#RuralEdChat Archive
#RuralEdChat is a chat that focuses on the needs of the rural educator. This chat has been revised by Tammy Neil (@MathNeil), John Martin (@edventures) and Natalee Stotz (@nataleestotz).
Tuesday October 25, 2016
Here we go, ! I'm excited for tonight! Already riding a high of cool edu-moments! Been an awesome week so far!
It's only Tuesday I love it!
Good Evening, So glad to be here. This is going to be a great topic.
Hi . Linda joining from NY's Southern Tier, where it hasn't snowed yet this week.
Let's get the introductions going. Let us know the 411 for you.
Tonight on we will be discussing Writing in the Content Areas. We will also be using Q# and A# to track questions and answers.
Leigh Anne 6th grade ELA from southern Indiana here for my first !
Linda, so glad you have you here. Your last blog post was awesome!
Writing in the content areas--actually any nonfiction--is my passion.
Natalee, HS humanities from Maine. Wrapped in a fleece blanket up here!
So excited to see you here Leigh Anne! https://t.co/MJactctUgG
Leigh Anne 6th grade ELA from southern Indiana here for my first !
We're glad you are here. Let us know if we can help in any way.
Hi . Looking forward to some great discussion here tonight. Thanks for being with us
Christina Swenson, District Technology Integrator for Mascoma
Thanks, Robin. I'm excited to be here! https://t.co/TPcQXATG7Y
Hi . Looking forward to some great discussion here tonight. Thanks for being with us
Our Guest Moderator is She is a K-8 literacy coach (who frequently works with high school teachers) in Maine.
Thanks, Tammy. I have at least one follow up, maybe two. It's a soapbox issue for me.
Hey, Eric! Glad to see another Floridian here. I'll see you in a few weeks at (right?)
Hi Everyone! So glad to talk writing with you tonight on
Several new faces in tonight! Welcome all!
Hello friends! Valerie from NE Fl here! ☀️
Thanks for joining us, Eric. We hope you'll have a good first
It was great hanging out at your school this afternoon. I had a blast!
Hi Valerie! Bet it's warmer there than here in Maine! https://t.co/2p9HATh5js
Hello friends! Valerie from NE Fl here! ☀️
Hi Linda! It feels like it has been awhile! Glad to see you here. Also glad you don't have snow??
So glad to have folks joining us who are new to . We hope you find it to be a great conversation. :)
Did you know that has been an educator (from kinder to college) for 29 years and a mom for 18?
I've heard rumors about Thursday night, though.
I must have started when I was 10! https://t.co/cnRKDe3IXW
Did you know that has been an educator (from kinder to college) for 29 years and a mom for 18?
Gary! Great to have you along tonight! Another WI representative :)
I prefer snow to the cold rain we had on the weekend. Folks in next county had snow today.
As we get started, don't forget to add to your tweets so everyone can see your awesomeness.
Ah, you're even more northerly than I.
We had today, nothing stuck, but it was pretty to watch.
Hi I'm teaching up in Fort Yukon Alaska
has some great questions coming up. We will be sharing them through this account tonight.
I don't think I'm quite ready for snow yet. We just had 70s last week!
That's awesome. I'm in the north, too. North Florida, that is. LOL
Here comes the first question.
in the 70's last week too. I was nervous today bc I had heals on and would have to walk downhill to my car.
Q1: “What does Writing in the Content Areas” mean to you?
I guess the rest of us can stop talking about snow now that we have an Alaskan on board
A1: applying the fundamentals and skills of writing learned primarily in ELA classes to writing assignments in other classes
A1 Writing in the content areas means the importance is everyone's responsibility not just mine as ELA.
Abi, Supt/Elem Principal in South Dakota
We Northeasterners have no right to grumble about the white stuff!
Writing about content in whatever subject is being taught...informal or formal
That's a great point https://t.co/StwNCnLKTh
A1 Writing in the content areas means the importance is everyone's responsibility not just mine as ELA.
A1: Writing in content areas is authenic application of writing practices.
A1: Love that our school is getting into more cross-curric ideas. We'll be marking a text that Ss will use in science next wk.
A1 Learning the styles, types/formats, conventions, expectations & creativities of writing in various disciplines.
I love that idea of being authentic! Can you say more ? https://t.co/3Dy3v9BDPb
A1: Writing in content areas is authenic application of writing practices.
A1: Writing in all subjects-Not just ELA. Incorporating literacy skills across all curriculums! # https://t.co/YGdgcqtNOt
Exactly! https://t.co/djjYV9Echu
A1 Writing in the content areas means the importance is everyone's responsibility not just mine as ELA.
OK, I'll stop complaining about leaving my boots home today!
