Monday, June 22, 2009
Writing Prompts
I was surprised to read in Newkirk's text that "open-ended journal invitations often do not work as well as prompts or frames" (frames?? What is that??) (82). I believe that I heard or read somewhere (perhaps Buckner?) that students should not always be given writing prompts. Therefore, this past school year I gave students time to write about whatever topic they wished during our five minute writing time. When I asked students for feedback after the first quarter, many students said that they would really like writer's notebook prompts. I then began to incorporate at least one prompt per week. After the second quarter feedback, students were still requesting more prompts. Reflecting back upon the writing I remember reading in their writer's notebooks, many of the best writing pieces were based upon prompts.... I guess I need to listen to my students more and listen to "experts" with another grain of salt.
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ReplyDeleteHi Laura,
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. When I first started teaching, I always gave a prompt, or at least a choice between two or three. Last year in NWP, I remember Alexa quoting someone (not sure who) who said that when you always provide a prompt, you are putting your students on 'writer's welfare.' After hearing that, I really backed away from prompts. However, many of my kids still like to be guided in some direction. I like the idea of very open prompts, like music, pictures, objects, etc. These allow for creativity and so many approaches to the topic. I think some kids, especially those who lack confidence in writing, need prompts of some sort while they are developing as writers. I have also found that copy change is a great way to get them writing, which I guess is a sort of prompt. I guess you just need to feel it out, decide who benefits from having guidelines and how often to provide them. A teacher I work with has a jar of prompts written on cards that the kids can just reach in and grab if they're stuck on ideas. They seem to like this, and the card they choose may become a springboard for another writing topic.
I bought an art book tonight to take apart and laminiate for writing options--great idea Greta! Thanks! As much as it pains me, how do I go about dismantling a coffee table size book well?
ReplyDeleteAs for the pictures, Angie, I do have a box of weird things on postcard size paper. Some students really got into it. I think I will combine some ideas. I like the idea of copy change as well. I think that it will be especially helpful for my stuggling writers. Because of SAI, I will now just pass out cards to all students every now and then. I never did that before and I'm not sure why...last year I just let students get a picture if they needed some inspiration.
I know I tend to be a grade-aholic, but this thought keeps rattling around in my head: I like students to know that I read their writing and have a conversation with them in their writer's notebooks about it. I guess that I will still create that writing relationship with my students by reading/commenting on an entry of their choice?
Laura, I found your comment elsewhere on this blog extremely helpful about grading. I am not their end all and be all guru of writing. Students' peers can read one another's writing and make just as valuable comments (if not better), and that's instantaneous feedback that I usually can't provide. It sounds like need to be in a 12 step recovering graders program--just staying with the theme Teri! :) Serenity to write in English class more--Courage to not feel I have to grade it all!
Graders Anonymous - except who'd have time?
ReplyDeleteTrue..we'd just keep rescheduling! :)
ReplyDelete