2. Gallagher provides many great examples for modeling writing for students as well as giving plenty of time for students to practice writing. Modeling can be used most effectively in the classroom when giving students a writing assignment. I think getting the students into small groups and going around to each group to give modeling examples would be effective. This way, they get the ideas of how to express their thoughts more effectively and can also bounce ideas off of each other. Giving plenty of time for writing helps out as well. I believe having students write a quickwrite at the beginning of each class on any topic- thoughts of the day, their favorite sport, a fond memory, can help foster better writers.
I have found success after plenty of practice time with writing. I find the more I write, the easier ideas come from my head onto the paper. This idea relates to many things in life. The more you practice a song on an instrument, the better you will be able to play it. The more you memorize the lines of a play, the better you will be to recite it. Practicing writing with students will allow them to hopefully enjoy the idea of it more as well as be able to create an outlet for them to express inner thoughts.
When I was first introduced to the compare and contrast essay, I was confused on what I had to do. I understood that I needed to compare the likeness and differences of an idea, but I had no idea on how to go about doing that. My teacher had to model the idea to me. She gave me Venn diagrams to look at with one circle capturing one idea and the second capturing separate ideas. With the middle section being similarities between them both. She also gave me examples of other compare and contrast essays that had been written to give me a better idea on what to do. The modeling helped me create a compare and contrast essay.
I like how you gave examples of practicing outside of the classroom. I definitely think it's important to use these examples when explaining to students so they are able to see the importance in practice. When you make it more personal, it is easier to understand.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with your example of modeling. My teachers would often use an overhead projector and handouts to show examples of the work we needed to do.
I really enjoy group work also. Like you said, it is good for students to bounce ideas off one another. Often times, I experience writers block... especially mid semester when my brain feels just about fried LOL. However, if I just sit down and talk to someone about the writing prompt, I can often start going on and on about the topic and then I have my paper! It is amazing how well talking it out can go and how it can improve your writing!