Studio WISE…a mosaic of literacy, history, and creativity

• Before teaching students to write, we must build stamina and motivation in the students and many times with the teachers.
• Clear writing starts with clear thinking for children and adults.
• Writing is s craft, a process—a slow one.
• We learn to write by writing.
• Writers need to know the purpose and audience for the writing.
• Grammar books are not necessary to teach writing. They are a resource.
• Research shows that traditional grammar instruction, with its focus on rules, has little impact on the quality of students’ writing.
• Not all writing needs to be graded.
• Set high expectations, but don’t frustrate your weak writers.
• Some writing assignments are meant to be quick. Some may last several weeks.

Donald Graves, Steven Graham, and Lucy Calkins agree that writing needs to be satisfying, meaningful, give some choice, and opportunity to share. The teachers’ role is showing “how to do it” and helping students get it done through feedback.

“The antidote for failure equals explicit writing instruction and adequate practice.”

What do you need to do before actually creating a writing plan for a school system?

1. Create a systemwide writing committee composed of strong writing teachers (and administrators) across all curricular areas. Include some parents and community members.
2. Review the data and the current writing research. ( I am available to present this to your groups.) This will include a lot of information.
3. Review the writing process.
4. Study the writing standards.
5. Invite business people to discuss the importance of writing, and ask other districts that are successful to present what they do.
6. Write a rough draft of a plan.

This is a simplistic list, but the process will look different for different school systems. More will be involved, but this is the minimum to do in preparation. It will take time and patience. It is possible, however.

Whether you are a parent, teacher, administrator, student, or none of these, you most likely realize the importance of teaching students to think, and one of the best ways of achieving this goal is to teach students to write. Yes, TEACH students to write. This initiative belongs to parents and all educators, not just language arts teachers. It can be accomplished with a little guidance and time.

Writing in all content areas is writing to learn. Research has much to say about this very subject. As the research is not the point of this post, you see here only a bulleted list of the research.

• Best to integrate writing
• Writing is active engagement.
• Increases comprehension
• Helps make connections
• Makes us think about what we know or don’t know
• Motivates us to go where our interests are
• Enhances and refines thinking skills
• Organizes knowledge
• Enhances vocabulary
• Talking plus writing equals better retention.
• Helps students explain, describe, predict, and integrate
• Improves problem-solving
• Promotes inquiry
• Improves application
• Information/concepts are understood at a deeper level.

That is powerful information and should encourage us all to make some changes in how we approach writing in our classes. Writing helps to clarify and solidify what students have learned and helps them respond to what they read., so why is it so hard to do?

As we are ALL responsible for helping students learn to think, I will offer you some realistic suggestions, tried-and-true, to implement immediately. (A canned writing program will not accomplish the goal…) Writing is another way to monitor student learning and understanding. It increases understanding which will result in increased achievement in the content areas. WRITING is actually key. We cannot assume, however, that students can write effectively without our teaching them the HOW of writing.

For some background, students are expected to be proficient in writing narratives, persuasive/argumentative, and informational pieces, among others, and all of these can be used in others content areas, not just in ELA classes. The standards ask for more non-fiction reading and writing and to accomplish the writing , students collect data from numerous sources, both primary and secondary sources. Getting this accomplished takes direction from teachers and parents.

Writing in the content areas is NOT teaching students to write. It is applying what they know and have learned in their ELA classes. That being said, writing should be done daily and expected in every class. Following are strategies to help you get started now.

• Journals for reflections, summaries, quick-writes, self-assessments, think-pair-share, and research notes
• Notetaking (teach how): Chunk lectures and have summarization every 5-15 minutes.
• Read, analyze, and emulate argumentative pieces.
• Read info texts and look for evidence they can use to make claims in their writing.
• Give feedback on what students have done well and what they need to improve.
• Include writing on tests, notes, homework, quizzes.
• Teach vocabulary.
• Use word splashes.
• Use Concept Cards: On one side, students write the basic concept, procedure, etc.. On the other side, students explain… You could also accomplish the same thing with the Cornell Notes approach.
• In math, have students defend answers or routes taken in math. Create word problems.
• Journals, essays, timed-writing, response questions, open-ended questions
• Science writing is objective, logical, and precise. It includes lab reports, writing prompts to summarize, writing texts to explain graphs, analyzing, writing journals to outline procedures and findings, and writing to evaluate lectures and seminars.
• Summarizing in informational texts: One-sentence summary, Cornell notes, Big Picture questions, synthesizing, and the RAFT strategy
• Creativity has a place in science writing, as well. Students can write a first person account of a major volcano, a story describing food’s journey, a kid’s book explaining a scientific concept, you get the idea…

The key is to help students think, reflect, and organize. What better way to do this than to write! We are preparing our children for their tomorrows.

