Atwell-chapter 4

In chapter 4 of Atwell's book there is a section on "keeping track" of students work. I feel that this is really important because after ten months of work, and the hundreds of kids I will encounter in that ten months, organization will be required. Not only do I have to be organized, but I need to make sure my students are staying organized as well. I like how she talks about the different color folders that are used for different parts of the class. I remember being in middle school and trying to use a couple folders for 7 classes. I was always unorganized! My teachers never offered to help get me organized, I guess that is mine and my parents responsibility before his/hers. I think the fact that this teacher cares enough to actually buy her students folders for them shows a real concern for organization. I really want to do this with my students! http://www.teachervision.fen.com/classroom-management/resource/5803.html
This link has a lot of ideas on organizing the classroom!!

The next part of this chapter I was intrigued by was "establishing expectations." I completely agree when she says, "I need to teach my students what I expect -often again and again, through the fall, until they get inside their new roles and responsibilities." I think that even after modeling expectations, students should be reminded of expectations. I often wonder how I handled so many classes at one time, since I find it hard to manage 4 now. I can see how students will become overwhelmed and may need reminders of what is expected of them.

The last part I want to mention is on page 115. Nancie is talking about rules for workshop and she says: "Writing and reading can vary, and writers and readers can grow, when the teacher creates a reliable environment and pushes kids to use it." I think this is a great attitude toward teaching writing! Students will need direction and motivation in order to take full advantage of the classroom. This is an interesting article on how we, as teachers, can motivate our students. http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/motiv.htm