Jaime's Reflection- Graves (Ch. 2&3)

In Chapter 2, Donald Graves suggests children seven through eleven years old should write down three or four topics as part of the writing process. It is easier to choose between four topics than it is to think of just one topic. After a child chooses a topic, they’re allowed to discuss their topic choice with their friend. I think that’s a great idea because they can share some of their own thoughts about each others topics. They can also get different ideas that they can add to their writings. I remember writing as being a very quiet activity. I remember my teachers gave us a topic to write about and we had to finish it before class ended.

In Chapter 3, Donald Graves suggest that teachers should get to know their children. Teachers need to know the students likes and dislikes. I know all my fourth grade Kapalama students’ names but I don’t know all of their interests. I’ll definitely make it a point to get to know them better then that way if they need help with their writing I’ll be able to give some suggestions.