#TeachWriting Archive

#TeachWriting chat is where educators talk about writing instruction. Every other Tuesday @ 9pm ET/8pm CT.

Tuesday January 9, 2018
9:00 PM EST

  • TeachWriting2 - Moderator Jan 9 @ 9:00 PM EST
    Welcome to #TeachWriting, our bi-weekly chat about the teaching of writing. Our guest moderator tonight is @JenSDean - take it away, Jennifer!
  • participatechat Jan 9 @ 9:00 PM EST
    Participate in the upcoming #TeachWriting by sharing resources and collaborating at https://t.co/zIInYJmWQo
  • CRCarter313 Jan 9 @ 9:00 PM EST
    Yay!!!! @JenSDean πŸ‘πŸΌπŸ‘πŸΌ #TeachWriting
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:01 PM EST
    Good evening, everyone! So honored and excited to be here moderating tonight's chat about student voice! #TeachWriting
  • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:02 PM EST
    Excited to be talking about voice - looking forward to hearing everyone's thoughts! #TeachWriting
    In reply to @JenSDean
  • CRCarter313 Jan 9 @ 9:02 PM EST
    Cameron Carter from Columbus, OH! Second grade teacher and Elementary Lead Ambassador for @ncte SO PUMPED to be talking about student VOICE in writing tonight!!!! #TeachWriting
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:02 PM EST
    Questions are coming soon! Feel free to introduce yourself and where you are from. #TeachWriting
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:03 PM EST
    Q1: What matters most to the student writers in your classroom? #TeachWriting
  • KellyTumy Jan 9 @ 9:03 PM EST
    Kelly, curriculum director from TX. Looking forward to this chat tonight. #TeachWriting
  • mrbgilson Jan 9 @ 9:03 PM EST
    Brent from Magrath Alberta. Grade 7 and 8 LA teacher. We did some #oneword2018 writing today. Looking forward to chatting. #teachwriting
  • mollienye72 Jan 9 @ 9:03 PM EST
    Hello! Mollie from Ohio. I teach 2nd grade. #TeachWriting
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:03 PM EST
    Hi Cameron! Thanks for joining us! #teachwriting
    In reply to @CRCarter313, @TeachWriting2, @ncte
  • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:03 PM EST
    Ben from the Chicago area - teach science and social studies - rarely get to explicitly teach voice as I did when I taught ELA, but encourage it and miss the chance to dig into it. #teachwriting
  • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:04 PM EST
    Welcome! #TeachWriting
    In reply to @mrbgilson
  • CRCarter313 Jan 9 @ 9:04 PM EST
    Hey #PLN πŸ‘‹πŸΌ COME JOIN ME for the #TeachWriting CHAT!!!! It's all about RAISING STUDENT VOICE in WRITING!!!! @LRobbTeacher @DrMaryHoward @franmcveigh @mrbgilson @_on11 @megan_hacholski @ERobbPrincipal @AaronGr58249640
  • mrbgilson Jan 9 @ 9:04 PM EST
    A1: They always ask how long it has to be but I am not sure that is what you mean #teachwriting
  • mardieteach Jan 9 @ 9:04 PM EST
    Hi #teachwriting - Rhonda from Ontario, Canada! I teach 7th and 8th grade English.
  • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:04 PM EST
    Thanks for joining us, Kelly! Great to see you! #TeachWriting
    In reply to @KellyTumy
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:04 PM EST
    Hi Mollie! #teachwriting
    In reply to @mollienye72
  • CRCarter313 Jan 9 @ 9:04 PM EST
    Happy to be here, Jen! This is a topic that is near and dear Timmy heart!! β€οΈβ€οΈπŸ‘πŸΌπŸ‘πŸΌ #TeachWriting
    In reply to @JenSDean, @TeachWriting2, @ncte
  • mollienye72 Jan 9 @ 9:05 PM EST
    A1:choice of topic, product, structure... #TeachWriting
  • CRCarter313 Jan 9 @ 9:05 PM EST
    Yay, Mollie!!!! πŸ‘πŸΌπŸ‘πŸΌ #TeachWriting
    In reply to @mollienye72
  • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:05 PM EST
    Welcome! Glad you could make it tonight! #TeachWriting
    In reply to @mardieteach
  • Teachr4 Jan 9 @ 9:05 PM EST
    Good evening! Leigh Anne 6th grade ELA from Indiana moving between two chats tonight #teachwriting and #6thchat
  • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:05 PM EST
    Welcome! #TeachWriting
    In reply to @mollienye72
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:05 PM EST
    They do indeed! I'm wondering if there are issues that are important to them, or maybe they have discovered something valuable about writing. #TeachWriting
    In reply to @mrbgilson
  • CRCarter313 Jan 9 @ 9:06 PM EST
    A1: INTEREST and CHOICE! Students want to be MOTIVATED and ENGAGED and INTERESTED in what they are writing! #teachwriting
  • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:06 PM EST
    Welcome! #TeachWriting
    In reply to @Teachr4
  • CRCarter313 Jan 9 @ 9:06 PM EST
    Hi, Kelly!!!! #TeachWriting
    In reply to @KellyTumy
  • mardieteach Jan 9 @ 9:06 PM EST
    A1 - #teachwriting - I think my students want to express ideas that are important to them. They want to be 'heard' and encouraged.
