#P210Talk Archive
A monthly chat hosted by Prairie South Schools on the last Wednesday of each month. The chat focuses on topics relevant to educators and professional learning.
Wednesday September 28, 2016
Please introduce yourself - Name, role, where you're from...
Rayleen Eberl, Learning Consultant PSS, Moose Jaw
Thank you for the opportunity to co-moderate! I'm excited for
Amanda Duxbury. Grade 3 teacher at Assiniboia 7th Ave School
Aaron Hesjedal, Principal. Assiniboia.
Lori Meyer, Supt of Learning
Shannon Moneo, Student Support Teacher, Assiniboia.
Kathy Rieder Principal Glentworth
Welcome Kathy. Glad you could join us!
Welcome Steve! Glad to have you following along. Don’t forget the hashtag
Steve, principal, Moose Jaw
Welcome to Kathy. Glad to have you back!
Darran Teneycke Super of Ops PSS
Tony Baldwin, Director of Education . Thanks for tweeting about writing!
great to have you join us!
looking forward to chatting about writing!
Welcome Darran. Glad to have you with us tonight.
Naz. Interested curious mum capacity here. Observing looking for ideas for my 'day job' as well!
A1 feel unsure, awkward and hesitant with teaching writing
We are glad you are here with us. Welcome!
Welcome Naz. Glad to have you joining us. Everyone is welcome!
seems to be a lot of us that feel that way
A1 Way Better at teaching how to throw a lacrosse ball
Mme Brault, FI Teacher, Moose Jaw
A1- Writing has never been my strength, but is something I have always wanted to improve in as both a student and a teacher.
I understand the process however am unaware of the elements required to write well.
Welcome! We are so glad you could join us tonight.
Welcome! Glad to have you with us at
I would be unsure with that too! lol
good for you! How can Ts support each other to increase comfort levels?
A challenge I've always had was incorporating writing into other subjects outside of ELA
A1 however, somewhat familiar with 6 traits of writing
A1: The way we communicate/write in society is rapidly changing/evolving. It’s challenging to stay current, especially w. new tech
A1 Never comfortable enough. Always looking for new resources and ideas
I think we need to be open and honest with our strengths and limitations and be willing to support each other.
I did too until I learned about the types of writing this summer!
I agree. It’s especially challenging to create writing opportunities in other subjects in authentic ways.
yes consider audience and medium for sure
I am very comfortable with writing.
Sharing what we know, and admitting what we don't know!
My son 17 is fab writer, poems , stories published. He says having teachers who liberate writing than restrict by rules was key.
yes! and I also found co-teaching it helped me feel more comfortable
Q2 coming up in one minute!
We have to take risks and show our Ss that we are learning right along with them sometimes.
wonderful! give students choice and passion!
There are many people who feel the same way and are looking to continue to find new ideas. That’s why we are here!
I am currently sitting next to a pro
What we read drives what we write
A2: Show Ss what good writing looks like as you analyze and explore a piece of literature while reading it. Mentor texts matter.
That's great feedback for teachers! https://t.co/ujOHLYMuJ4
My son 17 is fab writer, poems , stories published. He says having teachers who liberate writing than restrict by rules was key.
A2: Writing can be used to track thinking while reading. For example: Ss making annotations as a part of the reading process.
very much so! analyze what you're reading!
A2- I think we can use a lot of the same strategies we use with the SaskReads-most apply
A2 . Reading can activate the students background knowledge which they can then share though writing. They go hand in hand nicely.
yes, many experiences through literature and life certainly broaden the ideas. Start with ideas
A2: I integrate reading with F&NF texts across subjects & what we read often shapes what we write.
That’s awesome. We need Ss to feel like writing is something that they can enjoy and feel passionate about. Not a task.
Agreed. I think many of the things we do with reading can be mirrored with writing.
That's great. Students will see that reading and writing are intertwined and help us to expand our thinking.
agreed! and it gives Ss purpose, especially if they're excited about what they're reading
A2: We need to build connections between reading & writing. Research proves that Ss who read more become better writers.
