Crafting Writers

Wow, what a week!  I feel like the to-do list keeps getting longer, and the kids are starting to feel the increase in the work load too.  We had a nice relaxed day today, with some fun graphing, Scholastic News, our new BFFs Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny, and WRITING!

So, as a first year teacher I try to be as "reflective" as possible.  The third quarter is coming to a close so I have begun to reflect, reflect, reflect.  I finally feel comfortable with our guided reading groups, math, science, and reading, BUT there's this one subject I just cannot wrap my head around--Writing.  I suppose some of this is due to the fact that most my background is in early, early childhood where marks on paper, correct letter formation, and maybe even writing your own name was about the extent of the writing I "taught."  So it is time for some personal professional development.  Luckily our professional library is awesome.  After browsing some, I picked up this!  :)

I did my "picture walk" and read the intro and already can tell this is going to be so useful!  Today I tried one suggestion--give the students "writing spots."  HOLY COW!  20 blissful (and silent) minutes of engaged writers!  I think the best thing I did was to call my teacher desk "The Office" and use it as the most desired writing spot.  "Whoever is doing the very best job writing today will get to move to 'The Office'."  *Insert Hallelujah Chorus here*

Will follow up with a full book review!

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