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:06 PM EST
    Love that you mentioned choice, Mollie! My students always feel honored when I respect that they may have something they want to write about. #teachwriting
    In reply to @mollienye72
  • KellyTumy Jan 9 @ 9:07 PM EST
    A1: What matters most to writers, I see, is to get beyond β€œtest writing” and write something that matters. #TeachWriting
  • PegGrafwallner Jan 9 @ 9:07 PM EST
    A1 As Instructional Coach/Reading Specialist, I see students developing their writing. Sometimes it can be a process-something HS students aren't used to. What matters most? Sometimes it's just getting "finished" - even though I tell them they're never really done! #teachwriting
  • PaulWHankins Jan 9 @ 9:07 PM EST
    A1: I wish it weren't so. . .and it's really hard to share. . .it's "how many (pages) and how much (point value)? I work each year to move toward, "is this enough?" and does it have "personal value?" I'm using Question One to tell the truth. We own some of this. #TeachWriting
    In reply to @JenSDean
  • mrbgilson Jan 9 @ 9:07 PM EST
    A1b: Serious answer I think what matters most is they have a say in what they are writing about. I have had parents come and tell me the freedom to write about what they want is what the kids like most #teachwriting
  • CRCarter313 Jan 9 @ 9:07 PM EST
    #TeachWriting
    In reply to @Teachr4
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:08 PM EST
    Yes! Some days I wonder how many chances my students have to really be heard. #teachwriting
    In reply to @mardieteach
  • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:08 PM EST
    I think they want to have choice, control over the fate of a piece, clear expectations, a clear sense of audience and purpose, and plenty of help/feedback when they need it. #TeachWriting
  • mardieteach Jan 9 @ 9:08 PM EST
    #teachwriting - Student reflections at the end of the year always confirm this too.
    In reply to @mrbgilson
  • Teachr4 Jan 9 @ 9:09 PM EST
    You are not alone! #teachwriting
    • PaulWHankins Jan 9 @ 9:07 PM EST
      A1: I wish it weren't so. . .and it's really hard to share. . .it's "how many (pages) and how much (point value)? I work each year to move toward, "is this enough?" and does it have "personal value?" I'm using Question One to tell the truth. We own some of this. #TeachWriting
      In reply to @JenSDean
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:09 PM EST
    That's a lot for us to provide. How do you manage all of these provisions for your students, Ben? #TeachWriting
    In reply to @bkuhl2you
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:10 PM EST
    Q2: How do you, as an educator, define student voice? #TeachWriting
  • mollienye72 Jan 9 @ 9:10 PM EST
    A1:also - daily, uninterrupted writing time. This has been limited the last few days because of unplanned snow days. I can tell they're frustrated with our compacted schedule that hasn't allowed for as much as usual. #TeachWriting
  • KellyTumy Jan 9 @ 9:10 PM EST
    Great to see you here! #teachwriting
    In reply to @CRCarter313
  • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:10 PM EST
    I get this sometimes, too. I agree that we own it - I'm guilty of setting page limits sometimes, which often feel fake or forced. I wish that writing could always be taught in a workshop setting, where kids can decide the destiny of their project, including length. #TeachWriting
    In reply to @PaulWHankins, @JenSDean
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:10 PM EST
    Reflections are where it's at in my classroom. I just finished reading some about a toast we made to one another and they were incredibly powerful. They felt heard! #teachwriting
    In reply to @mardieteach, @mrbgilson
  • mrbgilson Jan 9 @ 9:11 PM EST
    I think we as teachers need to own it all. Kids wouldn't know to ask if our answer was "write until you are done and then lets talk about it" vs 5 paragraphs...#teachwriting
    In reply to @PaulWHankins, @JenSDean
  • PaulWHankins Jan 9 @ 9:11 PM EST
    A1: But in an earnest conversation with students today, I learned that many don't want to feel embarrassed by letting their limited skill in getting words down on the page be known. Easier to avoid for many of them. It's a most revealing ejection, this writing. #teachwriting
  • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:11 PM EST
    Rarely do I succeed in providing all of them. I think it's easy to do two or three or four, but it takes a perfect class and perfect circumstances to get them all. I think I've achieved this a few times in my teaching life, but rarely. #TeachWriting
    In reply to @JenSDean
  • CRCarter313 Jan 9 @ 9:12 PM EST
    A2: VOICE is allowing my students to express their thoughts, views, opinions FREELY, and providing evidence/reasons to support their opinion. Voice can be shown orally or written! #teachwriting
  • mardieteach Jan 9 @ 9:12 PM EST
    #teachwriting - I think that's why it's important to provide real feedback to the content of their writing. What they say (not just how they say it) is so important to them.
