Student Reflections on Writing

I'm so pleased with the responses I received from my students! Like I explained in my last blog, I'm having my kiddos write short stories, but I'm allowing them to choose stories they've already started or begin new ones. I've also asked them to talk about their experiences. As a teacher I want the feedback, and as a student, I know it's important to reflect on what I'm doing. I've learned so much from my kids on their thought processes and what they're struggling with. What I think is positive about them doing this reflective activity is that they are given the opportunity to analyze their own writing and their peers get the opportunity to read what everyone else goes through. I've noticed my students reading the comments and have been hearing lots of "I didn't know that" and "I'm the same way".

Part of the activity was for them to discuss the writing process (brainstorming, drafting, peer conferencing, revision, editing, & publishing), what they liked or disliked about it. I was not surprised to learn that most of my students dislike peer conferencing. Considering that they've been practicing this skill since the first grade, I was mistakenly assuming that they had this skill down pact. However, some of their feedback tends to consist of "nothing's wrong", "everything's good", "nothing needs to be added or changed". These responses are not constructive at all! With less than a month left of school, I'll definately be focusing on helping them enhance this skill.

Not only has this reflection activity given my kids an opportunity to reflect on how they work, but it gives me a chance to reflect on my teaching, what I need to focus on, and where the weaknesses are. I guess this is where the "life-long-learner" part of being a teacher comes in. We're not just taking additional classes and workshops to update our skills and techniques, but we're constantly learning when it comes to our students as well.