Reflection

 I have learned so much from this course and have been able to apply almost everything we have learned immediately into my teaching practices. Because of this course, I have not only amped up my writing instruction time, but have seen a difference in my students’ attitudes toward writing. They are eager to share their ideas/writing pieces with me and each other. 

I had already started incorporating grammar into my daily instruction based on the last course we took and no longer do “skill of the week” but make sure I cover the SOLs for grammar alongside what I’m already teaching. It is mind boggling how much more receptive my students are in this form of delivery than in years past. They are also applying it more which is strengthening their writing. 

I also am excited to be sharing my writing and my write alouds with them. They can see the struggle and the accomplishments right alongside me and know that there is no one way to write something, but it is indeed a craft. 

I am still considering using the POW/TIDE method once we start expository writing. I think it will be a useful tool that they will be able to carry with them long after they leave my classroom. I feel it will benefit them greatly, especially when they have to take the writing SOL. 

Although, I have changed some things, there are still things I need to tweak. Teaching and learning are ever changing though. I have learned to try new things and adjust my style a bit to continue to use best practice. 

I am so glad I have been able to incorporate so many new things into my writing instruction this year even though as a school as a whole, writing is on the back burner. I believe my students are being pushed in their learning and it is showing in all areas, not just writing!