    In reply to @JenSDean
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:12 PM EST
    Appreciate your honesty, Paul! Providing that why, beyond "this is the assignment", for students is important. #TeachWriting
    In reply to @bkuhl2you, @PaulWHankins
  • thinkSRSD Jan 9 @ 9:13 PM EST
    They want to get it right. I want them to find their voices. Not sure our 'wants' match up yet #TeachWriting
  • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:13 PM EST
    I think we set up the structures we can, work hard to teach the habits and expectations that are needed, and then do our best to prioritize and work hard on the important things, like ensuring kids get feedback, or clear audience, or a chance to choose a topic. #TeachWriting
    In reply to @JenSDean
  • PaulWHankins Jan 9 @ 9:14 PM EST
    What's remarkable is that this kind of truth is a part of "voice" in the room, too. And we find others who come by and say, "Yes. I hear this too." Just like our students, the truth of the matter. . .like the voice and words we have. . .is a good place to begin. #TeachWriting
    In reply to @JenSDean, @bkuhl2you
  • Teachr4 Jan 9 @ 9:14 PM EST
    Yes, but sometimes I think we set them up for that response. We are working on growth mindset. #teachwriting
    • thinkSRSD Jan 9 @ 9:13 PM EST
      They want to get it right. I want them to find their voices. Not sure our 'wants' match up yet #TeachWriting
  • mrbgilson Jan 9 @ 9:14 PM EST
    A2: I would say listening to their opinions and ideas. Paying attention when they are not talking. Blank stares say A LOT, so does blank paper. Sticking a picture prompt in front of a kid and saying write is like putting tape over their mouthes for some #teachwriting
  • thinkSRSD Jan 9 @ 9:15 PM EST
    Hello! Leslie from Massachusetts. I teach MS kiddos (greatest kiddos in the world if I may say so) #TeachWriting
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:15 PM EST
    Feedback is essential in supporting and affirming student voice. Setting up systems where this is a routine part of the class drives engagement. #teachwriting
    • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:13 PM EST
      I think we set up the structures we can, work hard to teach the habits and expectations that are needed, and then do our best to prioritize and work hard on the important things, like ensuring kids get feedback, or clear audience, or a chance to choose a topic. #TeachWriting
      In reply to @JenSDean
  • BethRimer Jan 9 @ 9:15 PM EST
    A1: CHOICE! Teaching students to make writerly choices in topics, genre, style, organization, audience - motivation for writing starts there. It’s what writers do - choose topics that matter to the writer #TeachWriting
  • mardieteach Jan 9 @ 9:16 PM EST
    #teachwriting - So true. One of my students asked if he could submit writing to me without having to blog this year for this reason. I think it's important to encourage but not force students to share their writing.
