This blog post is part of an effort to refine my own work as a writer. For each exercise, I’ll provide the directions, my effort, and a short reflection. The Assignment: To craft a short passage that asks to be read aloud. The object is to have fun playing with words and their sounds. Here’sContinue reading “Steering My Craft: Exercise 1-The Sound of Words”
Tag Archives: reading
Troubleshooting: Questions Edition
It started out easy enough. My second graders were sharing the questions they had written with one another, and to promote supportive listening I had the kids nominate strong questions for a light-hearted “awards” ceremony. Our “Questies” consisted of 3 categories:*Questions we’re most curious to find the answer to*Big questions, that nobody really has theContinue reading “Troubleshooting: Questions Edition”
On Teaching and Transparency
I’m always complaining that I don’t have enough mentor texts to teach my students about reading and writing concepts. I can never get enough. That’s why I was so excited to introduce a concept to my two fourth grade groups yesterday and today. I got the idea from Kristin Ackerman and Jennifer McDonough’s book, Conferring withContinue reading “On Teaching and Transparency”
Right Poem, Wrong Assignment
Today I had my fourth graders write about something small, taken for granted, or unappreciated. We started with a poem I wrote and shared about lowly feet. Then it was time for the kids and me to get cracking. I meant to do the assignment along with them. I really did. But I couldn’t thinkContinue reading “Right Poem, Wrong Assignment”
Going with Plan B
I wasn’t going to have them watch it. As part of my daily blogroll, I came across the wordless animated short “How to Wait for a Very Long Time,” and the first thing I thought as I looked at the title was, “This will be a quick way to teach my kids patience and persistence.” AndContinue reading “Going with Plan B”
The Premiere! World Takeover Day
You know, as a teacher, I’m never quite sure which ideas will go in one ear and out the other, and which ones will take hold. Several months ago, my fifth graders and I were talking about the power that we each individually have. I joked that we should each look in the mirror inContinue reading “The Premiere! World Takeover Day”
Using Images to Establish Mood
A little while ago, my fourth graders and I began to pair poetry and art to show how words and images are powerful creators of emotional imagery. First, we talked about art. What mood do artists create, and what techniques do they use? Color? Light? Shade? Brush strokes? Position and treatment of the subjects? It wasContinue reading “Using Images to Establish Mood”
When in Rome
Whenever I assign my kids creative writing, I like to join along. For starters, it helps keep my own creative juices flowing. More importantly, I want my students to see me as a writer, right along with them. I want them to see what successes struggles I encounter as I work to improve my craft. Today,Continue reading “When in Rome”
Soapbox: The Way I see Things 