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It Happened During Writing Workshop

3/17/2016

12 Comments

 
Picture
​Setting: A first grade classroom at the end of writing workshop.
 
Problem: There is about five minutes for sharing and two students have been scheduled to share a piece of writing. The first writer, Emma, has chosen to share the whole story she has been working on about a dog who gets into a lot of trouble. She has ten or more pages stapled together.
 
Events: Emma starts to share but has trouble deciphering some of her words. She has two friends helping, but the clock is ticking. It will soon be time to line up for lunch. Getting through the whole story appears almost impossible. The teacher makes a quick decision. She suggests that Emma read the first two pages, then tomorrow meet with anyone who would like to hear more. Emma continues her story about a clumsy dog who gets loose in a park. He spies a hot dog cart and starts running towards it.
 
Teacher says: Let’s stop right there! A dog, a hot dog cart…I wonder what will happen next? Who would like to hear more?
 
Hands go up. The teacher directs those interested to meet with Emma tomorrow during workshop to hear the rest of the story. She compliments Emma on her word choice and enticing beginning. The second child is called up to share.
 
Solution: A young writer’s work is honored. She is made to feel special in the eyes of her classmates.
 
 
I enjoy helping in a first grade classroom about once a week during writing workshop. And while I get to spend time with young writers, guiding their efforts and listening to their stories, part of the appeal is being in the presence of an exemplary teacher. She is a joy to watch.
 
I tried a different format for today’s slice just to mix things up a bit. I hope it works. Let me know what you think.
 

12 Comments
elsie
3/17/2016 05:44:44 am

Format worked for me, :-) What a smart teacher! She also showed how important it is to grab the reader right off the bat.

Reply
Paula Bourque link
3/17/2016 05:46:58 am

One of my favorite aspects of being a coach is the pleasure of watching talented teachers honing their craft each day. I learn as much from them as they do from me. I love that I can then "sprinkle" that talented craft around our district as I share what I have learned when I coach. I like your format for this slice. You've "dissected" a seamless lesson into components that we can reflect on. Thanks, Rose!

Reply
Terry Elliott link
3/17/2016 05:57:52 am

Histories, herstories, fictionalized or otherwise: all good.

Reply
lynne dorfman link
3/17/2016 06:40:48 am

What a great format! How clever the teacher! How insightful! And how many students gathered to hear the rest of the story? Probably a crowd!

Reply
Diane Dougherty link
3/17/2016 08:22:36 am

Rose, I like the format. And the story. You are right. It is a joy to watch an exemplary teacher in action. I love how she allowed both students to shine!

Reply
Fran
3/17/2016 11:12:26 am

Rose,
I LOVE the format! i so enjoy "Naming" the work! Two exemplary teachers here - the one in the classroom AND the one telling the story!

THANKS!

Reply
Stacey Shubitz
3/17/2016 12:10:39 pm

Watching great teaching is as thrilling to me as a roller coaster (which I can no longer ride). It's a delight to be in a setting like that.

Reply
Tara link
3/17/2016 03:19:58 pm

Now that's a great teacher move!

Reply
Shelly
3/17/2016 03:25:41 pm

Loved this format, Rose! I love the teacher's approach to solving the problem of time!! May have to use that next time I'm in a time crunch!!!

Reply
Clare link
3/17/2016 04:39:18 pm

Love the format Rose - reminds us that every day is a story... in the classroom and in our lives. We have the power to angle it, emphasize the heart of and plan for a close in ending. Thanks for sharing.
Clare

Reply
arjeha link
3/17/2016 05:17:56 pm

A great way to honor a student's work and not quell her desire to share. Handled beautifully.

Reply
Cathy link
3/19/2016 07:29:23 am

I just love this! Smart.

Reply



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