. Using Google Docs is great for that. ;-)
Researchers say most English teachers feel unprepared to teach writing, hard to expect non-ELA to do it
YES! Just as every edu needs 2 dev comfort teaching how 2 read in their disciplines,too.
I'd love to hear more about how you collaborate & lay the ground work for this! https://t.co/RCP5g8J2vz
A1: Love that our school is getting into more cross-curric ideas. We'll be marking a text that Ss will use in science next wk.
When I worked in the private sector, had a purpose. When I moved to teaching, I made sure it had a 1/2
Yes, I am working on a workshop presentation on teachers as writers. Hope to build confidence. https://t.co/XERKgO2SPg
Researchers say most English teachers feel unprepared to teach writing, hard to expect non-ELA to do it
Absolutely. Many teachers who teach literacy feel writing is hard-imagine how content teachers feel! https://t.co/Ndc0JaeAJs
Researchers say most English teachers feel unprepared to teach writing, hard to expect non-ELA to do it
'cause it depends, right?There's lots of room for variations, but some of those things are unique to certain areas?
Rolling in late; David Wolff, HS Principal in northern MN
2/2 purpose, not just an exercise in writing. Spelling and grammar always counted, even though I was not ELA
That is fantastic ! We can do a lot to support our content Ts to build confid and skills. https://t.co/4qO7wVMXrG
Yes, I am working on a workshop presentation on teachers as writers. Hope to build confidence. https://t.co/XERKgO2SPg
Researchers say most English teachers feel unprepared to teach writing, hard to expect non-ELA to do it
That's fantastic.Seeing self as a reader &writer in a content area helps so much but we don't spend enuf time in this.
A1 authentic writing similar to what a disciplinarian would do in the real world
Good for you. I teach teachers to teach NF writing...mostly ELA teachers who are scared to try nonfiction
Anytime is fine for dropping by Welcome, David.
And many Ts are comfortable "assigning" writing w/o teaching! (IMHO)
Writing like a scientist, a mathematician, a sociologist! Keeping it real! https://t.co/W5xNQojjw7
A1 authentic writing similar to what a disciplinarian would do in the real world
Authentic purpose and audience make such a difference!
Hi Fran! Sometimes I am even guilty of assigning vs. teaching. *ducks head*
this can slow growth of Ss. Grow self as edu in writing, be better coach!
I was never taught writing in K-12, college, grad school. Just assigned it.
I think we all are at times! https://t.co/iYoGj2xzpH
Hi Fran! Sometimes I am even guilty of assigning vs. teaching. *ducks head*
and reading lots of examples together in analysis and as models.
Sadly true, and I've been guilty. Find much joy in taking the time to teach writing well.
Exactly - and that's why I blogged twice today! Had to walk the talk!
Teaching writing takes time.
I think about how much my teaching of writing has changed just the 10 years I have been teaching. https://t.co/012iHFeDwK
I was never taught writing in K-12, college, grad school. Just assigned it.
do u c need 4 more teachng of writ in higher levels from your pov/experience?
I think nailed it when she said "walking the talk". When Ts are writers in their content it sure helps!
Writing with my students was a game changer for my writing!
And it really works best for students when the teacher is also a writer! KNOWS the struggle! https://t.co/KpaNjHfYlg
Teaching writing takes time.
My fav feedback to S writing: a dot for each mistake at the front of each sentance and they go back and find/fix each.
Sure does. Need something like 100 hours of practice to get the basics down
My son is a college Ss and he was not prepared for that level.
So often time has been my enemy when approaching writing instruction! Ts fear the amt of time it takes to edit and grade!😫
Paula, will you be at ? Followed you last year at spring conf. Can't wait to meet!
Yes. Reading and writing aren't really taught above 4th grade.
Here comes the next question.
That's a sign of a good teacher!
right. collaborating with other edus or librarian can sometimes alleviate the stress/overwhelm.
Q2: How does writing in the content area promote learning?
That is EXACTLY why I am doing the workshop. Hope other teachers see the importance and come! :) https://t.co/AHdI3EQrb1
If content area Ts think of themselves as writers in their area, might take some of fear of teaching it away.… https://t.co/v04iGeNGYs
Writing can look different depending on what you're writing about. Lab reports have a format, manuals too, not all are papers!
If you take the time to workshop; work with Ss on process, final grading is so much quicker.
How would you say it has changed?
Ss think writing is like taking a test and thus its important. What's not written about isn't important
YES! "Form follows function"-let the structure be dictated by the purpose for writing.
Q2: Done right, writing in the content area can promote deeper thinking and exploration. If done wrong, Ss are parrots of info.
