I teach first grade, and I have tended to have similar issues. These are some things I have tried.
- Walk around a bit and check where they are... For kids that tend to "procrastinate", I'll put a small mark with my marker on the line that they are on an tell them I am going to come by and check how much they have written when I am done with my conferences. - I have also give kids reliable partners... Kids that are always on task and don't tend to fool around as easily, get put with those that need a reminder to keep working. They can even help each other with ideas and rereading. It puts more of the responsibility on the students, and it helps with peer editing. - I know middle school may be a lot different, but the issue sounds the same. I also let my students move around if they would like to. Some work better with a clip board or away from others. They know by now if they need quiet to be effective. I tell them I trust them to be independent and find a spot in the room that works for them, and that if they are not quietly working and doing well in a spot they choose then they will have to sit where I put them (usually back at their desk). This has worked well for me. --- Most all of my students look forward to their writing. They get a chance to read it with friends and peers and they love to share what they have written. Hop this helps a bit! Good Luck. Camille ----- Original Message ----- From: [email protected] To: "Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group" <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, December 31, 2010 10:59:03 PM Subject: [MOSAIC] conferring Before school starts on Monday, I need to have a better plan for how to handle conferring in my classroom. I teach middle school. My students are fine during mini lessons or when they are working independently. When I have a conference with an individual or a small group, everything seems to fall apart. The rest of the class seems to think conferring means it's their opportunity to get off task. I've asked my colleagues for help, but all I've gotten is that I have to let the class know I expect them to keep working. That advice has not helped me. If you have a specific suggestion that has worked for you, please let me know. Thanks! Jan _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
