Kendrah's 9,10, & 11 Grave's Reflection

In Chapter 9, it discusses what a teacher might want to know about writing. First, there is child practice which involves 5 questions. There is also teacher practice, which also includes 5 questions and is important as well in process of writing. For example, some questions discussed for student practice involve: what to do when a child only writes about one topic and won't complete his or her work. I've learned that repetition is important for children. It enables a child to control most components that will help in his or her success. Also, when a child doesn't complete a task, perhaps the teacher should give the child time and monitor his or her behavior. Sometimes children just need a break or time to think. Secondly, there is teacher practice. From the five questions that focus of teaching issues, one that interests me is, "how do I handle the problem of grading?" I've learned that children should be graded on their best papers. Let the children choose their best work because they want to be remembered for their best work, just like adults.

In Chapter 10, it discusses the topic of helping children to speak first. It is important to listen to what the student has to say in conferences. This chapter talks about giving time for the child to speak. Sometimes trust needs to be built before speaking begins. The chapter also discusses ways in which a teacher can hold successful conferences, which include: speaking without words, ask and wait, realizing that children have things to teach also, and to look for potential. Also, teachers can follow what the child is saying and engage in topic, ask questions that the child can answer, and help the child to focus.

Lastly, Chapter 11 is about questions to teach. Children are asked questions that they might become able to ask on their own. This chapter also discusses that conferences work best when children can ask their own questions. There are many questions that can be asked and they include: Opening questions, following questions, process questions, questions that reveal development, and more. These are all types of questions that will help a conference be successful, as well as in writing.