Lucenda, I think it was Donald Graves who said something to the effect, "If you can't teach writing at least three days a week, then don't bother." I actually just saw that line again the other day, and smiled because I truly believe it. I have the kids write Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays in Writer's Workshop, and read on Thursdays and Fridays in Reader's Workshop. And to tell you the truth I HATE IT.
I have a 49 period. I am pretty good at getting the kids started, so I have the entire 49 minutes to teach. I am required to do 5 minutes every day of Standards Plus. A test practice tool. I don't like it much, but I have seen worse. Then by the time I do a 10-15 mini lesson, and take status of the class, the kids have about 20 minutes independent time, which is not nearly enough time. I tried giving up the status time and just roving to collect pages and drafts. I couldn't get around to everyone every day. Besides, I like how they see what each other is reading and writing. I am thinking about going to reading and writing units maybe switched off monthly or quarterly for next year, as long as the lesson time, independent time, and sharing or follow-up time is very consistent and predictable. I see the kids need more chunks of time. There is never enough time to get into anything; them, the work, or me, the conferencing. I also like the notebooks, because I hate loose papers. I tolerate drafts in folders, because I don't have any better answers, but I'd rather have things taped in. I have a teenage daughter and have seen the abuse her papers go through. I may have them leave their stuff in the room next year, too. Since this is my first year in middle school, I have more questions than answers at times. But you folks are great at offering good advice. Thanks, Kim -- Kimberlee Hannan Department Chair Sequoia Middle School Fresno, CA _______________________________________________ The Literacy Workshop ListServ http://www.literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/lit_literacyworkshop.org. Search the LIT archives at http://snipurl.com/LITArchive
