Every Friday students have to present their Monday Writing, by paraphrasing their paragraph and providing a tangible visual as they speak.. Oh my.... this is terrifying for third graders. It is one of our third grade standards so I believe the more you talk the more comfortable you get with the group, not so much yet....For example, the first student I picked, yesterday, to come to the front of the class, looked like death had warmed over! So, I thought...maybe I will have the students practice oral writing gestures as the students speak. This worked wonderful!! It eased the student, in front of the class because the students weren't just staring at them, they were helping them remember their topic sentence, their adders, and closing, in conclusion... Wow! I am so excited that I found another way to incorporate oral writing into the day! I believe it to be very effective coupled with enjoyment. Not to mention, every student was totally engaged during the students presentation. In the past, I would notice a few students losing interest after they had presented. Thats just not and option now!! Hooray for oral Writing!! Guess what I pushed at the end of the day??? Yes, the Wacky Fun star button!! I sent home some very excited third graders to enjoy their peaceful and relaxing weekend!!
Heather Hansen
Wbt Intern
2011/12
I was just reading about the Wacky Fun Button! You'll have to give some more details about how you use it ;-)
ReplyDeleteAllison
awholebrainteacher.blogspot.com
I'm trying to remember what the gesture was for Topic Sentence! I can remember the adder and the conclusion, but can't remember the gesture for T.S. Can you remind me what it was? THANKS!
ReplyDeleteThe gesture for topic sentence is put your hand on your chin and then put your other finger up like you found something:). Hope this helps!! Let me know!!
ReplyDeleteHeather Hansen
Wbt intern 2011/12