How do I get my boys to write? How do I get my boys to focus and work? How? Because if today's classroom happens again, I'm not sure what to do.
Granted, it's not all of them. But it more than not, so, any ideas out there? We're currently working on our informational books (and to the moms that read this...I don't think your boys would want you to see their papers yet). Any ideas that anyone can give would be great!
6 comments:
I don't have any easy answers for you, but I feel your frustration. I've have the same issues many times. Just wanted to let you know that you're not alone.
I wish I had an answer to this as well......today wasn't very pretty in our room either if that makes you feel any better.
Ahhh! To know that we are all not alone. Some suggestions include
- Setting goals
- providing "important spots" to write
- increasing their sense of purpose for the writing task
- offering a brain snack or music during writing can help calm and set the mood for them too
First, let me say that I'm sorry for the hard days you have as an educator (if you recall, I grew up in a family full of educators! Mom's hard days seemed to affect me, too! HA!) and I am also sure that you are an AMAZING teacher (in fact, I do believe that I have told you frequently that I WISH you were my child's teacher!)
As a mom who is having a REALLY hard time supporting a teacher who seems to expect my little BOY to act like a quiet, passive little GIRL in the classroom (I am doing my best though, I promise!).... I probably don't have any great advice.
EXCEPT.... let little boys BE little boys!!! (have you read Dobson's "Bringing Up Boys"? Even though it is really for parents, you would probably find it to be helpful, too. He talks about how our entire educational seems to be set up for girls to succeed and not boys).
Get them involved in TONS of hands on learning and manipulatives (THAT is what my 7 year old is longing for right now and missing....) His kindergarten teacher had three sons at home and understood boys.... she was awesome and did this ALL the time!
And as far as writing, whenever Aaron picks up a paper to write and illustrate at home on his own, he nearly ALWAYS wants to write about the themes of Star Wars, Indiana Jones, football, baseball, the Wii, snakes, and sword-fighting! Tap into their main interests.... let them do A LOT of illustrating.... the writing seems to come, too! Aaron loves to write when he can write about the things he loves! I have also started to notice that little boys, including mine, seem to love non-fiction vs. fiction. Just a thought! :)
And.... can you add a few more recesses to the day, too?!?! Just kidding on that one!!! :)
Okay.... so maybe I did have some advice.... take it or leave it!!!
Hang in there, lady! Better days are coming!!! Love and miss you.... when are you coming to FW?!?!?!?! Wanna have dinner????
Let us know what we can do at home to help. I'll do whatever it takes at home to help make the school day progress smoothly. My son told me that I was one of the moms you were referring to. He said he felt very bad that he made you mad and he didn't want to do that again. Call me if this becomes a problem. JB
Ralph Fletcher has a great book called "Boy Writers" that helps to explain boys a little bit better in the writing world. I would highly recommend getting a copy.
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