Chapter 1

Wow! I am really enjoying this books. The thing that I was most struck with was the idea or need to create time for my kids to think. When we have writing workshop I ask them to move their pen or pencil pretty much constantly because I want them to get in the habit of "thinking on paper." Which brings me to the conundrum of how do I create that time for reflection while still holding them accountable for completing something in order to stay with in standards and all of that... its a dilemma I am excited to try and figure out. We only have a few months left of school and they are the craziest with all the testing but maybe I can ease some of the stress by allowing them time to think, reflect and write. Who knows?! 

I also liked how the author described books and the power that being read to provides. In some ways I felt like a few of my practices were validated. I read aloud to all of my classes. I attempt to provide reflection time although currently it has a time limit. So, again the challenge of providing time and being able to assess that in a way that keeps everyone happy- may be tricky but what an advantage they would have as students if they aren't afraid to think and reflect. 

The reminder of how little time we give them to respond was also a good reminder that thoughtful responses take time and that no response should be criticized to the point where a student doesn't want to respond. Discussion and re-direction is fine but not to the point of feeling embarrassed. 

Plus, this chapter gave me permission to take time to read, write, reflect... thrilled!

I will end my rambling with the awesome quote by Edward Albee "I write to find out what I'm thinking. " Reminds me of the quote that says- "How do I know what I think until I see what I say?" This is the quote that led to the request that they write no matter what. But now I will be working to adjust it... okay, I hope this rambling is alright. I am excited to experiment with my kids.

Until next time... L