#rethinkela Archive


Thursday December 21, 2017
9:00 PM EST

  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:00 PM EST
    Introduce yourself: Name, grade and subject, location #reThinkELA
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:01 PM EST
    I'm Michelle Waters, 9-11 English, Wayne High School. OU grad student. #rethinkela
  • lsmellott - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:01 PM EST
    #rethinkELA Shanna Mellott, 9th & 12th ELA, Cache
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:05 PM EST
    Q1 What is holistic essay grading? #reThinkELA
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:06 PM EST
    A1 When you're grading an essay holistically, you are looking for an overall impression instead of breaking it down into just the sum of its parts. #reThinkELA
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:06 PM EST
    NOTE: Remember to use A1/A2...and #reThinkELA when replying.
  • lsmellott - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:06 PM EST
    #rethinkela A1: It is grading for content and word choice. I have my Ss revise for content and word choice before they edit the grammatical mistakes.
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:08 PM EST
    Exactly! I also have them look at ideas and organization first. That typically falls in the prewriting stage initially though. #rethinkela
    In reply to @lsmellott
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:10 PM EST
    Q2 What are the 6+1 traits of writing and why are they important? #reThinkELA
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:11 PM EST
    A2 The 6+1 traits are based on this book: https://t.co/7lRbNLKAbi It gives the teacher and students a common language in which to discuss the elements -- traits -- of writing. #reThinkELA
  • lsmellott - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:11 PM EST
    I have a list of The Walking Dead Words that Ss get rid of in their first draft. This list includes words such as you and things. I tell them that these words are used in everyday language, but they make your writing dead. #rethinkELA
    In reply to @watersenglish
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:12 PM EST
    I think this kind of list would be great to add to the style guide that we talked about last week. #rethinkela
    In reply to @lsmellott
  • lsmellott - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:14 PM EST
    #rethinkela A2: Again, the Ss are looking on how to improve the content, organization, and word choices in their piece of writing. Ss need to understand the writing process and practice, practice, and practice it. We have to get them away from the one-write fits all essay tests.
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:15 PM EST
    Q3 How do you communicate to students what they need to improve? #reThinkELA
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:15 PM EST
    A2 I also think we need to get them away from the idea that you have to be good at spelling and other conventions to be a writer. Even Wilson Rawls was bad at editing and he wrote Where the Red Fern Grows. #reThinkELA
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:16 PM EST
    A3 I think using the language in 6+1 Traits helps teachers communicate what needs to be revised or edited. I also think that siting with a student and going over at least a portion of their writing with them helps immensely. #reThinkELA
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:17 PM EST
    In my experience, students value that 1-on-1 time, even if it's at lunch or before/after school. #reThinkELA
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:18 PM EST
    And we definitely have to get them away from the one and done mentality. In order for them to write well, they have to write multiple drafts. #reThinkELA
    In reply to @lsmellott
  • lsmellott - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:18 PM EST
    #rethinkela A3: I use a revision checklist where Ss make sure that they use citations correctly, that the sources match the works cited page, that they get rid of the Walking Dead Words, and that they make sure the thesis statement matches the essay.
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:20 PM EST
    Q4 What should be on a rubric when you’re grading an essay holistically? #reThinkELA
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:21 PM EST
    I've broken my checklist into two. The revision one covers ideas, organization, voice. The editing one covers sentence fluency, word choice, conventions and presentation. This helps me grade students on their storytelling first, not their mechanics. #reThinkELA
    In reply to @lsmellott
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:21 PM EST
    We need to talk about this Walking Dead Words idea. I love it! #reThinkELA
    In reply to @lsmellott
  • lsmellott - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:24 PM EST
    #rethinkela A4: Introduction with a thesis statement, essay organize according to thesis statement, a transitiion & topic sentence for each main point, details before & after the citation, correct MLA format, & end with a conclusion, leavevthe reader with something to remember.
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:24 PM EST
    A4 I create two rubrics and checklists: The first is for revision and it covers ideas, organization and voice. This method has helped me "discover" some amazing writers in my classes. Then I work with them on the editing. #rethinkela
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:25 PM EST
    Q5 Where does the revising process fit when you’re grading essays holistically? #reThinkELA
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:27 PM EST
    A5 I have my students write a rough draft, and then I conference with them at least once before they submit a rough draft for a holistic grade. #reThinkELA
  • lsmellott - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:27 PM EST
    #rethinkela A5: The revising process belongs to the Ss first; they use the revision checklist and mark up their paper or use sticky notes. I may have them revise at least two times, but I tell them that any piece of writing can be revised over and over again.
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:28 PM EST
    I have them revise, seek peer review and then work in another holistic grade. I know this takes a lot of time, but good writing does. #rethinkela Sometimes I don't always get to all the steps either though.
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:29 PM EST
    EXACTLY! #reThinkELA
    In reply to @lsmellott
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:30 PM EST
    Q6 How do you refocus back on correcting the grammatical mistakes in holistic grading? #reThinkELA
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:31 PM EST
    A6 Once we are done with our second (or third, fourth...) drafts, we switch gears to the editing checklist and rubrics #reThinkELA
  • lsmellott - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:33 PM EST
    #rethinkela A6: As I grade for content, I make a list of grammatical mistakes that I see. I show Ss the mistakes and how to make corrections. The top mistakes are run-on sentences, fragments, and incorrectly using the colon.
