[LIT] role modeling

[Laurie Wasserman]

The first day, I looked up from my writing to find 26 pairs
of eyes on me--seeing a teacher writing was so unusual to them.  I'm
eager to see their reaction on Tuesday, when my coteacher (who is with
us only on A days) will be writing, too.  

Beverly Maddox

Bev,
What a great way to help kids write by actually showing them how it's
done! I too respond to the journal prompts (similar to Quick Writes). On
the first day of journal writing, I write all the kids' names on index
cards and use this as a basis for asking if they want to share (if they
decline I simply put those cards aside). Two years ago the kids decided
it would be more fun if they got to "call the cards". This past year the
kids insisted that my aides and I have our names on a card so we HAD to
share. The only rule is that you aren't allowed to criticize the
writer's ideas but you can question them if their writing isn't clear. I
found in the past when I gave my end-of-the year surveys this was their
favorite part of class.

Laurie Wasserman, NBCT
Grade 6 Special Needs Teacher
Medford, Massachusetts 
crystalannie at comcast.net