    In reply to @PaulWHankins
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:16 PM EST
    Mindset=yes! What are we communicating to students about our own mindsets? #teachwriting
    In reply to @Teachr4
  • thinkSRSD Jan 9 @ 9:16 PM EST
    #teachwriting Me too (growth mindset)! Yes, that does help. I constantly catch myself doing tiny things that add up that may contribute to them 'wanting to get it right'. Totally agree
    In reply to @Teachr4
  • Teachr4 Jan 9 @ 9:16 PM EST
    I'm reading Opening Minds by Peter Johnson and I just finished the chapter on feedback. I need improvement in this area. #teachwriting
    • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:15 PM EST
      Feedback is essential in supporting and affirming student voice. Setting up systems where this is a routine part of the class drives engagement. #teachwriting
      • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:13 PM EST
        I think we set up the structures we can, work hard to teach the habits and expectations that are needed, and then do our best to prioritize and work hard on the important things, like ensuring kids get feedback, or clear audience, or a chance to choose a topic. #TeachWriting
        In reply to @JenSDean
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:17 PM EST
    Q3: What are the ways you empower your students to find their voice? #TeachWriting
  • mollienye72 Jan 9 @ 9:17 PM EST
    A2:honoring a student's authentic self. I learn so much about my young writers from my young writers. #TeachWriting
  • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:17 PM EST
    A2 - To me, "voice" is a complicated thing. It means both the individual style, approach, personality, word choice, or design of the student as well as their own vocal production. What they say (auditory) as well as how they say it (style). #teachwriting
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:18 PM EST
    Bringing it back to @bkuhl2you 's earlier response...we need to provide the knowledge and systems for them to know how to choose. My students often get freaked out when I first give them choices. #TeachWriting
    In reply to @BethRimer, @bkuhl2you
  • mrbgilson Jan 9 @ 9:18 PM EST
    A3: Give them a chance to use it and then don't chicken out. If you give them a chance to choose and don't follow through they will be less likely to take the chance. #teachwriting
  • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:18 PM EST
    A2 - In my opinion, it's a pretty complicated metaphor for kids to grasp, and my ELL students (well, most of my students sometimes) struggle to understand when I use it ambiguously. I often use other words in its place, like "style" or "personality." #teachwriting
  • BethRimer Jan 9 @ 9:18 PM EST
    A2: Voice sounds like writing craft but the most powerful student voice I’ve seen is when students feel as if what they write matters, that their VOICE is meant to be heard by others and worth as much as what others are writing #TeachWriting
  • Teachr4 Jan 9 @ 9:19 PM EST
    A3 My Ss come from a lot of prompt writing, so I try to empower by giving choice. It takes awhile for them to feel the power though. #teachwriting
  • CRCarter313 Jan 9 @ 9:19 PM EST
    A3: Recount EXPERIENCES from their life and SHARE those with classmates... translating the oral language to written. Our stories come from WITHIN! β€οΈπŸ‘πŸΌ #teachwriting
  • mardieteach Jan 9 @ 9:19 PM EST
    Q3 #teachwriting - One way to empower students is to provide great mentor texts that show a wide variety of different types of voice/perspective. Revel in the possibilities, the spectrum.
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:19 PM EST
    Who are you? That's the question that often comes to mind. For my middle school students, sometimes that's a long - but very worthwhile - conversation. #TeachWriting
    In reply to @bkuhl2you
  • PaulWHankins Jan 9 @ 9:20 PM EST
    A2: Voice: The words available for me to use in the way that feels most natural to me. It asks that we teacher's code switch between proscriptive and descriptive when we do that first surface read of a student's idea. Cap that red pen. Then place it in a drawer. #teachwriting
  • thinkSRSD Jan 9 @ 9:20 PM EST
    #teachwriting 100%. When Ss pick topic, they write on & on. Ceases to be 'work' . Becomes a piece of them. I asked an S - why didn't you work as hard on current piece as last? "I cared more abt last 1. It was abt a real world issue I wanted to send it out to ppl who could help."
    In reply to @bkuhl2you
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:21 PM EST
    Agreed! Voice equates with power. When we give them the freedom to find and express their voice they feel empowered. #TeachWriting
    In reply to @BethRimer
  • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:21 PM EST
    A3 - Mentor texts, but student-written mentor texts help a lot, too. Great stuff from past students can be really powerful - especially when you sing the praises of former students. And sharing student work. #teachwriting
  • jennabramson Jan 9 @ 9:21 PM EST
    A3: Gotta explore and promote students' EXISTING literacies! #TeachWriting
  • Teachr4 Jan 9 @ 9:22 PM EST
    I need to do a better job of collecting student work for future mentor texts. Have any tips? #teachwriting
    • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:21 PM EST
      A3 - Mentor texts, but student-written mentor texts help a lot, too. Great stuff from past students can be really powerful - especially when you sing the praises of former students. And sharing student work. #teachwriting
  • PaulWHankins Jan 9 @ 9:22 PM EST
    A2: Voice can mean that I will be your audience of one until we are both ready to invite others into the share. This should tip to the student's readiness to invite. One at a time if need be. #TeachWriting
  • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:22 PM EST
    A3 - I've had some really great experiences asking kids to share their writing with the class. I've read student work aloud anonymously (helps me gloss over superficial error or focus on a particular passage) and explained what I liked - great positive climate. #teachwriting
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:23 PM EST
    Q4: How do you provide an authentic audience for student writing? #TeachWriting
  • mardieteach Jan 9 @ 9:23 PM EST
    #teachwriting - Celebrating former students' writing is so powerful.
