In reading this chapter, I am overwhelmed. The chapter refers to integrating basic skills, but it is so much more than that. I need to think about the writing process and how to teach that to my students. I realize that I need to slow down my teaching. I do focus too much on getting through different genres on writing, that my students are not improving as much as I would like.
For example, at the beginning of the year, the students set up their Writer's Notebooks. We focus on personal narratives, so that they feel a connection to their writing. Here's where I drop the ball, I do not teach the students what they are doing wrong. I use authentic children's literature as models and guides, but I myself do not model for the students. I am actually hurting them by not explaining to my students how to improve and grow.
The book discusses using mini-lessons. I will admit that I do not pull my student's writing to use as examples for students. I also do not use mini-lessons effectively because my students cannot spell and do not know how to use grammar appropriately. I try to teach them one-on-one using their own writing, but I have not brought the class together to go through examples of how to correct simple mistakes.
I realize in reading this chapter, that I have a lot of areas in which to improve. I need to sit down and actually plan out my writing units, looking at how to incorporate mini-lessons, and focus on taking the student's writing to the next level.
I don't always teach what kids are doing wrong. Usually around December-February, when the test anxiety sets in, I drop the ball on improving their writing. It's horrible, I know, but I worry more about their reading at that time rather their writing. I definitely need to do more whole class teaching over common errors in their writing.
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