I was expecting to sell this book back in a month. I really was. I was taking notes on all the useful things I found and was already hearing the sweet "ka-ching" of another twenty (oh, wait. University bookstore. Thirteen.) dollars in my checking account. But then Gallagher has to go and impress me and give me too many useful ideas to write down.
I loved the chapter on collaboration and groupwork. I think he has some fantastic ideas about getting students to contribute and really focus on what they're reading. His group roles (well, Harvey Daniel's group roles) also cater to certain interests. I've been in Facilitator/Recorder/Reporter groups before and I always end up as the Facilitator (um, TEACHER!) and I feel like I do all the work. I love that his students are expected to prepare for and contribute to the discussion in a unique way. I also think all of his activities and questions would make great reading journal prompts.
Speaking of which, Stan already commented on reading journals. What do you guys think of using them in a High School classroom? I go back and forth. In some of my classes, I hate(d) my required journal; in others, it's the most useful part of the class (and not just by comparison). For me, I find the difference might lie in how much we're required to write and how often. My favorite journals have been for Dr. Moser, for ENG 351 and 354. She asks for 10 minutes, not a length, so it seems like less pressure to me. And she collects them every class and reads them so it helps her structure her lectures/discussions. I really liked it...well, at least I recognized its importance and liked it the most of any journal I've ever been required to keep. I think I would very rarely give the class a specific prompt, unless it was something I REALLY wanted them to get, to maybe prepare for the final assessment. I might give them a huge list of things to get them thinking, but they could write about any of them, as long as it was a critical response. The best way to get kids writing well is to get them to write in the first place.
I'm still trying to figure it out, but that's what this is about, right? So if you hate journals (as I often do) don't jump down my throat. I hate them too...sometimes.
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6 comments:
I actually LOVE the idea of class journals and intend to use them regularly (daily might be asking too much). But I think its good "bell work" where they can come in, sit and start writing without a lot of goofing off. Plus, it gets them in the mode of writing and hopefully will help them focus more in class. And then just the idea of allowing them freedom to write and think and be themselves - and get credit for it.....not to mention all that we can learn about our students through this venue. So....thumbs up for me on the journaling.
I completely agree with Kendra on this one. I honestly loved journaling in all of my classes that used it. Like she said it was a great way for me to get actual credit for just expressing my thoughts...something I love to do anyway. I also liked it as a way for me to communicate with my teacher. I was one of those really shy students that never made huge connections with my teachers, but when I was able to write something down, turn it in, then get her comments back to me, I was able to connect with my teacher and let them get to know me. I will definitly use journaling in my classroom and hope that kids take advantage of this time to really express themselves.
I agree, Katie. This book is definitely worth keeping. It's full of useful strategies and activities.
I agree with you, Kendra. I like the idea of using class journals; however, a lot of teachers use them solely for busy work while they take attendance and do house-keeping tasks at the beginning of class. If that's all they're used for, students will catch on quickly.
I will probably have the students get into small groups and discuss their entries, and then I'll collect them myself and make comments about them.
I would like to incorporate journaling in my future middle school classes, but I am with you when you ask what if the studetns do not like writing? How can we make journaling interesting. Should we assign a specific topic or allow them to write about anything? Will they write too little? Sorry, I'm just rambling. If you happen to stumble upon an answer for my questions let me know!
Like the rest of you-- i am also keeping my book for some obvious reasons!
Jess- i think there are some interesting ways to incorporate journaling and make it interesting to the students. Always give them a choice of a prompt. If they choose the prompt, always give them at least two choices. One of my teachers mentioned to have one relate to current lessons and the other to be a personal connection between the subject and their life. This gives students a lot of leeway to write about what they want. Also, by giving students options, you are giving them a sense of maturity, which they will enjoy.
Are there any other suggestions??
I'm pro required journals. Contrary to popular belief, the "Freedom Writers" idea of journals, where it makes every kid love the teacher, drop out of a gang, and go to college, probably isn't going to happen. However, I'm pro any assignment that gets kids to write (and the less restrictions, the better).
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