Cynthia is discussing how the test preparation gets in the way of teaching writing. I can definitely connect to this dilemma! My system is getting better, yet we still have a ways to go...
It is still a BIG PUSH about testing. She also reveals frustration about not having enough time to spend on teaching writing>
- does anyone else have this problem? Or how to you combine teaching writing with other subjects?
When she wrote about-what to do about students, shallowness in writing, I truly can relate!!! The strategies in Chapter 3 Writing With Style gives really great strategies for dealing with this...
Writing With Style Chapter 3
The analogies used in this chapter will really help my students understand the concept of writing more indepth, "this sentence is like a skeleton, all bone. We're going to add to this to 'flesh the sentence out'. I think this will give them a visual of writing better sentences.
The quality questioning is also a great strategy to help them add more details to their writing-I often get stuck in how to help them add more-this strategy will help me (pages 66-71)
Telling the Story, Asking Questions (pages 73-76) I can see it making a difference for my students in their writing development.
The F.I.T. chart and the analogy ( pages77-81) I will certainly use!!!)
This book's set up is worth a mention- how teacher friendly- starting with The Problem and Solution, then ending with Teacher Reflections: Tangible Results!
What do you think about this chapter?
What is your take/opinion of Truisms? How do you think using this strategy will help students?
The powerful revision strategy Ba-da-bing-the examples are really good! (page 101)
Be sure to check out the student spotlight> very good example of building ELL's writing ability...
