Chapter 12

MAKE EVERY MINUTE COUNT!

Writing needs to be enjoyable and fun. Until I read this book, I guess I looked at writing as a chore for me and my classes. Now I look at it as adventure!  This chapter provides secrets of being a good writer.  Those secrets are things as simple as read more, stick with it, even when it is tough, revise as you go, and choose topics that have meaning or of importance.

I love the idea of getting rid of or reducing daily worksheets. My problem is, that is one way I keep track of what each child needs. I try and use their writing samples too.  I really like how the chapter also provides a list of timesavers.  I plan on copying that list. The best advice is use parents to help.  Not everything that happens in the classroom should stay in the classroom.  After all, these are our future leaders!

Chapter 11

This chapter, in my opinion, summarizes the importance of researching before doing.  I feel like it provides a list of activities and options for teachers to use in their classrooms.

The most important point for me was integrate skills and focus on content.  These are especially the two important things I will be come more conscience of during the upcoming school year.  I plan on providing more opportunities to write and less focus on grammar skills. Please don't misunderstand me, I am going to work with my kids on grammar and spelling and all that goes with writing, but I want my kids to get their wonderful ideas down on paper.

The chapter explains the need for asking questions before adopting any program. Isn't that important in anything and everything in life. Why should writing programs be any different?