A1 Student choice in reading helps them learn who they are as readers, builds their confidence in reading, and helps them enjoy reading. Students who enjoy reading read more. #rethinkela
#reThinkELA A1: When Ss are given choices, then they decide the purpose for the reading and what they will do with it. They will not feel like they are forced to read.
A1 Students who have developed their identity as readers are confident readers. Readers who are confident will be more open to new and different texts. #rethinkela
A2 Student choice is writing is so important to help them develop confidence. In some ways, it shocks me how little confidence Ss have in their own writing. Then I remember my own lack of confidence... #rethinkela
A2 I always served on school newspapers staffs, so had frequent opportunities to create my own writing assignments from single news articles to double page spreads of of opinion pieces complete with art & working with other writers/artists. #rethinkela
These opportunities to chose my own writing helped me learn who I am as a writer and helped me build my confidence, even though I still struggle with that inner critic. #rethinkela
#reThinkELA A2: Just like reading, we need to show Ss that writing is not just for a test. Do they have to write essays all the time? No! Have them blog, write a book, write poetry, compose songs, or write a movie script. They need to see the purpose for it.
A3 So far, I have provided Ss with structured opportunities for choice. Write an essay on a topic of your choice based on several prompts, for example. I'd like to open this up more so Ss can create different products. #rethinkela
Do you have any criteria setup -- like Ss need to try different writing types at least once? I could see some Ss who would want to turn every assignment into a Haiku... #rethinkela
#reThinkELA A3: S choice starts the first week in my English IV class. Ss write a research paper & complete a senior project where they choose their topics, their modes of writing, and their reading selections. It’s all about what they want to learn and what they to do.
A4 I hear teachers sometimes say they want to give their students a voice. But that's not right. Students already have a voice -- they already have the ideas, the perspective, the words. We just need to help them see this and grow their voices. #rethinkela
A4 Teach students they have a voice, nurture that voice, and they will make you laugh, make you cry -- and sometimes take over the world. #reThinkELA studentsstandup
#reThinkELA A4: Ss need to be convinced that what they think is important. I always ask “What do you think?” I don’t want them just to regurgitate what I tell them.
A5 I work towards honoring each Ss voice. I "listen" as I read S work and try to help Ss tell their story using their words. I ask lots of questions & provide action statements that help students improve on their vision. I try not to put my words in their mouths. #rethinkela
#reThinkELA A5: I have Ss discuss in groups at least once a week, they give speeches,for their senior projects, and they email, conduct an interview, or call someone about what they are writing about for class.
A5 I also ask Ss to share everything they write for class with their groups. This gives them the opportunity to publish their work in a safe place, among friends. #rethinkela
A6 I've had Ss tell me that this has helped them get to know each other better, even those who have grown up together. They start to see each other in more meaningful ways, including as writers. #rethinkela
#reThinkELA A6: For Ss to make choices, they must first prepare. I have them research, keep a journal of their ideas, collaborate with a group, discuss, and create an artifact.
A7 I model my writing process for students, I work to honor their processes and encourage them as much as possible. I share with them my own struggles as a writer. I want them to know that even though I'm an award-winning writer, I struggle, too. #rethinkela
#reThinkELA A7: I think sharing their ideas, presenting their ideas, and collaborating with other Ss would help Ss with finding and sharing their ideas.
Student voice looks like letting them be their own person. It's letting them talk about what drives them, even if it's "off-topic." Passion = learning! You never know what essay response you may be stirring up. 😁 #reThinkELA
