Today in class we discussed writing to learn versus writing to communicate. As a 1st grade teacher I'm having difficulty finding the ability to allow my students to write without using typical conventions. I understand the reasoning behind allowing them to write freely but on the other hand I find the need to make sure that they learn those conventions such as spelling, punctuation, grammar, etc. This will be a true learning experience for me. I definitely need to loosen my expectations at the beginning of the year and then add expectations of those typical writing conventions as the year progresses. This will benefit myself as well as my future students.
Also during class today we had a presentation by Patti. What an interesting activity that I can adapt for my 1st grade students. I was thinking instead of having my students write the directions, I could have them tell another adult and they could scribe for them or they could record their directions onto a machine and then the partner could listen and then follow along. This will be a great addition to my classroom routine. Thanks Patti!
1 comment:
Mindy, do you use brain maps in first grade? I'm wondering if some informal writing could be used in that area?
Another idea: My boys (twins) would also bring home journals every 9 weeks; their scribbles would be in pencil, then marked over (or under) in pen I would find an adult's writing (teacher/parent-helper/aid) clarifying their meaning . . .
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