You have a sticky problem; I remember in my early years being a bit of a pariah for actually liking the writing/reading assignments in my uptight Catholic grade school. It's not "cool" when you're that age to have an aptitude or an enjoyment of the literary. I personally didn't care because I didn't really have a choice about being born the way I was. I'm sure you'll have some kids like that who you don't have to really worry about, but as for the other ones...
I know you tailor your lessons, so you're probably already giving them things to write about that they're interested in. If you can get them to write about anything then that is GI Joe half-the-battle won. Maybe it's unlikely or impractical, but if their computers or stereos record sound, they can just talk their assignments out then transcribe/revise at the same time. If they haven't learned to type, the brain-hand connection is hard to overcome. The recording tactic might appeal to kids interested in lyrics or music. I'm not sure what demographic or exact age range you're working with at the new school, but it's kind of like--look, guys KRS-One is a poet. So are you.
This question so flummoxed me (which is probably why I'm not a teacher) that I took it to Steve as well. He suggested that if you give them spelling words, have them also try to write a story using the words. Work a few angles at the same time, perhaps. Always, always try to get them to write about whatever they're interested in. They can write about anything and they need to understand that they'll need to do it everywhere: every job, every communication.
I worry about kids in this facet all the time. I think part of the reason I have such a soft spot for Harry Potter is because I'm terrified that the generations behind me are not excited about reading and writing. Seeing kids go absolutely bat-shit over a new book coming out is pretty miraculous.
That's the best I can do off the cuff; but you'll be here soon and we can ramble on in person and with beer in hand. Yay!
I know you tailor your lessons, so you're probably already giving them things to write about that they're interested in. If you can get them to write about anything then that is GI Joe half-the-battle won. Maybe it's unlikely or impractical, but if their computers or stereos record sound, they can just talk their assignments out then transcribe/revise at the same time. If they haven't learned to type, the brain-hand connection is hard to overcome. The recording tactic might appeal to kids interested in lyrics or music. I'm not sure what demographic or exact age range you're working with at the new school, but it's kind of like--look, guys KRS-One is a poet. So are you.
This question so flummoxed me (which is probably why I'm not a teacher) that I took it to Steve as well. He suggested that if you give them spelling words, have them also try to write a story using the words. Work a few angles at the same time, perhaps. Always, always try to get them to write about whatever they're interested in. They can write about anything and they need to understand that they'll need to do it everywhere: every job, every communication.
I worry about kids in this facet all the time. I think part of the reason I have such a soft spot for Harry Potter is because I'm terrified that the generations behind me are not excited about reading and writing. Seeing kids go absolutely bat-shit over a new book coming out is pretty miraculous.
That's the best I can do off the cuff; but you'll be here soon and we can ramble on in person and with beer in hand. Yay!
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