Happy writing A:2 Displays of writing
Absolutely and those processes are benefiting one other!
Give Ss time and choice to do both!
Q3 coming up in one minute!
I read somewhere that reading is like breathing in and writing is like breathing out.
A3 "Motivation comes from a writer's desire to answer his/her own questions"
How can teachers make writing purposeful?
A3-student interest and choice
A3: Choice! When we started writing this year my Ss were amazed that they could write about anything- make it meaningful for Ss
I like that! Shows how strongly they are connected!
A3: Engagement comes from tasks that matter & are of interest to Ss. Give choice in format & genre when possible. Authenticity!
A3 as a current student myself I like to write about what I am interested in
Sounds to me like you are saying they need “purpose”.
So true! I never choose a term paper topic that isn't interesting to me!
A3: Writing opps must be authentic for Ss. Provide purposeful writing opportunities that incorporate Ss interests and choice.
A3 provide choice when possible. My students love "Free Write Friday" they are so engaged. (joining in late!)
A3 Give Ss opportunities to use different platforms to write such as technology.
Ss need to feel a sense of ownership for their writing. Choosing the way they express themselves provides this.
And choice in the format we use is important as well! We like to writing in different ways.
Absolutely! We write to communicate. If there is no audience at the end, why does it matter? It must be authentic.
Absolutely. We need to get Ss using technology to represent their ideas in ways they would outside of school.
suggests show don't tell Ss
Exactly. When we think of writing we focus to much on pencil/paper. How about computer/blog/email/tweet, etc?
Q4 coming up in one minute!
A:3 More times to just write about what ever. Without any particular required structure.
yes and help them create the message they want to share
All great ideas! Clear communication is the key.
Offer peer support time. Ss offer suggestions for improvement, praise for what they like in their friends' writing. Powerful
Choice and interest makes a huge difference!
Students are more likely to see themselves as writers when there aren't so many restrictions placed on them.
A4 what works well for me is when the instructor provides an example as well as a rubric to guide me.
A4: Just as we would for any other subject we need to use the GRR to teach all aspects of writing - from ideas to publication
so powerful! helping Ss learn to give strong feedback
I might need some practice on my grammar skills with that tweet! Send writing support this way!
states that too...be vulnerable
Exactly! Ss need to see the writing process modeled for them before they can become independent.
Great to have you join us Darcie!
yes, I find that process takes training for students to be effective at giving feedback
Welcome Darcie. Glad to have you with us at . Thanks for jumping in!
A4 it is important for you to model a draft writing so students see that it is okay to change your writing as you write
A4: enriched vocabulary bank to choose from ..Feeling words , description words etc...
that is what I struggle with
that would benefit our EAL Ss as well!
Modelling is key! That's a step that is sometimes missed. We can’t just tell them, we must show and support Ss.
A4:We must spend time tchg Ss skills that real writers use on a daily basis. Skills Ss need to be successful as 21st cent citizens
A4 we call it adding juicy words! Model how to create the picture in their mind through word choice.
This will support Ss with seeing writing as a process and not just about getting the piece done to say it is done.
agreed; not being a writer, what skills would Ss need?
The more students own the process, the more they will buy in, and enjoy it.
Love that! Supporting Ss with word choice when they need it will help their confidence.
Q5 coming up in one minute!
I think it means adapting writing in ways that match the demands of the world. ex. How to write a professional email
A4: Ss need to see the writing process looks diff. with each mode. Ex: Writing an essay relies on a diff. process than an email.
I really like that. I never thought of teaching writing that way but that really makes sense to me.
Definitely! It takes skills and understanding to know what writing process you must use to match your intent.
"Use your words to paint the picture." Great advice.
collaboration deepens Ss thinking about topics and writing
A5. Sharing of ideas and resources
A5 it is a perfect way for students to work together to help each other grow in writing. Peer edit.
A5 - by working together through the process. Ss collaborating on a product. Giving authentic feedback
kids love I love group writing. Online shared editing and building of a doc
There’s a reading/writing connection. Juicy words create visualizations for readers.
