Going From They Can't To We Can

"They can't do that!"

"Didn't I teach this already?"

These sayings can be heard across all walks of life. I think the best way to fix this mentality is to start by doing and we, as teachers, need to lead by example.

In our classrooms, students might struggle with various academic lessons.  It's easy to say they can't do that. I know... I'm sure we've all said this at some point.  I truly believe if you make writing a consistent part of your day, then students will begin to soar. In upcoming blog posts, I will discuss strategies I have found to be quite effective through all my years of teaching.

Our daily writing volume is substantial, but it becomes the new norm (a favorite kindergarten teacher friend of mine always says this).  Sometimes when we say they can't, meaning the students, what we really mean is- I don't know how... and this is OK.  This is when we turn to our colleagues, the people we see as experts, anyone that will listen, and lean on them for advice.  This goes for any subject matter.

Here are the topics of discussion

• Teach mini-lessons daily
• Provide anchor charts
• Use mentor texts
• Allow for student sharing
• Celebrate success
• Don't handcuff the writing with constant negative feedback
• Offer choice with the various text types (narrative, opinion, expository)
• Don't grade everything 
• Provide a model for the students to follow
• Put graded/ungraded practices in place
• Build writing stamina

Monday's Mixed Bag (mystery)

Hello,

I hope you enjoyed your weekend.  Today's focus is on three things that have gone well in my classroom this year. The students are willing to go the extra mile each and every single day.

• My mystery trash item continues to get the students up and moving at the end of the day.  I heard of this genius idea, a few years ago, from another teacher.  You write a mystery item on a post-it note.  The item the students are searching for could possibly be a crumpled paper, an open drawer, a chair not pushed in properly, items on the ground such as markers, crayons, pens, pencils, etc.  Whichever student(s) find the mystery item at the end of the day, upon the big reveal, receive positive recognition.  You can also have the student take a bow.  Our classroom gets tidy, students work together, and praise is given.  What could be better?  Click here to access my freebie!
• My students have been putting so much effort into their typing skills.  Many of the students are typing so quickly!  They are working on typing stamina as well as composing digitally written pieces through Google Docs and Google Classroom.  Digital composition is a different skill that students need to be taught and given time to practice.  When they write digitally, students are exercising different parts of their brain and thinking in new and creative ways.
• I play "Stand By Me" at the end of the day and students sing along and close up for the day.   They check to see if their desks are neat, mailboxes are emptied, homework is in their backpack, etc.  It ends the day on a positive note and everyone walks out with a smile on their face!

Finding the Positive in our Students' Writing

Sometimes we have to take a step back and find something positive in our students' writing. At times, we might be pulling our hair out... and we want to scream.  Personally, I don't have much hair to pull, but take a deep breath, pause, and reflect.  What can I say to this student to motivate him/her? How can I bring a positive spin to this written piece? You are saying to yourself, "This student could really use a boost."

Focusing on the positive builds student confidence and helps them continue implementing what is already going well.  Furthermore, it is refreshing, as a teacher, to look at a student's writing with an eye for the positive.  When you notice students are "getting it" and using strategies you taught in their writing; it will motivate you to keep going.  Remember, not everyone will get "everything" all at once.  But, when you are constantly on the lookout for what is going well, you are sure to find it!
These are suggestions to use with your students in finding the positive: 

• You started with an amazing hook!
• I like your use of figurative language.
• I see you mirrored Lois Lowry's (insert author) craft.
• That's a great use of "suddenly" in your writing.
• Did you use your thesaurus for this term?
• Your stamina is improving by the day.
• Your "writerly" moves are amazing!
• Are you beginning to self-regulate?
• You just took the house down with that lead!
• To quote Dick Vitale..."Are You Serious?" I mean this a good way with excitement!
• How did you think of embedding this idea?
• I see you used suggestions from the anchor chart.
• Are you willing to share this idea with the class?
• May I share your amazing writing with the class?
• Where do you see this piece going next?

How do you offer positive feedback?  Please feel free to share your own comments, suggestions, or ideas.  If you are looking for a great read about positive feedback, check out Katherine Bomer's Hidden Gems.