I am sad to say this week will be the end of my summer class, Teaching Elementary Writing. This class has opened up my eyes to how important writing is at the elementary age. It has taught me the traits of writing and how to use a writing center. I am excited to say that the writing center I have created for this class will be used during my final internship next year! If you are interested to see what all is included in my writing center, including the rational behind it, you can click on the writing center tab above. During this past week of Teaching Elementary Writing, my professors brought in three amazing guest speakers. The first two speakers presented to my class their research on language used in the classroom. I was amazed at the results! They showed data on how the language they used in their classrooms changed students from fixed-minded to dynamic learners. Their classrooms changed by becoming student-led. During their presentation they shared with my class two books that they learned how to talk to students. They are called Open Minds and Choice Words by Peter Johnson. I was so intrigued that I bought both of them to add to my teacher resources. I have even begun reading Open Minds! I love the book so far. It gives examples, purposes, and data of how language is so powerful. This presentation was very eye opening to me. It has given me strength to ask my CT to use this language with students next year and to want to be a new teacher who conducts research for more effective teachers and student learning.
Here are pictures of the text that supported their research in the classroom.
Looking forward to my writing lessons in the fall!
-Miss Honey