my+first+try

Karin Anderson Page 115. Emphasize the idea of concentrating first on content by generating an array of ideas through prewriting strategies. .....the work of developing good solid content - finding something to say - is really "job number 1" for a writer. ......revision, the heart of the writing process, comes in. ....Point out that good ideas, when presented in a confused way, become muddled ideas. Encourage students to "preview" the organization of their reports in an introductory paragraph. Explain why strong conclusions matter. Finally, have the students focus on the basic mechanics of their papers........."No, it isn't," you reply. "But I value good writing - and you should too"

This passage was important to me as it gives me a script to follow for student writing. Explaining that finding something to say is"job number 1" is a good target for students. This passage leads the reader to realize that mechanics are not the most important part of a paper. I like when he says that when a good idea is presented in a confused way it becomes a muddled idea. This is a strong statement that students could relate to. Finally, I like the response that I can use about telling students that I value good writing, not that I can make them value their writing, but I think it is important that students know their teacher also can value their work. By the way, It is near impossible for me to work when folks are talking so this may seem a bit muddled to you also.

susans comments: I hear (read) Karin talking about revision and being a good writer. I agree about the passage, I chose it, too. I read that Karin likes that he gives us a kind of template to follow to lead our students to revisions and better writing. I also liked the statement about presenting a good idea confused, makes it muddled. That is a great statement to read over and over again, because it states so clearly that we need to revise and work on simple presentation!

Susan Ingerson's Comments: It is nice to have some type of template to use, because it will help me feel more comfortable when presenting new ideas/strategies with students. I was thinking about their Genetic Engineering speeches as I read this part, playing out in my head how I can do things differently next year.

Pam's comments:

I think it is great to have a template to use to get started with the process until there is a comfort level for the teacher. I think it is important that all teachers value good writing no matter what the content or grade level.