Check out more slices at Two Writing Teachers
This week I get to observe teachers and students in writer’s workshop. This is my second year of working with this group of K-2 teachers. Last year our focus was on developing balanced literacy in the reading block of their schedule. This year the focus has been implementing writer’s workshop. My week will be drawing to a close on Friday and I will travel back home where I will evaluate what I have seen, so that I may continue to guide them as these teachers work to deliver the best practices in literacy instructions.
I have watched mini-lessons that range from learning how to use commas in a series, adding details to enhance the writing, discovering the how-to writing genre, being aware of sentence fluency and how it affects the piece of writing, using transition words effectively, and narrowing the focus of their writing. Then I get to watch the students in action. The quiet ten of no walk, no talk is delightful to watch. As I sat in class yesterday I tried to put into words what I was noticing. My two word sentence poem was born. The soft classical music was just the right note to begin stirring my creative juices.
Heads bend
Pencils move
Brains think
Eyes read
Papers rustle
Music calms
Minds engage
Brows furrow
Pages turn
Writers create
Writer’s workshop is a good place to be, no matter how old you are.
Btw: May I use this poem in an upcoming call for sol posts (ie, on a Tues in April)? Please email me and lmk if that’d be okay with you. Thx!
The work you’re doing is fantastic: both for the teachers and the students. Beautiful poem too!
I wish you were at my school, encouraging my colleagues who do NOT use writer’s workshop at all! 😦 I wish you were there to stand beside me, too. BUT it is not to be so I am so thankful that you are out there observing, encouraging, and noticing the wonder. I play classical music, too.
As one who does this too, Elsie, I loved hearing you talk about your work. Like others above, I’m not familiar with the ‘quiet ten, no walk no talk’ either. Great lines. Your poem is beautiful, shows that it was a very good day!
I love to see the creative juices in children’s writing.
Your poem cleverly captures the atmosphere of learning.
These students are so lucky to be learning in this way. Thank you for sharing your day with us.
I’m not familiar with “The quiet ten” and I love the line “The quiet ten of no walk, no talk is delightful to watch. ” I can imagine you observing these students! Really enjoy the two word sentences, a lovely poem. What a special time you had, working with these students!
I really liked “minds engage.” That is such a brilliant sound isn’t it?
I’m in constant admiration of those who teach writing from the very beginning. It must be so challenging, and yet so exciting! Your poem describes a joyful, learning-rich classroom. Love it!
Poem described an engaged classroom that I’m sure gave you great joy to watch…need to try the two word poem. : )
I would love to have someone like you at my school! I would welcome the observation, suggestions and collaboration. I love Writing Workshop but sometimes long for someone else who could encourage me when I feel stuck. Nobody else at my school does it. Your teachers are really blessed to have you.
Your poem is going on our wall Elsie….you captured our writing workshop, 45 minutes of writing bliss every day!
I had never heard of the quiet ten before. Great idea!
As I read your poem, I could visualize how those students were working so hard to get words on their paper.
This makes me want to get back into the classroom. I did not know what you meant when you said quiet ten…but figured it out. It is what I used to do but had no name for it!.. Your two word poem led me right through the writing process as I could see these young students going through the steps. Jackie http://familytrove.blogspot.com/
Isn’t it great that the quiet ten gave you a chance to write too. I hope that the workshop was as inspiring and productive for the students.
I’m with you, Elsie. Writer’s Workshop lives! “Brows furrow.” Wouldn’t you like to know what they are thinking right then?
Loved the poem: simple and to the point. Instructions for students: simple and to the point. Time: short and sweet. Results: Left wanting more!
I just love writer’s workshop. Kids busily writing. It’s simply the best! Love your poem by the way. 😉
I love March because I focus on writing right beside my students. They know not to disturb me unless they’re on fire or bleeding. Quiet ten is a new term for me, but I plan to use it. as well as the phrase “no walk, no talk” with my sixth graders. Your two word poem is perfect!
I do love the quiet 10 so much. This school looks like they are in great hand. The two word poem that you created is very fitting. Does the teacher engage in conferring after the quiet 10 or during…just curious. This is what I would like to do full time…after…xo
Usually the conferring begins after the quiet ten. The teacher is writing too or taking notes on what she sees happening with students.