Putting it all together - Kelsey Mitman

The end of this book really helped me put everything together. It answered a lot of questions and allowed me to see everything from a broader perspective. I love the idea of  using writing notebooks to get ideas of places where students can use the new techniques and strategies we taught them. My students often times have a difficult time keeping track of things but by allowing them to have one notebook completely dedicated to their writing would be helpful rather than trying to combine their writing samples with their science and math notes. 

I also have to admit that I have been known to pass over those students who I know already have a concrete understanding of some material and move on to those students who I know are struggling. The idea of making sure we still take the time to confer with those students who do already have an understanding of what is being taught in the mini-lesson and who are already doing the work is just as important as taking the time to confer with those who don't. 

  

I also really appreciate the idea of really making sure you are having conferences with the students in a space that allows them to feel comfortable and making sure that we as teachers are speaking with the students rather than speaking at them. One thing that I realize I need to improve on is keeping the information and records about our writing conferences readily available so I can make sure I am remembering all of our key points of discussion and meeting my student where he or she really needs to be met. I have tried a variety of different ways of doing this but what I realize is that I really need to create one that makes sense to me and that works for me. I also like the idea of bringing around resources with you. Anderson states “these investigations can give students new images of what’s possible in their writing.” Pg. 164.

I love the idea of making the students feel famous about their writing. It creates a time for them to shine and to show and share their accomplishments with the entire class which I think is really powerful to all of the students in the room. The idea of having a share session at the end of each writing period is something I have tried to do but definitely need to focus more on. It is a great way to highlight all of the hard work my students have put forth. 

I also took away the idea of really making sure you are conferencing with the students while they are writing rather than going back and attempting to edit their paper through a conference after they have established that they are done with their writing. Have conferences with them while they are writing not just after they have already edited and revised their writing. If I take the initiative to start a conference with a student during their writing in a comfortable area for the student, I am setting both of us up for success during our conference rather than trying to break down walls or back pedal what has already been done.  

I think what really stood out to me more than anything was the idea that students have to be invested in their writing and have the ability to work independently in order for these writing conferences to work. A huge concern and problem of mine has been making sure behavior problems and off task habits are not occurring during this time. As Anderson states “during my first two years of workshop teaching, there were days where I found it nearly impossible to confer with students. A minute or two after I began a conference, the noise level in the room would become so loud that I couldn't hear the student I was conferring with. A quick glance around the room would reveal that most of my students were doing a great deal of talking but little writing.” Pg 171. I have felt like this on more than one occasion for sure. Overall I think that reading this book not only helped me to see the bigger picture and where all of our writing conferences should ultimately be headed but it also allowed me to realize that I am on the right track and although not everyday or every time is going to be perfect, it is a learning curve that all teachers much go through and that is ok.