I have often found myself struggling for ways to make my teaching of grammar relevant for kids. I need for them to be able to identify nouns, verbs and adjectives, but is that need really a priority for them? If one of my ultimate goals is to get them to become better writers, is that information that is really necessary? Will knowing those parts of speech motivate them to write more at school or at home? Somehow, I don't think so. I like the idea that students need production systems to help improve on their knowledge of grammar and writing, rather than a system of analysis about their work.
This change in thinking represents an evolution in my own thinking. As I continue to think about how to motivate my students, I realize that I may encounter some ideas that are revolutionary. My challenge will be to decide whether or not they will help my work with students evolve into something that is better for them, and for me.
Carrie's demo today was one that has challenged me to think about how I use technology to motivate kids. If I know that they enjoy using Social Media, doesn't it make sense for me to use it to motivate them to write and create/compose text? I am still concerned about the safety of the media, but sites like Fakewall will allow me use social media type applications without the issues of bullying that could happen on Facebook. I have also continued to think about how identity is created. Is identity that you want in "real" life the same as what you have on-line? Does that even matter?
The information that Katie shared today about starting points for inquiry-based research was really helpful. As I think about ways to encourage students to research and how to challenge them to challenge them to create their own inquiry questions, it is great to have a source that I could send them to that will integrate Social Studies with English/Language Arts.
Today has given me more to think about in terms of motivation. The goal is for them to want to write and share their work, not to be afraid of criticism or lack of understanding. I also want them to identify themselves as a writer.
Your thinking here about how to make writing and language meaningful and rich for children is so important. Building community, exploring identities, seeing writing from the writer's vantage point is so important. Can't wait to learn more about how you make this work.
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