Have you ever felt like you were running a race but standing in place? Maybe you have felt as if you were popping all over the place like bacon in a hot skillet. Let’s have a chat about that.

Let’s be honest. We are not capable of doing everything or being everything to everyone. It is possible to have peace and no guilt (I’m still working on this one…) about how we spend our time. Before we delve into the subject of the use of our time, remember that constant, frantic behavior is not required to earn God’s favor.

A couple of myths are worth repeating . Myth 1: You can always fit more into your schedule. Fact: Time comes to us in a limited quantity. We also need to be aware of, not ignore, our God-given needs and rhythms when we choose what fits into our schedules.

Myth 2: Busyness is next to godliness. Fact: Nope. Jesus didn’t have a harried life. He rested. He found time to preach and to heal, but he also made time to meditate, spend time with others like his disciples, pray, and spend time alone.

Ok, what can we do? We are not “bionic Christians.” Let’s start with evaluating the use of time. Set some goals for building our relationship with God. Next, plan for the time you need for family. Then plan for everything else. Set priorities.

Eliminate things that are less important. Start to say no to activities that don’t fit your plan and obligations. Try to own less. Try to do less of the frivolous activities.

Enrich your family times. Think about your purpose and your family’s purpose. Build your life around that and your relationship with God. Ask yourself if your family pays a price for commitments and priorities you have. Rework these to protect and respect the family God gave you.

We have nothing to prove to anybody but God. Read 1 John 5:21 and 2 Peter 3: 10-11 as a reminder of this. What motivates you, God or man? Once you answer that, you are well on your way to make some changes.

It is possible to have peace, not guilt, about how we use our time.

Walking in our own gifts and talents is important. Comparing ourselves to others is harmful. We are uniquely created by God with our individual gifts that we are to share with the world.

It is really easy to look around and find someone that appears to be dripping with talents that we find much more appealing or even someone with the same talent we might have but at a different level. Stop it. Stop comparing yourself to others.

If God has blessed you with a musical talent, embrace it. You will always be able to find someone out there who is a better musician, but God has called you, at your level of ability, to share what you have. Study, practice, get better, but don’t compare. Of course, this is only one example, but it can be applied to any area of your life.

Natural talents aren’t just art, music, and the like. Natural talents can include adaptability, teamwork, public speaking,, and other soft skills. Maybe you are a fabulous cook or can organize and decorate. Talents typically come naturally to us, so identifying them early is beneficial. Parents and teachers need to be observant early and guide the children toward areas where the students excel. I’m not so sure we do a very effective job of that though.

Grouping us all together doesn’t work. We are different. Forcing a square into a circle doesn’t work. It frustrates. Accepting we are born with different abilities and talents is crucial. It’s not always easy to let your free spirit child develop among the other rigid family members, but watching children and adults develop and excel using the talents they have is so rewarding.

What would the world look like if we all stayed in our lane and used what we have to make the world a better, more loving, peaceful place? Let’s begin to use what we do well…and, yes, you have something you do well…to change the world. No more comparisons.

We watched a documentary today about the 82nd Airborne , and let’s just say, I am in awe. Oh, my word! What bravery these soldiers displayed! As they were preparing to jump rapidly out of the flying metal bird, I watched the faces and looked for signs of terror, any signs. I didn’t see any. Perhaps if I had been there, I would have heard the rapid beating of their brave hearts, but maybe not. It takes a special man or woman to be a soldier, and I am so appreciative that people have served and continue to serve to keep the United States of America safe.

I believe there are some folks that don’t consider the families and friends that are left behind when a soldier, whether drafted or a volunteer, leaves a comfortable, safe homeland to travel into the unknown. I say “unknown” because I believe no amount of Bootcamp can prepare for what awaits them at the end of their parachute or gun barrel.

Daddy, with a young wife and a precious baby on the way, volunteered at age 21. After Bootcamp and seeing his new son for a brief time, he flew to Germany where he spent seventeen months fulfilling his duty during the Korean War. My husband was drafted at age 21 and worried everyday for a year that he might lose his life in the thick jungles of Vietnam. Both made it home, but they were changed men and live with experiences they probably will never share.