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:33 PM EST
    What do you think about having students make a list of the mistakes they see you or their peers correcting? #reThinkELA
    In reply to @lsmellott
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:35 PM EST
    Q7 What role does technology play in enabling students, peers, and teachers to confer during the essay writing process? #reThinkELA
  • lsmellott - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:36 PM EST
    I have tried that idea before. We have to get Ss to take charge of their editing. If they can recognize the mistakes and know how to make corrections, then they can apply that skill to taking the English portion of the ACT test, which emphasizes editing skills. #rethinkELA
    In reply to @watersenglish
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:36 PM EST
    A7 I love @GoogleForEdu! We use Classroom and Docs, so I can comment on student work directly in their document -- live as they're working. I try to be careful with that though as it makes some students nervous. #rethinkela
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:37 PM EST
    A7 I have also discovered I need to be careful about using suggestion mode. Some students will just accept all the corrections I suggest without question. I want them to own their writing! #rethinkela
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:37 PM EST
    EXACTLY! Did the idea not work? #reThinkELA
    In reply to @lsmellott
  • hoffman_debbie Dec 21 @ 9:38 PM EST
    Debbie, former ELA tchr. Interested! Will be following along #rethinkela
  • lsmellott - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:39 PM EST
    #rethinkela A7: My Ss use Google Docs; they share their papers with me. I go in while they are typing and make comments. I had one Ss use grammarly; It helped her edit/revise a paper. Ss need to know what tech to use so that they can learn the information and receive more help.
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:39 PM EST
    I love the idea of holding revision grades hostage! #rethinkela
    In reply to @MrsSearcy112
  • MrsSearcy112 Dec 21 @ 9:39 PM EST
    A4. Please Share! I just re-did all my Composition rubrics trying to synthesize my favorite elements from multiple sources— OAS, ACT, NCTE, 6 Traits, etc. #reThinkELA
    In reply to @watersenglish
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:40 PM EST
    Q8 What are your thoughts on providing a holistic grade that does not account for mistakes in conventions and presentation before grading for those editing errors? #reThinkELA
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:42 PM EST
    I am in the process of uploading them to my site as we speak. They'll be available through my mailing list. #reThinkELA https://t.co/94DZrUWkFK
    In reply to @MrsSearcy112
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:43 PM EST
    I need to spend more time editing. I wonder if I could gamefy this a bit... #reThinkELA
    In reply to @lsmellott
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:44 PM EST
    A8 Grading holistically first helps students see that telling a story, imparting information, or convincing someone is not just about conventions. It's about the ideas and organization first. I tell my Ss:That's what they make editors for... #reThinkELA
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:45 PM EST
    Q9 What is the role of grading and feedback in essay writing? #reThinkELA
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:45 PM EST
    A8 I also tell my students what my editor at the newspaper told me. A writer is only as good as her editor. Then I tell them since I'm their editor, they must all be great writers. Hehe! #reThinkELA
  • lsmellott - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:45 PM EST
    #rethinkela A8: I want my Ss to know that writing is not just putting ideas on a paper for a grade; I want them to love writing. We have Ss who have lost the idea of what writing really means. As Ss get older, they may become better editors.
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:46 PM EST
    A9 I am not a fan of grading. Too many students judge their own value based on the number or letter they get on the paper. Some of them shut down because of it -- whether it's a A and the paper can't get better, or an F and they think they can't do better. #reThinkELA
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:47 PM EST
    And even if they don't become better editors, if they can tell a great story, or convey important information, they can hire editors. Or bribe them with chocolate. LOL! #rethinkela
    In reply to @lsmellott
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:48 PM EST
    OK, so the bribing with chocolate probably only works on me... #reThinkELA
    In reply to @lsmellott
  • lsmellott - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:49 PM EST
    #rethinkela A9: Ss go through the process of writing and revising. They receive other opinions from peers or me. They need that feedback so that they can grow was writers and see how writing is important.
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:49 PM EST
    TRUTH. #rethinkela
    • lsmellott - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:49 PM EST
      #rethinkela A9: Ss go through the process of writing and revising. They receive other opinions from peers or me. They need that feedback so that they can grow was writers and see how writing is important.
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:50 PM EST
    Q10 What types of essays should students write at each grade level? #reThinkELA
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:52 PM EST
    A10 Contrary to the opinions of some people, I think personal narratives are very important. These stories are how we connect as human beings. These narratives can also be embedded in other modes of writing. #rethinkela
  • lsmellott - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:53 PM EST
    #rethinkela A10: That is a question my department will have to discuss. If we get Ss ready for Comp I & Comp II at Cameron, it may be the definition, compare/contrast, narrative, rhetorical analysis, and argumentative essays. Even 9th graders need to write some of these essays.
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:53 PM EST
    A10 I think students should be exposed to narrative, informational, argumentative, and reflective writing at all secondary grade levels. #rethinkela
  • JennMBarnes Dec 21 @ 9:55 PM EST
    I've discovered that writer's conferences are most effective for me in working alongside young authors. Clarifying what I thought they were saying, asking "tell me more about that..." and just seeing the light shine through! Not to mention that immediate feedback! #reThinkELA
    In reply to @watersenglish
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:55 PM EST
    Bonus: What would you like to chat about next week? #reThinkELA
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:55 PM EST
    How can we encourage students to use more narrative writing and other modes of essay writing? #rethinkela
    In reply to @lsmellott
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:56 PM EST
    I love writers conferences! I love the process of sitting down with a student and working with them directly on their writing and seeing how happy they are when they see their writing get better right before their eyes #rethinkela
    In reply to @JennMBarnes
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:56 PM EST
    Yes, rhetorical analysis and literary analysis are both important. I need to get better at teaching both... #rethinkela
    In reply to @lsmellott
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:58 PM EST
    Glad to have you here, @JennMBarnes! #rethinkela
  • watersenglish - Moderator Dec 21 @ 9:59 PM EST
    It's like the different text connections that we make when we're reading, only we're applying this to writing. #rethinkela
    In reply to @lsmellott