A2 Ss need to be able to transfer their writing skills to college or career options so they see relevance to the learning
A2: writing improves comp. of anything. Same as asking Ss to do projects, presentations, etc. Requires critical thinking of Ss
More content writing - to increase volume - could be low stakes. Just a paragraph! Or just a claim!
Peer review is a great tool to help teachers not have to grade everything.
So do you think content area writing can help them do this? https://t.co/ZF3K6yyZbU
A2 Ss need to be able to transfer their writing skills to college or career options so they see relevance to the learning
I would rather see a well thought out and supported sentance than a ten page paper of fluff.
Such amazing discussion tonight at !
A2 Writing to explain vocabulary is deeper learning than just matching which is what many content Ts do.
I find best use of collaboration among students is in planning writing--even non-writers can help there
GREAT! I think so many Ts assume it must be full research.- Break it down!
YES! These ideas are great! https://t.co/wkzUNa4uZt
Peer review is a great tool to help teachers not have to grade everything.
The times that I've done this, I see so much more growth in Ss writing & learning. They produce better work.
Infographics are also a good way to learn concise writing that is supported by data and with visual illustrations.
exactly.Narrow the focus.Make writing success possible.Doesn't have 2 be epic papers ALL the time!
Go deep sometimes, rather than broad! That's so true https://t.co/3f1LPIKrE9
I would rather see a well thought out and supported sentance than a ten page paper of fluff.
The next question is about to pop into the feed. Are you ready?
There is a great inforgraphics American History book from that I just ordered.
My favorite content writing was in art - show art, talk about the 'tale it has to tell' and then students continue the story
Writing is visible thinking/learning. Easier to play around with, reflect on, test out, connect when you can “see” it.
It links learning from the spoken words to the read word. It's an interconnected process
Q3:
How can teachers use “the writing process” to help writing in the content areas?
I've been wrestling with how to help Ss learn to develop their answers in a paragraph.
Informal writing used to focus attention before study/discussion or follow up later is good for formative assessment, no graded
You guys rock! Thanks so much for the ideas!!🙏
Exactly -that's much more authentic! https://t.co/nGvE6gneze
Informal writing used to focus attention before study/discussion or follow up later is good for formative assessment, no graded
A1: CW is being able to write about ideas, and express thoughts in other subjects. A2: it can deepen understanding like in math
I had my students "Read a Picture" just last week. It took them some time to get it, but they finally did.
We use the RACE acronym to help develop paragraphs. Restate, answer, cite, explain
I love the material has about reading pictures. Important lit skill!
Oh, how cool. Loved those lessons in library, too. Historical photos Archival things. Rdg beyond text!Writing follows!
A3 Ss need to realize that in the real world the draft version isn't sufficient that we have to edit it before submitting
A3: The writing process is a process in thinking & communicating. Everything we do is a process of thinking & communicating.
I'd like to triple "like" this tweet! Thank you, thank you!
Can you say more about deepening understanding? What is it about writing? https://t.co/PjK835gUzf
A1: CW is being able to write about ideas, and express thoughts in other subjects. A2: it can deepen understanding like in math
A3: Learning to think and communicate your thinking is why it matters.
can't say enough about visual literacy & how much room we have to teach it.so important now.
I do a new word of the week: effervescent, discombobulated... so fun to find another way to say it!
When I taught math, I used RACE to help Ss solve "word problems".
Sounds like a great scaffold! ! https://t.co/k6QtzUSLUc
We use the RACE acronym to help develop paragraphs. Restate, answer, cite, explain
I know it is a "form" for writing but it does help those struggling writers.
A3 As said, writing process is thinking Helps students to have 1 process that works most of the time.
Patterns are good. Professional writers rely on them.
I'll have to try that. S can do math but have hard time comprehending word probs
I know it is formulaic but it does help, especially for 6th grade.
But that's okay! Ss don't know what it means to "develop your answer" this gives framework.
I don't worry about scaffolds being formulaic-they fade when no longer necessary, but are so helpful getting started!
There was a good curriculum called Picturing America which has some great pics available in most libraries!
Would love more infoand resources on content area lit!😄
Ooh, this might be a good tie in for 8-parts grammar!
Right! Teaching any skill means making the learner repeat a process until it's automatic...then they experiment
Question 4 is on the horizon but I think some have already touched on it.
Q4: Beyond ‘research reports’ what are some effective approaches that engage students in writing in the content areas?
A4 Letters to editors, blog posts, captions, infographics, websites/articles
A4 Getting ready for historical narrative. Research a time period or event and write 1st person narrative.
Blogging, tweeting, using backchanneling like todaysmeet to allow students to write as well as speak during class discussions
Q4: I used to teach Computer Science, so my students wrote content for web sites. Concise, purposeful, 21st Century.
