Ugh. Thank you for adding your thoughts today. I always enjoy them.
Delete