It seems to me that the soldiers, at least those who are there for the right reason, have a brother or sisterhood that those of us on the outside cannot understand…and don’t want to understand on that level. To defend our country (and no matter what I hear from others, it remains a beautiful place), takes a special kind of individual with a bravery unlike any the average person has. I am sorry that it took watching this documentary to be reminded that I need not be afraid or ashamed to speak out about my love for the military and for what they have given to keep us safe and free.

Flying our United States flag, celebrating Veterans Day and Memorial Day, singing our National Anthem, and seeking out a soldier to thank are small gestures compared to what it takes to serve and perhaps give one’s life for these United States of America.

In today’s world, stress is almost imminent. The fast-paced lives we live often come with unexpected issues that cloud our minds and hearts with anxiety and unclear thoughts. Though we may never be completely stress-free, helpful strategies are available for managing this culprit.

Aromatherapy (essential oils) has been effective for years and can affect our emotions, our heart rate , and blood pressure. Breathing in the oils is relaxing and can calm us when we become anxious. Experts are available to train you in the proper techniques.

Journaling also is relaxing to many. Research supports this strategy and suggests that clarifying our feelings can counteract many of the negative effects of stress and anxiety. Just writing down thoughts and problem-solving along the way is very beneficial. A gratitude journal is especially helpful.

The Bible contains numerous scriptures related to anxiety and stress. Psalm 119: 143 says, ” Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight.” Matthew 6:34 says, ” Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself…” Reading the Word of God is a way to bring peace to the soul.

As well as using essential oils, journaling, and studying scriptures, other helpful strategies to counter stress are spending time with a friend, starting an exercise routine, changing your diet, and listening to music.

Some stress is expected and may even propel us toward action, but too much is harmful and needs to be controlled . Give some of the suggested strategies a chance and see what happens. Stress is a pest, but you can still be blessed.

Are you a notetaker or a list maker? Do you keep a calendar or a bullet journal to help you survive the chaos that ensues without a plan? I don’t know about you, but I need to write it down and check it off to get that feeling of accomplishment. A new year is a fantastic time to write down goals and even a vision as guidance for the upcoming months.

Since the beginning of 2022, I have heard no less than three virtual pastors sharing the same idea and even quoting scriptures to support the concept of writing it down. Habakkuk 2:2 says to ” write down the vision and to make it plain…” Revelation 1:19 reminds us to “write the things we have seen…” Jeremiah 30: 2-3 references “writing in a book” what the Lord has said. I’m not sure if I really am hearing more talk about this or just more aware than I have been.

All my life I have been a list maker and a keeper of a calendar. Though I have a good memory, I found with children’s activities, doctor’s appointments, and a job that required numerous meetings, I had to be prepared. Now in a different stage of life, there are more medical appointments for family members and my elderly parents to remember. I find myself writing more about my goals and vision for the years rather than day-to-day. I do keep a bullet journal as an organizing tool and to give me that sense of accomplishment that I referenced earlier.

We live in trying times, so I like to make daily, weekly, or monthly plans that include choices that make the world a better place. I like to purposefully, intentionally, write it down so that it gets finished. I can know that I have not squandered the precious time I have been given.

I was reminded this morning as I read about the need to uplift our children and grandchildren that we all have gifts, abilities, and talents that should be identified and used to make the world a better place. As I look around at the world, at least on the surface and what media presents, it is easy to get discouraged and think all hope is gone. Not so. If you are reading this, you are on this Earth for such a time as this to make a difference. It is not by chance that you were born at this time.

James 1:17 says we all may have different talents and God-given gifts, but all are important and can be used for good. I know sometimes we fail to use our talents because we fear failure or criticism; however, if God be for us, who can be against us.

Maybe you question what your talents and gifts are and wonder if you have anything even to share. You do. Assessments are available to help you identify your gifts. Also, friends and families many times recognize talents in us before we do. Ask them. Think about what makes you happy and things you enjoyed as a child. Think about what you love to do. What are your interests? All of this can help you identify what you are meant to share. Once you sort out your talents, abilities, and gifts, do all you can to practice and improve to be the best. ( Remember we all have weaknesses, too. Not everyone is good at everything.)

Our days are ordained. When we take our last breath, what will be said about what good we did with what we had been given? Will we have hidden our light under a bush or will we have let the light shine? It is not too late to start today.