Chapter 11 focuses on the best practice and research findings when it comes to teaching writing. The research states that students must have writing time daily. I connected this to what I read in chapter 10. Students also need to connect their reading to their writing. I think a great way to do this would be to have students journal about what they read. I have tried doing this as part of DEAR time, but it has never lifted off the ground the way I would like it to. I think that by allowing students time to share their writing with peers, they will be more willing to journal about what they are reading.
The research also says that students need to have some choice when it comes to their writing. I am a true believer in choice. Students are so much more motivated to work hard and try their best when they have a sense of ownership over their work. I start students off with an general area that their writing must focus on, but then after that, they get to choose their specific topic. We are getting ready to start our persuasive writing unit and students will be writing advertisements for ridiculously expensive products out of the Nieman Marcus Christmas catalog. The students are so excited to select their products next week!
I have included a picture of one of the items students may be selling! It's a Customized Cupcake Car for the bargain price of $25,000!
What a fun idea! I love the picture! I can only imagine what the persuasive writing will say! :)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are reinforcing their creativity and problem solving skills as well! :) Students will no doubt enjoy sharing their products with their classmates.
ReplyDeleteI have mixed feelings about giving students prompts for writing, but this is a prompt that is really creative and leaves the option open for student choice.
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