----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Dana Williams <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: Judy Mazur <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Friday, July 18, 2008 10:18:13 PM
Subject: Re: [Understand] Bear with me...
Judy -
I think its a valid concern you have and shows how dedicated you are to making
sure you're doing the best for your students. As far as spelling goes, I
believe that some people are just naturally "good spellers". Not that I
necessarily believe they're just born that way, but maybe their learning style
lends itself more to seeing the patterns inherent in our language? Anyway, I,
too, have struggled with spelling throughout my teaching career. Those who are
not "good spellers" either don't or can't just memorize a weekly list. The
best solution I have come up with thus far is from Nancie Atwell - each student
works on their own personal list of words they personally struggle with. It's
very manageable and easy to implement. I can send you more info if you'd like.
As for your other examples, I'm thinking that maybe you need to have this
discussion with your students? Tell them that you've noticed what great
thinkers they are. Tell them you love how they work through a text and make
their own meaning, come to understand. But also tell them that, in life, there
are, unfortunately, some things you just have to memorize. Give them examples
from your own life of tasks that may seem unpleasant to you, but are
necessary. Share with them things you have to memorize - your checking account
number, what you need to pick up from the grocery store. And, right now, they
have to memorize how many pints are in a gallon. Sympathize with their
struggle, but such is life, right?
As much as I LOVE teaching them to become lifelong readers and writers, I have
to accept the reality that there are times were the content is just as
important as the process.
Just my thoughts here.... maybe someone else has a better reply to the content
vs. process issue (which, I think, is what you're toying with).
Dana
----- Original Message ----
From: Judy Mazur <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: understand@literacyworkshop.org
Sent: Friday, July 18, 2008 8:42:33 PM
Subject: [Understand] Bear with me...
I'm not eloquent, and I don't quite know how to say this, but I'm starting to
worry a bit about the emphasis I'm placing on thinking. I am devoted to
comprehension strategies and writer's workshop. My goal is for my students to
become joyful independent learners, thinkers who delve. I raise the bar every
year and am thrilled with the ability of my third graders. BUT, now that
several of you have brought up spelling (my LEAST favorite subject--I love what
Beverlee wrote), I realize that my kids never, and I mean NEVER, memorize.
Even my most brilliant kids seem stymied when converting gallons to pints
(without a chart or visual). Spelling mistakes are frequent. I am beginning
to wonder if I am doing them a disservice. Am I crippling them as learners by
focusing on process? Is it enough to give them strategies to solve problems if
they need to be reminded how many days are in each month? I swear I will never
go back to the "old way" of
teaching, but I am concerned. What do you think?
I hope my concern is clear,
Judy
(judy3ca)
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