Can you decipher what this child was trying to write?
Maybe... Me and my best friend sledded down a hill with my friends dad...
I found the section of the chapter on the six categories of writing to be very interesting and I found myself thinking about actual experiences with seeing children's writings and seeing if I could try and place them into one of these categories. For example, one day my little brother (age 6 at the time) wanted to help my mom write the grocery list. He started off by writing "grocring shopping lst" at the top of the page. I also remember another time when he was writing his Christmas list and he wrote "a Bangolls football jersey."
The six categories discussed in the chapter are Writing via Drawing, Writing via Scribbling, Writing via making letter like forms, Writing via reproducing well-learned units or letter strings, Writing via invented spelling, and writing via conventional spelling. I think one of the most important things as teachers to remember when dealing with the six categories of writing is that each child develops their writing skills differently and no child is expected to fall into these categories sequentially or at a certain point in time. These six categories are mainly to help teachers when observing and describing children's writing. I also think it is important for us future teachers to be very accepting of all forms of children's writing. When you really think about it, using 26 new symbols drawn correctly and in the write order to relay every message you want to say on paper is a very difficult task, especially for a young child. It's important that we can give them positive feedback and support so they don't become discouraged. It's also very important to know and realize that each child is different and will take their own path in learning how to write and or spell. Just because they tend to be in one of these categories longer than another or are in the categories "out of order" doesn't mean that they aren't progressing.
The last thing that came to my mind after reading the chapter and focusing on these categories was how can I help my students want to write and have the opportunity to practice. A few ideas I came up with were to have things in my classroom like a writing center, and fun unique ways to write letters and words such as on a chalkboard, white board, or in shaving cream. Another thing I thought would be fun and beneficial for kids is to have a theme that supports writing in my dramatic play area. For example, a post office theme.
I'll end my post with this question; Do you have any fun, educational, unique ideas on how to provide opportunities for your students to practice writing?
I really enjoyed your entire post, Kelly! As for the beginning question I read: Me and my best friend down a hill with my friend's dad. He made a ramp for us." Hopefully that is somewhat close! (: I enjoyed reading your ideas on ways to incorporate fun writing ideas in the classroom. I think a engaging and welcoming writing center should be in every teacher's classroom. I also believe that that writing center should not just be worksheets, but games and creative activities. Games like "Sparkle," "Charades," and "Flyswatter" were favorites of mine growing up and I plan on using activities such as those to help my students learn spelling. As for writing papers, the writing process should be emphasized at every grade level. I think it is important to have the writing process posted at the writing center so that students can see where they are and where they need to be. I think picking exciting Mentor Texts is a huge factor of writing too because that is how students get their inspiration. Having books available in the classroom will encourage them to expand their minds and possibly write about something new.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of having the writing process posted in the writing center; I think this could spark inspiration for children to write and remind them of how to get started. I never played sparkle in school, but after seeing it used in other classrooms, I definitely agree that this could be a great, fun, educational game to incorporate into our classroom!
ReplyDeleteI think it is super important to remain positive in the classroom and keep things interesting for the children! I learn best with hands on strategies and games that involve everyone. Not only does it give the students a chance to socialize with their peers but also this is a great strategy to teach and maintain new information. When I was in elementary school I loved to play around the world and board games, the friendly competition was always a great motivator.
ReplyDeleteI don't remember playing any fun games or activities when working on writing in elementary school. I remember writing individually or in groups and then participating in peer editing. I also remember doing creative writing each year. I feel if I had the opportunity to play fun games such as "Sparkle, Charades or Flyswatter", I might have enjoyed writing in school and even now. As a future teacher I hope to incorporate these games and activities into my classroom. I also love the idea of having an interactive and inviting writing center, welcoming students and giving them the opportunity to write creatively.
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