Nov 09
Nov 01
There are many ways to teach writing. I believe that in any writing class it is important that some features are put into place and fostered throughout the year to provide the rich, healthy environment that will elicit high quality writing. There is a chapter from Donald Grave’s book, A Fresh Look at Writing that comes to mind when thinking about what things a young writer needs to be successful. In his chapter The Seven Conditions for Effective Writing.
Donald describes seven conditions that he feels young writers require to be successes. Often when my workshop goes flat I come back to these conditions and ask myself if I am being faithful in providing them in every session. More often than not I have to admit I’ve slighted one and need to make an adjustment. Soon the workshop is humming along again as it should.
Nov 01
Writing Conferences are only one part of the writing process. If properly introduced and incorporated, conferring in groups becomes a most beneficial tool to improve student writing. In the group conference, students should be positive, constructive, and specific-behaviors which middle school students do not normally practice. This group conference method does as much to develop these behavioral skills as it does to develop good writing. I will present how to set up a framework for group conferences that will enhance the observation/editing skills of the responder/listener, as well as build confidence in the student/writer - to essentially get beyond the “Gee, I really liked that story” response. The method I use is based on my UNH writing program background. I will describe the approach as I have used and adapted it.
Recent Comments