Chapter 8: Organize for Daily Writing

One of my favorite suggestions from this chapter was establishing daily routines adn model expeceted behavior.  Modeling is something that I struggle with because I simply forget about it.  I feel the more I read about it, the closer to the forefront of my mind the idea is.  I have forced myself to do more modeling of writing lately.  I have noticed the difference- the kids are starting to catch my mistakes and are more able to help others!  I often reflect on how a lesson/ writing session went on my own, but I don't reflect with the kids.  They really are great at helping suggest the highs and lows of a lesson.

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Another idea that Routeman states (it actually comes up through out the text) is the idea of student engagement.  Students are more likely to be involved when they have some control over what they are doing. We can accomplish this by teaching a variety of types of writing, being encouraging, having a predictable format for writing time, and giving time to write.