I watched the video called Writer's Journal and I loved, loved, loved his tactic of having the children fill in the missing words and letters during their morning message. He specifically left out words that the children were familiar with and that he had already incorporated into the classroom word wall. As children began to read the message, they noticed the missing words and letters and then, by process of elimination and unknowingly using syntax clues, began to discuss and determine which words could possibly fit and/or make sense. I believe this skill is critical in developing young readers and writers and would be extremely beneficial when attempting to raise confidence levels and excitement in children.
I also appreciated his excited tones when it came time to read and write. Children will imitate our words and actions and even our moods so I believe he sets the stage for the children to have positive outlooks and, eventually, to become more well-rounded readers and writers!
I watched the same video and loved it as well. I kept thinking about his classroom and how he teaches his lessons...do our kindergarten classes in Georgia model this behavior? The lesson were meaningful and interactive. I loved the centers and collaborative activities, especially with the "turkey" song. You could certainly tell this teacher loves teaching and takes a lot of time preparing his lessons!
ReplyDeleteI wanted to watch this video, but I was having a hard time finding it. I am glad I was at least able to read your blog and get an understanding of what it was about. I like what you said about how students will imitate our word, actions, and moods. This is very true. We should always be positive with our words and behaviors. I like it!
ReplyDeleteNow I need to go watch this video! It seems like it was a great one with lots of great ideas to use in the classroom. Thanks more introducing it to me
ReplyDeleteChristina,
ReplyDeleteI support your analysis of the Writer's Journal video. Almost every chapter of our text and lecture from Dr. Webb spoke of the importance of using word walls. Using the morning message as the target, with missing words, and utilizing their word wall is an exciting strategy. Of course, the more excitement and positive mood a teacher can bring will yield benefits. I recently monitored my son's classroom, and the teacher had a scowl almost the entire time of the class. And students were "disengaged", and were not learning as much as they could if the teacher was more positive.
Enthusiasm, optimism, and positivity are what I hear when reading this blog. In this following sentence: I believe this skill is critical in developing young readers and writers and would be extremely beneficial when attempting to raise confidence levels and excitement in children. What skill were you referring to? Was it the process of eliminating/elimination?
ReplyDeleteHey Ron! Exactly! I was talking about their ability to, by process of elimination, figure out the correct way to spell and pronounce words.
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