Kieu's Graves CH 15-17
CHAPTER 15- How to revise for meaning.
I don't think I ever really knew the difference between editing and revising. I guess I figured they were the same process. So whenever I was asked to revise a paper, I would look for grammatical errors or some misspelled words. However, I am beginning to see the difference. Editing is looking for the errors that I just mentioned, whereas revising is to look back at the content of the writing. Revising is where I add or take out information and rearrange sections of my paper. Ah ha.
CHAPTER 16- How to listen to voice.
I did a modeled writing exercise with my fifth graders the other week and my teacher told me to make sure that their papers had "voice". The first two words that came to mind when I thought about voice were attitude and character, so I tried to explain to them that their papers had to have some kind of strong attitude that would entice the readers to continue on. My mentor gave me a student's example of an introduction without much voice and asked the class to all rewrite that same introduction, but with voice. I was amazed at some of the writings that came from that little activity! Some of the papers were better than some that I have read from classmates my age (not in our cohort, of course!). All too often, we try to write our stories and be professional at the same time, making it hard to have our true selves come out in the work. I'm trying to get away from that myself, putting as much of my attitude as I possibly can into any writing that I do.
CHAPTER 17- How to keep handwriting in perspective.
When did handwriting become such a complex topic?? Writing pressure? Placing the paper at a 45 degree angle? It matters where you place your arm on the table? Control? Holy cow! I think we put way too much emphasis on a child's handwriting, sometimes causing major setbacks in their creativity. My handwriting turns to chicken scratch a lot of times, especially when I have to copy notes quickly or when my arms gets tired. But again, I think that is because my arm isn't placed correctly on the table. :) In my opinion, as long as the writing is legible, then fine by me. Whatever writing style is comfortable for the person should be great. So long as the child is able to get their thoughts down onto the paper.
I don't think I ever really knew the difference between editing and revising. I guess I figured they were the same process. So whenever I was asked to revise a paper, I would look for grammatical errors or some misspelled words. However, I am beginning to see the difference. Editing is looking for the errors that I just mentioned, whereas revising is to look back at the content of the writing. Revising is where I add or take out information and rearrange sections of my paper. Ah ha.
CHAPTER 16- How to listen to voice.
I did a modeled writing exercise with my fifth graders the other week and my teacher told me to make sure that their papers had "voice". The first two words that came to mind when I thought about voice were attitude and character, so I tried to explain to them that their papers had to have some kind of strong attitude that would entice the readers to continue on. My mentor gave me a student's example of an introduction without much voice and asked the class to all rewrite that same introduction, but with voice. I was amazed at some of the writings that came from that little activity! Some of the papers were better than some that I have read from classmates my age (not in our cohort, of course!). All too often, we try to write our stories and be professional at the same time, making it hard to have our true selves come out in the work. I'm trying to get away from that myself, putting as much of my attitude as I possibly can into any writing that I do.
CHAPTER 17- How to keep handwriting in perspective.
When did handwriting become such a complex topic?? Writing pressure? Placing the paper at a 45 degree angle? It matters where you place your arm on the table? Control? Holy cow! I think we put way too much emphasis on a child's handwriting, sometimes causing major setbacks in their creativity. My handwriting turns to chicken scratch a lot of times, especially when I have to copy notes quickly or when my arms gets tired. But again, I think that is because my arm isn't placed correctly on the table. :) In my opinion, as long as the writing is legible, then fine by me. Whatever writing style is comfortable for the person should be great. So long as the child is able to get their thoughts down onto the paper.
posted by kieu | 12:42 AM
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