    In reply to @bkuhl2you
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:23 PM EST
    Welcome, Jenn! Love that we are acknowledging what students - all students - bring to the classroom and their writing. #teachwriting
    In reply to @jennabramson
  • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:23 PM EST
    I love how you call it a "piece of them" - totally agree that it's like a part of them when they love it - that's why feedback, especially positive feedback that looks for the good (as I always say) can be transformative #TeachWriting
    In reply to @thinkSRSD
  • thinkSRSD Jan 9 @ 9:23 PM EST
    A3: This is the work of our lifetime as educators. Helping Ss find their voices. Maybe hunting for my own helps. I can share my journey. We teach who we are. #teachwriting
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:25 PM EST
    We use Google Drive / Classroom which does a lot of this for us. However, I always have a student mentor text folder in my Drive to easily move work into. Works equally well with paper, a binder, and some tabs, too! #TeachWriting
    In reply to @Teachr4
  • mrbgilson Jan 9 @ 9:25 PM EST
    A4: I need to be better at this. Junior High and not sure how to get them comfortable with sharing their work with peers, don't even like having work on a bulletin board. #teachwriting I am their only audience most of the time.
  • Teachr4 Jan 9 @ 9:25 PM EST
    Yes! Finding our own voice and using it is critical. That is why we started the #TeachWrite blog and Facebook tribe - to support teacher-writers. #teachwriting
    • thinkSRSD Jan 9 @ 9:23 PM EST
      A3: This is the work of our lifetime as educators. Helping Ss find their voices. Maybe hunting for my own helps. I can share my journey. We teach who we are. #teachwriting
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:25 PM EST
    I would love to know what you see and hear when you share your journey with students. #teachwriting
    In reply to @thinkSRSD
  • KellyTumy Jan 9 @ 9:25 PM EST
    A4: I think the honest writing like pieces for @artandwriting are some of the best I read all year. Authentic audience is a must. #TeachWriting
  • mardieteach Jan 9 @ 9:27 PM EST
    A4 - #teachwriting - Students each have blogs linked to our class blog. I ask them to give only positive and specific comments on peers blogs. Students also love sharing a line or two in class after quick writes or working on longer projects. Always find the good and cheer!
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:28 PM EST
    We returned from break writing 6 word memoirs and I shared mine as well as those of former students. How do you share the work of your former students? #teachwriting
    In reply to @mardieteach, @bkuhl2you
  • MistaB10 Jan 9 @ 9:28 PM EST
    Try via tech. Google Doc essay collaboration or Padlet. #TeachWriting #edtech
    In reply to @mrbgilson
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:29 PM EST
    Q5: What does discussion look, and feel, like in your classroom? #TeachWriting
  • PaulWHankins Jan 9 @ 9:29 PM EST
    In talking about voice tonight, I'm reminded of Ken Macrorie's work, WRITING TO BE READ. In speaking of revision in regard to voice, he would use musical terms like "pitch" and ask questions like, "Is this the note I was trying to reach?" #teachwriting
  • thinkSRSD Jan 9 @ 9:29 PM EST
    A4 I look for contests or real world problems Ss can write about and send what they write - my MS Ss wrote to world leaders last summer when they feared nuke war and they sent them advice from MLK & Gandhi. My Ss post book reviews at Amazon & delight in 'likes' #teachwriting
  • NinaAnderson11 Jan 9 @ 9:29 PM EST
    Hi! Nina Anderson-KatyISD hopping in for a few minutes. #TeachWriting
  • TeachWriting2 - Moderator Jan 9 @ 9:29 PM EST
    While we're chatting, we're looking for guest moderators for the spring - if you're enjoying the conversation and would like to lead us this spring, please take a minute and fill this out! Thanks in advance! #TeachWriting https://t.co/30e87WB3ov
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:29 PM EST
    I hear you! The next question will tie in well with my response, but I always begin with discussion. Can they communicate verbally with one another? #teachwriting
    In reply to @mrbgilson
  • mardieteach Jan 9 @ 9:30 PM EST
    #teachwriting - I've found that asking them to share just one or two sentences with the class orally, and then giving them some positive feedback on the spot helps to create a safer place to share. Not all will, but most love it.