ARGH! How could I forget the tweeting! Love it. Wish more edus could model & engage productive tweeting w/Ss.
I love this! https://t.co/GQASIgQJkK
Q4: I used to teach Computer Science, so my students wrote content for web sites. Concise, purposeful, 21st Century.
How old were your Ss? This sounds great! https://t.co/0B1Nt7Iv7N
Q4: I used to teach Computer Science, so my students wrote content for web sites. Concise, purposeful, 21st Century.
Love it! Chance Monte Sano talks about this https://t.co/NoC2ajdFTO
A4 Getting ready for historical narrative. Research a time period or event and write 1st person narrative.
Q4 What do you expect a chapter with this title to say? and similar Qs to get students to engage w/ texts
A4 author Katie Mcky did an activity; a tent with various camping supplies - tangible objects to interact with b4 writing
I'm thinking about asking Ss to write reviews of products they've used. (Think Amazon- What would you like to know about it?)
What suggests is what I call authentic writing! Good show!
Now THAT is authentic writing! https://t.co/ulxroOLS1w
I'm thinking about asking Ss to write reviews of products they've used. (Think Amazon- What would you like to know about it?)
I've done it in the past,but tonight I am2whooped, but I sure do wish I could do and at same time.
It works it gives great power! https://t.co/DC36IDdMCZ
I'm thinking about asking Ss to write reviews of products they've used. (Think Amazon- What would you like to know about it?)
HEY girl! Catch you again soon! SELF-CARE!!!
How would the product reviews tie to content area or what content area?
A4 is the best at getting ideas from Ss head to a visual before writing; a lot of success with Ss from ESL to GT
You can always catch the archive later and then interact with different people outside the chat!
Writing about place is of the utmost importance to rural students. Can involve many disciplines.
What are some of your Ss favorite Content Area Writing approaches?
Thanks! Yes, finding more and more I need to remind myself about that self-care, not easy, but SO important!
I teach Comp. Sci. so they could review the equipment or software we use.
We also have a Facebook group and a Voxer group- great places to continue the conversation as a slow chat!
Thanks for explaining. I missed the context (duh)
It's great if you can meet the needs of that range!
We wrote to pen pals, article for school newspaper, write math problems, twitter chats for
that's so cool, Tammy. Reviews fit in so many content areas, too.
Let's see if we can get one more question in tonight.
An important part of engaging Ss & helping them find value in their rural community! https://t.co/zlbYFDfeLB
Writing about place is of the utmost importance to rural students. Can involve many disciplines.
Q5: How might sketchnoting or visual note taking fit into writing in the content areas?
Jeff Nokes has a great book about Historical Literacy
Yes, I am very curious about this last one!
That's a good idea! I never thought of doing it that way before! Thanks for the suggestion!
Our archives will be available later tonight and can always be found on our website. (New address)
https://t.co/9kn4mOiClX
Sketchnoting helped my Ss so much last year. When they couldn't explain process w/words they could w/pictures.
Wow, this hour has flown by! What a great chat! https://t.co/QHgPyM9aWk
Let's see if we can get one more question in tonight.
Lots of great works on this major topic by Amy A https://t.co/A18Z9WQYhP
An important part of engaging Ss & helping them find value in their rural community! https://t.co/zlbYFDfeLB
Writing about place is of the utmost importance to rural students. Can involve many disciplines.
A5: helps engage all types of learners, might keep Ss more interested in content that can be visually stimulating like science
I wish I could sketch note like !
A5 I tend to sketch organizational patterns and have students do that instead of outlining. Don't do outlines.
On behalf of the team, I want to thank for moderating tonight. Great Qs and Great conversations.
I have looked into using 3x5 index cards to help students write essays
You don't have to be to be a sketchnoter!
Don't forget to follow those that intrigued you tonight.
If you want to find and share great sketchnotes, follow the hashtag on Twitter.
sketchnoting is on my todo list! Love to draw, great way to practice important terms :)
I'm always impressed when shares her sketchnoting work. She's brilliant. I learned how to sketch ribbons from her.
Thanks for my first chat with you all. So many links and resources to go back to. Is this a weekly chat?
A5: can take the stress out of writing- help to visualize ideas; help visual learners find the words they want.
YES! Please join us again. Same time, same hashtag. ;) So glad you were here for
Do you have Ss translate their sketches into words later?
Yes, we've been here for almost 3 years now. Every Tuesday at 8:30 pm est. Hope to see you back next week.
Wow, thanks for inviting me to moderate this great chat I learned so much from you all!
Sorry I have missed it all this time! I will be back!
Thank you for an inspiring .So gr8 to think of every1 out there striving to teach writing--so important. See you all again soon.
