Monday, March 5, 2012

Slice of Life 2012 #5

This past summer I was introduced to something called, "Quick Writes" by Jeff Anderson at the All Write!!! Conference in Indiana.  He described how you can use the writing strategy in the classroom.  I modified how he described it for my second grade classroom.  I give students two unrelated words, like ice cream and car.  Students are instructed to pick one of the words and use it at least once in their writing.  I then give the students one minute to think about their story and three minutes to write.  This summer Jeff Anderson stated, "this is prompt writing that your students will love."  He was right.  My second graders really enjoy doing this.  I am always amazed at what they can write in such a short period of time.

This weekend my daughter wanted me to draw with her.  After drawing my version of a guinea pig and her laughing at me, I asked her if she wanted to try some "Quick Writes".  My daughter loves to write and I was saddened when she announced that they don't usually do writing workshop in 4th grade.  She was excited to try.  I varied it by giving her the choice of a word that we would write about and she decided on the time, two minutes.  She was really enjoying this and we invited her brother to join us.  After each write we would go around and share what we wrote.  "Quick Writes" were a really engaging activity for all of us.  What a great way to extend the brain, practice writing and spend time together.

Below are our last "Quick Writes" using "white car":

Betsy age 10:
She pulled up in front of my small broken down house in a white car.  I looked over to my mom.  "What are aunt Paris and cousin Mimi going to be like," I asked.  "Well they do have many more things than we do and they will be bringing their....

Ben age 13:
Dale was about to open his first car shop.  He had his collection of cars outside and his good cars inside.  Like his white double engine ferrari.  So Dale was ready to open up shop but he did not know what he might sell first.

Me:
All I wanted was a white convertible for my sixteenth birthday.  My sweet sixteenth birthday.  The one I had dreamed about since I was old enough to know what a birthday was.  I wasn't a popular girl, but if I could only get a white convertible my popularity....

10 comments:

  1. I am saddened, too, that your daughter's teacher doesn't do writing workshop but as a parent, you are writing with your children. Each night at open house I would encourage and give my parents ideas of ways to write with their children. I knew their children were with me but one year and they had a whole lifetime to nourish and encourage their children in everything...including writing.

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    1. Writing in school is really important, but practicing it at home is equally important. So glad to hear that you encouraged that to continue at home.

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  2. Isn't Jeff Anderson amazing? I got to spend a preconference day with him last year. I've been reading his latest book and he talks about the quick writes. So I loved the way you wrote about it. This strategy has been rolling around in my mind as a possible lesson for kids or a part of a full PD with teachers. If you don't mind I may use your kids words as a mentor text.
    I am so saddened by your daughter's words.

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    1. Yes, I really enjoyed hearing Jeff Anderson speak. Yes, please use our writing. I am always amazed at how much and how deep someone can write in such a short time. My daughter and son even commented about why she chose the names for their stories.

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  3. I am glad that you are writing with your second graders. My second grader loves to write, but she does not write as much with her teacher in 2nd as she did in 1st and K. We keep a journal at home and I am wrapping my head around her keeping a blog as that is what she wants to do know. I love Jeff Anderson. I use his Everyday Editing book with my students at the university. We quickwrite as part of our routine practice.

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    1. I don't understand why the older children get the less writing they do. Blogging is a great way to write. My second graders have blogs and LOVE it!

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  4. I went to the All Write last year!!! It was AMAZING!! I hope I get to go back this year and bring a friend! btw I love Wonderopolis!
    Tammy

    First Grade @ Klinger Cafe

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    1. I would love to be able to go back to All Write!!! again this year. My district won't fund it and it is a big expense for me to fund myself. I hope you get to go back. How do you use Wonderopolis?

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  5. What a fun time with your own kids- I treasure the moments when my teacher hat went right into my mom hat and my kids never realized it! I totally agree how sad that in 4th grade writing workshop is missing from any classroom. Enjoy every minute!

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    1. Yes, very sad that Betsy doesn't get to do as much writing workshop (at least that's her story). I try to enjoy them. Thanks for stopping by Maria!

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