    In reply to @mrbgilson
  • KellyTumy Jan 9 @ 9:30 PM EST
    Yay, Nina!! Glad to have you for a bit. #teachwriting
  • Teachr4 Jan 9 @ 9:31 PM EST
    @pennykittle ends her class sharing the beautiful language of her students - just love this! I need to do it more often. #teachwriting
    • mardieteach Jan 9 @ 9:30 PM EST
      #teachwriting - I've found that asking them to share just one or two sentences with the class orally, and then giving them some positive feedback on the spot helps to create a safer place to share. Not all will, but most love it.
      In reply to @mrbgilson
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:31 PM EST
    Love that question! I have a lot of band students that would respond to that question. #teachwriting
    In reply to @PaulWHankins
  • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:31 PM EST
    Mostly digital copies, sometimes through our published literary magazine (which I edit for the school now), sometimes through pictures. Usually it's something I display and read aloud. Old copies of lit mag are usually the handiest. #TeachWriting
    In reply to @JenSDean, @mardieteach
  • KellyTumy Jan 9 @ 9:33 PM EST
    A5: Some of the best discussions in my class were @GreatBooksFnd Shared Inquiry. No better tool in my classroom for 20+ years than that! #TeachWriting
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:33 PM EST
    I feel that way all the time. And then I have one of those moments when I read a student's work and say, "YES! This is brilliant!" #teachwriting
    In reply to @thinkSRSD
  • mardieteach Jan 9 @ 9:33 PM EST
    #teachwriting - I keep hard copies of former students' writing in files (by genre usually) to share when we're doing a genre study. I ask permission, of course, and read aloud/display with the document camera.
    In reply to @bkuhl2you, @JenSDean
  • NinaAnderson11 Jan 9 @ 9:34 PM EST
    A4 A teacher I worked with, @readinmama, frequently had celebrations of writing. Ss knew their peers would be reading one of their pieces. Knowing there would be an audience was impetus for lots of revision. #TeachWriting
  • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:34 PM EST
    I'm falling behind! Eek! A4 - I try to make the class a good audience as much as possible. I've used digital audience a few times - it's easy to share, but sometimes it doesn't leave satisfying traces - school literary magazine is also a nice audience. #teachwriting
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:34 PM EST
    I've found we really cannot go wrong incorporating @pennykittle into our classrooms. #TeachWriting
    In reply to @Teachr4, @pennykittle, @pennykittle
  • mardieteach Jan 9 @ 9:34 PM EST
    #teachwriting - This is how we always end a writing session. Start by just sharing with a partner (early in the year) to build confidence. For some students it's the best part of class.
