We spent a great deal of time talking about our writing process, how we choose our topic for writing (these are based on what our big idea topic is), Our porposes for writing, the process we have for writing, looking over both schools rubrics (which had many similiteries, but some differences) and how we get students to conferece and discuss thier writing.
We felt that our grading of childrens work was consistent between the schools, and found children at similar levels were doing similar things.
Some Interesting Observations:
- No portfolio or learning logs. Teachers report back to parents using samples taken at the beginning of the year that the teacher keeps in thier own ringbinder. Children are not invovled in this process.
- Children are not invovled in the goal seeting process. The teacher choses the goals they have for writing, and there is no pre/post samples of writing completed for genre areas.
- ICT technology is not used as a tool for teaching writing
- Had some great discussions, and the teachers rooms have some fantastic displays around writing. Very inspiring.
I agree with your comment about being in a different classroom. I always find it inspiring walking into others rooms seeing what they have on their walls and the layout of the room. If you walk in with an open mind I find you can generally walk out with one good idea you would like to implement in your own classroom. That was one of the things I loved about practicums while training.
ReplyDeleteInteresting about the learning log/portfolio situation. I think parents do like to have something that shows a track of the students learning whether it be a scrapbook of learning or an e-portfolio.
And the use of technology I find the interactive whiteboard a valuable tool in all areas but particularly in writing where brainstorming and modelling can be done on the big screen for everyone to clearly see.
I was really amazed looking at the children's books! They were so much neater than my class. Maybe I need to raise my expectations!!
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed being in another school/classroom and finding out what others are doing for writing!
ReplyDeleteI also found it interesting that they do not have learning logs. Our chn love putting samples in their l. logs and setting new goals.
I love using technology in the classroom and would struggle not having my teaching station! I am positive that this is one thing that we are doing really well here at Vardon. :)
Hey.. a helpful tip for you... click the abc spelling tool to spell check your post before you publish it. :)
I am so gutted I missed this meeting, but it has been great reading about it all from everyones reflections. I agree with Marcelle, our kids love putting things in their learning logs and sharing them @ parent interviews and with peers.
ReplyDeleteMaybe next time we could take our cameras and flip videos to take snapshots of the classrooms, books and discussions.
Hi Elysia
ReplyDeletethis is an unrelated post, but I wanted to share this link I found with you. It may be somtehing you could use to support the Writer's Club?
http://ultranet.giftededucation.org.nz/WebSpace/410/