Dear Megan,
I have been doing Writing Workshop for a few months now and my children are really excited to learn about the authers we have studied: David Shannon, Eric Carle, and now Leo Lionnie.
The children do not seem very excited about Writers workshop.
They produce excellent stories for 3 and 4 year olds but they hurry through and I don't think some of them understand that they are writing a book. Any suggestions on how to get them excited about books and that they are writing books.
Thank you again,
John
John,
Thank you very much for your comment! I always make sure to overemphasize that my students are authors just like those you are studying. I say that regular people see things one way but authors like them see them as stories. If you constantly tell them they are authors and treat them that way they will start to see themselves in that light. I also recommend an authors chair time where your students share their book they are working on or have finished. Giving the students a chance to tell their stories to an audience is great. You also want to have your audience comment back. What did you like about Mike's story? Displaying their books in your classroom library is another way to connect them with their favorite authors.
I hope these ideas will help you out as you motivate your students to be writers. Please let us know how they work or if you need any other ideas. I hope to hear from you soon!
Smiles,
Megan
Dear Megan,
I have been doing Writing Workshop for a few months now and my children are really excited to learn about the authers we have studied: David Shannon, Eric Carle, and now Leo Lionnie.
The children do not seem very excited about Writers workshop.
They produce excellent stories for 3 and 4 year olds but they hurry through and I don't think some of them understand that they are writing a book. Any suggestions on how to get them excited about books and that they are writing books.
Thank you again,
John
John,
Thank you very much for your comment! I always make sure to overemphasize that my students are authors just like those you are studying. I say that regular people see things one way but authors like them see them as stories. If you constantly tell them they are authors and treat them that way they will start to see themselves in that light. I also recommend an authors chair time where your students share their book they are working on or have finished. Giving the students a chance to tell their stories to an audience is great. You also want to have your audience comment back. What did you like about Mike's story? Displaying their books in your classroom library is another way to connect them with their favorite authors.
I hope these ideas will help you out as you motivate your students to be writers. Please let us know how they work or if you need any other ideas. I hope to hear from you soon!
Smiles,
Megan