    In reply to @Teachr4, @pennykittle
  • Teachr4 Jan 9 @ 9:35 PM EST
    Yes, I can say I have a heavily Penny-incluenced classroom. #teachwriting
    In reply to @JenSDean, @pennykittle
  • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:35 PM EST
    A5 - Our best discussions always seem to start with a real question - mine or someone else's. A question that someone really wants answered, and doesn't really know the answer to. I ask questions that I wonder about, or they do, and we listen to the responses. #TeachWriting
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:36 PM EST
    Q6: Giving students voice sounds great, but means that we, as teachers, must relinquish some control. What is one way you can step back and give the floor to students? #TeachWriting
  • PaulWHankins Jan 9 @ 9:36 PM EST
    Yes. I really like this. Again, paraphrasing Macrorie here: Often the writer cannot hear the "sound effects" of their own writing. By reading these words aloud, listeners may point to what has been missed to the writer's eye. . .but not the ear. #TeachWriting
    In reply to @Teachr4, @pennykittle
  • BethRimer Jan 9 @ 9:36 PM EST
    A3: Helping students enter the conversations that are actually going on in the world. This week, my 6th grader wanted to talk about Logan Paul and YouTube not what kind of superhero she would be. #teachwriting
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:37 PM EST
    Q6 is one of my favorites. I could spend the entire hour on this one! #TeachWriting
    • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:36 PM EST
      Q6: Giving students voice sounds great, but means that we, as teachers, must relinquish some control. What is one way you can step back and give the floor to students? #TeachWriting
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:38 PM EST
    Maybe that superhero question is the follow up. #teachwriting
    In reply to @BethRimer
  • thinkSRSD Jan 9 @ 9:38 PM EST
    A6 - Honestly, I do find my Ss voices peer through more than we may realize. My Ss often write responses to texts, but I see their core being peering through even then, as long as we honor & give space for them to analyze as the spirt moves them, and respect them #TeachWriting
  • PaulWHankins Jan 9 @ 9:38 PM EST
    Q6: Providing enough trial runs at a particular writing invitation so that the student can choose and showcase the work they feel is their very best. And then working to create how that piece could be assessed for strength. THEN. . .if need be. . .correctness. #teachwriting
  • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:39 PM EST
    That's a great example. I thought that conversation (from when it was trending on Twitter) was a really good one. Not sure I want to dig into that one, but I've found cool discussion ideas from Twitter trends. #TeachWriting
    In reply to @BethRimer
  • mardieteach Jan 9 @ 9:41 PM EST
    A6 #teachwriting - I often consult students as a class to determine what kinds of projects we'll work on. For example, I may want them to conduct research, but we can decide together on a theme and students can choose a related topic.
  • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:41 PM EST
    It's always funny when you can "recognize" a student's writing, even when typed, based on how they present themselves, how they explain their thinking, word choice, etc. #TeachWriting
    In reply to @thinkSRSD
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:41 PM EST
    A6: When my students begin to take the conversation, or writing, in a direction I didn't prepare for I can always feel my heart beat faster with anticipation. #TeachWriting
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:43 PM EST
    Q7: How can we promote opportunities for listening, an important component of creating a safe environment, for our students? #TeachWriting
  • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:43 PM EST
    A6 - Pushing hard for them to ask the questions, then letting their questions become the guide to what we talk about, or how we talk about what we need to talk about. And getting them (or their writing) in front of the class as much as possible. #teachwriting
  • AssignmentHelpN Jan 9 @ 9:45 PM EST
    7 Effective Habits of Writing the Best College Application Essay https://t.co/EDtWOHuw0P #SDedchat #spedchat #TeacherFriends #Teachwriting #TMchat #eduldrcoaching
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:46 PM EST
    How much value do we place on listening? Do we encourage students to listen to themselves? Do we show them what this looks/sounds like? #teachwriting
    • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:43 PM EST
      Q7: How can we promote opportunities for listening, an important component of creating a safe environment, for our students? #TeachWriting
  • PaulWHankins Jan 9 @ 9:46 PM EST
    A7: I think we treat the reading of a student's work aloud the way we would treat any published work. Practiced/Rehearsed before presented aloud. This work is "published" into the air and into the room as we read. We don't want to stumble through the reading. #teachwriting
  • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:46 PM EST
    A7 - MODEL GOOD LISTENING. I sometimes struggle with this, and I have to consciously work on this to be consistent. When I'm thinking hard about something, I'm not always a good listener. I'm a lot better at this, but still working. . . #teachwriting
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:47 PM EST
    Haha! That's a powerful moment for students - realizing we are actually humans. #TeachWriting
    In reply to @thinkSRSD
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:48 PM EST
    Sometimes I say to them, "I wasn't doing a very good job of listening." We talk a lot about being present for ourselves and others. #TeachWriting
    In reply to @bkuhl2you
  • thinkSRSD Jan 9 @ 9:48 PM EST
    Q7: Listening. I set this up carefully! Have learned in MS to do this carefully! We set norms, practice, do fishbowl, review norms. But when it takes hold, they want to read their work to peers & the full class all the time. Fav part for them. #teachwriting
  • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:48 PM EST
    A7 - Sometimes it's as easy as teaching them good sentence starters that show listening, like "What I'm hearing you say is . . . " or teaching uptake, "Like what Billy just said about how we need more choices at lunch, I think . . . " #teachwriting
  • mardieteach Jan 9 @ 9:48 PM EST
    #teachwriting - I was going to say the same thing. Model how to listen, respond, congratulate!