A5: Sharing writing and getting questions or comments from classmates has helped my students improve their writing
agree, "creates a community of learners that support each other"
A5 Any opportunity we give students a chance to collaborate, we give them a chance to receive instant feedback from each other
Teacher and student conference and have great writing talk.
do you find they are more engaged?
A5: Collaboration can provide much needed peer feedback. We learn from each other by sharing ideas, giving feedback & reflecting.
Collaboration in brainstorming is important as is peer editing -helping someone make their work better makes for a better writer
which is very powerful and engaging
A5 offering ideas on where the story could go. I ask for predictions that sometimes lead the writer in a whole direction.
Sometimes that peer feedback is more powerful than anything we can say too.
Yes! They are beginning to see more of a 'purpose' to their writing. Ss proudly share their work
A5: Collaboration may occur at diff parts of the writing process & should be used to strengthen skills Ss are still developing.
I like that; when do you do the predictions? do they do them for each other or themselves?
Collaboration between various skills for each Ss is important . 'Internal collaboration of strength to complements weaker areas'.
yes isn't the stat something like 80% of feedback comes from peers-positive or negative
Agreed. And as Ts we can model the collaboration process through co-teaching. It will help Ss see how powerful it is.
Q6 coming up in - you guessed it - one minute!
That’s a great form of differentiation for Ss. Provide support in the area where it is needed via collaboration.
Agreed that is an excellent strategy to model
and kids learn so much when they are engaged
A6 analyze what I read in hopes of applying it to my writing
A6 building a collection of great mentor texts for mini lessons. So much more engaging for Ss
If thats the case we should use that to our advantage & teach Ss how to be productive collaborators
A6: To build a love of writing in my Ss. For them to see it as enjoyable and exciting, rather than difficult and boring!
A6- Using my writing centres more effectively
A6. Letting students know that it is a process not a one time write. It takes time
A6- do a writing environmental walk in our school as a staff
A6: Work with our staff to develop common writing practices that promote/support high quality writing instruction in our school.
A6: Work with Ss to set individual goals to help them see themselves as writers one step at a time
A6- getting kids to peer edit for more than punctuation and capital letters
Great idea! I think thats a great starting point.
Do you mean exemplars for other students to learn from?
Less focus on product and more focus on process!
We have common practices for reading, it would be incredibly powerful if we had them for writing too!
I think they are okay with the process when motivated but if it isn't meaningful then process becomes tough & boring
I would love to hear how that goes and learn more.
A6 we are trying to draw attention to the importance of writing at our school this year, first year in for this goal
Move some of our common practices in reading instruction over into the writing instruction. Love it!
powerful! that will be beautiful
agreed so when you put all 6 of these questions together, while writing with kids it will be amazing!!
A:6 Promote creativity with more time for freedom to write whatever outside set structures authentic
Exactly. The hard work is already done. Now bring writing into the fold!
A6 - Involve students in an authentic writing process and give consistent and clear feedback
Great idea. Thx for clarifying for me.
planting the seeds and then nurture the garden
Thanks to our great hosts tonight, , , and ! You guys are the greatest!
good idea. One step at a time!!
I think it is like anything. When Ss are motivated they can achieve anything.
I would use same rubric as in saskreads for admin but change to writing
Great goal. Student’s need time to develop their own voice as a writer. That’s a great way for that to happen.
Thanks for a great start to the year at ! Keep the conversation going! Our next is October 26th - 21st Century Schools!
Thanks for a great start to the year at ! Keep the conversation going! Our next is October 26th - 21st Century Schools!
that is where we are at too. First year focussed on writing
consistent and clear is crucial!
Yes! I think authenticity and creativity must go hand in hand in writing
Thanks for joining us tonight everyone. Extra special thank you goes to Rayleen for co-moderating tonight. Great job!
Thanks for the chat and ideas everyone!
I agree! Without that - why give the feedback :)
Thanks to our great moderators and everyone for a great first chat
