I found many things interesting in regards to The Mechanics of Writing in chapter 7. Chapter 7 discussed how it is important to spell words incorrectly on purpose so that the students have a chance to identify the mistakes. Teachers can also eliminate spaces, not capitalize words, and eliminate punctuations. This will also allow students to identify the mistakes which will improve their writing and spelling.
I found it interesting how important it is for students to write their own thoughts without being concerned with the mechanics of writing. I knew it was important for students to have the opportunity to write freely, but I was taught that you should always worry about whether or not you spelled everything correctly, used accurate punctuation, and accurate spacing. Chapter 7 states that there is a time for free writing, where children should not have to worry about the mechanics of writing. Chapter 7 also states that there is a time for edited writing, where the children need to worry about the mechanics of writing. I agree with the idea that Chapter 7 presented: not all writing assignments should be turned in because this will help children with their writing and build their confidence since there is not a grade for it.Chapter 7 provided many useful spelling games that are easy to use in the classroom. Many students will be more willing to learn and participate in class if you make the subject matter a fun game. I personally liked the game Trace a Word. This game is when students "write" spelling words on another students back using their pointer finger and they have to guess what their partner wrote on their back. I use to play this game outside of school, so it makes sense that teachers would incorporate a game children enjoy inside the classroom.
I found it interesting that Chapter 7 included the use of a keyboard under the subject of Handwriting. When I think of handwriting, I think of a student with a pencil and paper. It is important that students are exposed to keyboards at an early age and learn how to use the keyboard. If students are not exposed to keyboards until second or third grade, they may end up teaching themselves the incorrect way. Students who teach themselves how to use the keyboard usually end up pecking which is an inefficient way of typing and very difficult to change.
It is important that we teach the students the correct way to write at an early age or else they will have a difficult time later on in their education career.
Michaella,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your chapter summary. It was very easy to follow along with and also very easy to comprehend! I agree with you very much with all the things you were saying in your summary. When I was in school, it was very important for us students to make sure we were always using correct spelling and grammar. So I was always so much more worried about getting all those things correct, it made me pay less attention and give less focus to what I was actually writing about! I love the idea of students being able to write freely without the fear of getting marked down for their grammatical and spelling errors. And then having a time that is for them to worry about their mechanics, it also very beneficial. I would love to use this strategy in my future classroom. I really like what you said about children having more confidence when they do not turn all of their papers in. That is very true. Students love to get more practice with writing before they turn something in, at least that is how most students in my class were when I was in elementary school. Do you think you would like to use this type of strategy in your future classroom?
I think it is very imporant for there to be not just games in the classroom, but games that are actually fun. It helps boost the morale of the classroom and the children stay more focused. Sometimes, if the children liked the games they played in the classroom, they will go on and teach other children the games. They might even teach them to their families. I know I used to do that with games I really enjoyed in school. I would be so eager to go home and try to teach my mom what I was taught.
I agree with you, I think it is very important for children to be exposed to a keyboard at a young age. Nowadays, pretty much everything is centered around technology. Especially when the children who are young now, get much older, the technology will probably be so advanced. These children are going to have to know how to use a keyboard, so it is beneficial for them to start learning it early on.
Like you said, it is very important for students to write the correct way at an early age because old habits are hard to break and we want students to be sucessful as possible!