    In reply to @bkuhl2you
  • PaulWHankins Jan 9 @ 9:48 PM EST
    I learned a technique for reading aloud my work/work of students in the room. Musical beds can change the tempo a writer uses to read back their writing. Try different instrumentals. I use hip-hop beats too. Find the pace. find the rhythm. Read at them. With them. #teachwriting
  • thinkSRSD Jan 9 @ 9:49 PM EST
    Q7: Another angle is our own listening. I try to ground myself and be fully present so I can totally hear them. At mindfulness class, I heard we should pay attn to our feet on ground for a sec to get grounded, then listen #teachwriting
  • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:49 PM EST
    Sorry - stole your thoughts. I'm reading your mind. Right now you're thinking, "This guy is crazy!" #TeachWriting
    In reply to @mardieteach
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:49 PM EST
    Final question is coming up! #teachwriting
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:50 PM EST
    Q8: Modeling is one of the most powerful tools teachers can use to help their student writers. How do you use your voice as an educator? #TeachWriting
  • PaulWHankins Jan 9 @ 9:50 PM EST
    I want to credit @barryLane with this approach. He modeled this in a workshop for us at @IUSWP. It was meaningful to and for me in that moment. And, students like to hear reading this way sometimes too. #TeachWriting
    In reply to @barryLane, @IUSWP
  • mrbgilson Jan 9 @ 9:50 PM EST
    A8: I write with my kids more and more. It is fun to explore my own writing and if I am asking them to do it I can too! #teachwriting
    • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:50 PM EST
      Q8: Modeling is one of the most powerful tools teachers can use to help their student writers. How do you use your voice as an educator? #TeachWriting
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:51 PM EST
    For me, this is the golden egg. When students see me use, question, find, and articulate my voice it gives them the courage to do the same. #TeachWriting
  • mardieteach Jan 9 @ 9:52 PM EST
    A7 #teachwriting - I like playing 'listening games' Example: Students partner up. Decide who is partner A and B. A tells B everything they did last night. Then ask B to repeat A's story back to B. Ss enjoy.
  • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:52 PM EST
    Love @barrylane - he's a great teacher, and a great explainer of his teaching. #TeachWriting
    In reply to @PaulWHankins, @barryLane, @IUSWP, @barryLane
  • thinkSRSD Jan 9 @ 9:54 PM EST
    Great chat! Need to sign up but TY everyone! #TeachWriting
  • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:54 PM EST
    A8 - I think all of us @writingproject people are thinking about how we share our own writing, write in front of or with kids, and generally involve kids in our thinking as we write. I also share some finished writing, and we're (sort of still) writing letters. #teachwriting
  • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:55 PM EST
    A8 - I started the year with a (rather long) letter to my students, then asked them to write one back. I responded, and we haven't continued the cycle yet . . . working on that. (note to self: more letters!) #teachwriting
  • mardieteach Jan 9 @ 9:56 PM EST
    A8 #teachwriting - I 'Write Beside Them' a la @pennykittle and @KellyGToGo . Think aloud, make a mess, make mistakes, revise, try new things.
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:56 PM EST
    Thank you to everyone who brought their brilliant ideas and questions to tonight's #TeachWriting chat. You made my evening! Continue be the amazing writing teachers you are!
  • JenSDean Jan 9 @ 9:57 PM EST
    Thank you to everyone who participated in tonight's #TeachWriting chat. You made my evening! Continue being the amazing writing teachers you already are!
  • mardieteach Jan 9 @ 9:57 PM EST
    #teachwriting - Thanks for a great chat!
  • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:57 PM EST
    Great chat everyone! Enjoyed the conversation about this really important topic! Thanks for leading us, @JenSDean - great job! #TeachWriting
  • bkuhl2you Jan 9 @ 9:58 PM EST
    We could use more guest moderators if you're available or if you want to try choosing a topic, crafting the questions, and leading the conversation! Please consider! - https://t.co/RfGbatyvMx #TeachWriting
  • TeachWriting2 - Moderator Jan 9 @ 9:59 PM EST
    Thank you so much for joining us tonight - we appreciate your time and attention! Thanks so much to our guest moderator, @JenSDean - you did a great job! See you all in two weeks! #TeachWriting
  • TeachWriting2 - Moderator Jan 9 @ 10:00 PM EST
    The archive will be up in just a few minutes on this hashtag from @bkuhl2you - (and if you know of a good alternative to Storify, please let us know - it's going away in May, and we need to move our archives over to something else . . . ) #TeachWriting