Saturday, January 24, 2015

Saturday Sayings: It Still Matters



A few of you noticed that Saturday Sayings disappeared for a while.  Thank you for noticing by the way.  It wasn't easy putting the breaks on 149 consecutive Saturday posts.  In fact, it was disappointing, but I felt possibly we all needed a break from my weekly opinions.  When I woke up this morning wishing I had something to post, I decided maybe today is the day.  Be forewarned.  My opinions are making a comeback.

Yesterday was National Handwriting Day.  I happen to have a natural inclination for handwriting that prompts people to ask, "Is that typed?" so celebrating handwriting is right up my alley.  When I posted about this special day on Facebook, one person responded with, "If only it was celebrated in schools!" I can't speak for anyone else, but I celebrate it in my room every day.

Having said that, talk of handwriting is rarely a focus of mine during writing workshop unless we're specifically focusing on readability, it's becoming an issue with a certain student, or we're publishing.  Otherwise, my writing workshop is focused on clear thinking of ideas and details.  Yet I believe their handwriting during writing workshop is greatly affected by making handwriting a priority at other times of the day.  Besides some short, simple letter formation lessons at the beginning of the year, I also believe handwriting can be taught and practiced authentically.  So it's no surprise that the stack of handwriting workbooks in my room has yet to be touched.

There have been moments in my career when I've felt a tinge of guilt for retaining my fervor for handwriting in my classroom, but then I read Routman's words and feel validated.  She speaks of the writing confidence, stamina, and fluency that comes with formal handwriting instruction.  I'll add to that the readability and respect it shows for the audience which speaks, "I have something worthwhile to say, and I want you to be able to read it."  

One of my goals as a teacher of writing is to convey to my students the power of their written words and the effect they leave on an audience.  It matters not whether the writing is a small moment, persuasive letter, poem, procedural piece, an all-about book, or a love note.  If the audience can't read it, the point is moot.  Handwriting still matters.


P.S.  Here's proof that kids can learn to use great handwriting without a workbook.  Handwriting can be authentic and integrated. 



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12 comments:

  1. I did not know that yesterday was National Handwriting Day. To me, the saddest thing is when I can't read a child's work, and I ask them to read it to me, and they can't read it either. So yes, I think handwriting matters - now just to convey that to some of my kiddos. Glad you are back with your Saturday Sayings!
    Sara

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    1. Sara, I was considering mentioning that same problem. Thank you for bringing it up. They are their own audience as well.

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  2. Glad you are back Tammy! Loved the post about handwriting...I need to do more, thank you for the reminder! Melissa

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    1. Melissa, thank you for welcoming me back and coming by too.

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  3. I've missed your Saturday Sayings and glad you are back! I happen to have not great handwriting, in fact, it is not always easy to read if I am in a rush. Readability is important if you want others to read and understand your ideas! Glad your break is over. :)
    Lori
    Conversations in Literacy

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    1. Lori, thank you for caring about my Saturday Sayings and always supporting me and my opinions. You've been so good to me.

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  4. I also missed your sayings-I didn't want to say anything because I figured it was deliberate, but I'm glad to see they are back. Your opinions always make me think! :) I have terrible handwriting-I blame it on being a lefty! But I agree with you there have to be authentic moments with the students to make it something that really sticks.

    Not Just Child's Play

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    1. Miss Trayers, thank you for noticing and missing my Saturday Sayings, and I'm glad you enjoy the thinking that comes with them. That makes me happy.

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  5. I've taken more time with handwriting this year, and it's paying off in terms of overall writing quality. I'm glad you posted a picture of your "chat book." I remember reading about it last year and thinking it was such a great way to practice handwriting authentically.

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    1. Lee, I'm so thankful to have found a way to authentically work on handwriting. It doesn't have to be from a workbook. Yea!

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  6. I forgot about your chat book. Is that what you call it? I think that's a brilliant way to practice handwriting. We practice during our daily spelling lessons and sometimes I have them copy the weekly poem in their best printing. I'm going to start using chat books though. Glad you're back to your Saturday Sayings!

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    1. Barb, yep it's a chat book. My kids are loving them and some even notice when we don't get to them. Let me know how they work for you. Thank for welcoming me back!

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