Now, some of you may want to continue the debate about teaching skills. I say let's end that debate and move on to what this author is really saying. I don't think that Routman is telling us to throw skills out. In fact, she is saying teach the skills just embed them into whole pieces of writing. However, the big picture that she is trying to get across is let's teach kids how to think!!!!! Go back and really look at that second grade example on page 151. This kid is thinking at a higher level. He is evaluating his work as he revises. He is also using critical thinking and making complex choices about his writing. That's what I want my 5th graders to do!
I would like to see us move forward in our work with students. Above all, I want students to learn how to think for themselves. Wouldn't it be awesome if we worked as a team (building or PLC groups) to establish what we want students to be able to do at each grade level; then build activities to achieve that goal. Just think about how powerful that would be. Our students would learn how to really examine and evaluate their work. Moreover, they would learn how to think! And no one can debate the fact that thinking is a much needed 21st century skill.
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Yes, it would be awesome if we worked as a team and identified what we want students to do at each grade level. We've started that conversation at the 4th grade level, but need to continue it and share our decisions with other grade levels.
It would be helpful to hear if you, as a 5th grade teacher, notice any "trends"... each year has there been something that new 5th graders are not doing well or don't show signs of mastery? If we knew that information, we 4th grade teachers could focus on improving student performance on that particular standard, skill, etc.
Just think. It just sounds so simple, but it is what we want each student to mature into. A person who enjoys the challenge and sees the value of improving their work.
I think we will be able to carve more time out to write if we are teaching some basic grammar skills while we are writing. It really makes a lot of sense!!
I agree with Kris. That would be awesome. It would be especially wonderful, if we had activities ready to go in some sort of file, or dare I say.... notebook.
I agree we haven't embedded those basic skills in their writing. The how still escapes me. Something we can address in PLC.
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