September 26th,
2022
LIT 102 – Promoting
Writing in Primary Grades
Sandra Liddie Gumbs
Reflection 1 - Overview 6 + 1 Traits
Ready!
Set! Go! The race was off for session 2 of the course LIT 102 – Promoting
Writing in Primary Grades held on September 22nd, 2022. Stemming
from the orientation session which was held a week prior, which in my opinion,
hit the ground running by setting the premise for the course where hand-outs
were given, expectations outlined, anticipated coursework briefly shared, Unit
1 covered with a brief insight to Unit 2 resulted in short bursts riveting
discussions. There was hardly a moment to digest what was taken in. Just like
session 1, I anticipated that session 2, the next leg of the race, would be
similar relative to the vast amount of information that would be shared within
the span of the session. Evidently, the session did not disappoint.
Moreover,
I foresee that the entire course would be fast-paced and demanding as we
progress through the units and the instructor unknowingly confirmed my obvious
predictions. Albeit the instructor wittingly advised that this course is one
that previous cohorts have enjoyed given the tasks to be undertaken. Skimming
through the syllabus and hearing such reassurance, made me comfortable and
ready for the challenge.
The
information disseminated during this session and the manner in which the
information was presented, although hefty was effective and useful. In my
opinion, it was the building blocks for promoting good writing. The bulk of the
information was content from Units 2 and 3 which entails Writing as a Stage, a
Process and a Trait and Teaching Writing and the Reading-Writing Connection
respectively. The instructor had previously sensitized us to the 6 + 1 Traits
and the components within, however, we did not dissect the traits. For this
reason, I believe that it was fitting to begin with the topic. Secondly, as a
result of being an Information Communication Technology (ICT) Teacher, I do not
regularly teach writing to students as other classroom teachers would,
therefore, being reintroduced to the Writing Traits was a welcoming refresher
for me. This will undoubtedly assist me in helping my students not only in the
writing process when presented but also in the formulation and narrowing of
ideas and in the organization and presentation of content which are skills
commonly undertaken by students in ICT.
As
the instructor delved into the 6 + 1 Traits of Writing and elaborated on
examples of effective methods applicable to each Trait, I took the opportunity
to conduct an introspective analysis. Firstly, I internalized my prior
experiences in writing throughout my educational journey. To be honest, at
first, I was not aware of the term coined, “6 +1 Traits of Writing”, however, I
am fully aware of the steps in the writing process. Upon realizing it was the
same, the content was relatable and easy to follow and understand. Secondly, I
also thought of my expectations of students as a teacher and the need for me to
be well-equipped and knowledgeable to ensure I assist my students in
effectively transferring knowledge across curriculums.
Overall,
I am now fully aware of what is ahead of me, the scope of work needed to be
undertaken and the necessary steps needed to successfully complete the course
and I welcome the challenge. Albeit, I am cognizant that I must keep abreast at
all times as I can foresee that the race can potentially change course quickly
if my eyes are taken off the finishing prize.
Off, we are going indeed! During our second session on Thursday, 22nd September 2022, I too was relatively surprised to realise the quantity of material we were covering. As such, I must agree with you that we are on this race track at a very fast pace. It makes me think that the race is only for the swift and wonder if I would remain in the race or make it to the finish line. Nonetheless, I will endeavour to remain on the track and bear in mind a quote shared to us from a previous instructor by Bill Cosby: “In order to succeed your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure” (Quotes Gram, n.d.). I will keep in gear and race on to the end, successfully.
ReplyDeleteIn addition to the fact that we have covered and will be covering an abundant amount of information, I gathered from the inception that this course will demand quite a number of writing pieces. However, I did not envision that it would have begun so soon. Notwithstanding, like you said, if the other cohorts enjoyed this course, we too should hold high hopes that we will enjoy it as well. I am therefore hoping that my anticipation of this semester being long would change to having fun and not realizing how much time has passed.
In fact, I am anxious to learn about and promote good writing and not just for myself but to pass on to the students I teach as well. As such, what captivated my interest during the session was the writing process and particularly, the 6 + 1 traits to writing. I realise during the lesson as well that they are similar and help with organization as students write. I understand that in the future we will learn how both the writing process and these traits will work together. If it was covered, I hope I didn’t miss it. If I did, could you briefly explain how this is done? In addition, I appreciate the rubrics shared with us when using the traits and to understand that we can group them together as the students become comfortable with them. I will look ahead to seeing that comfort come to fruition. Notwithstanding, I agree with the instructor that the rubrics are essential to use and pass on to students while teaching them the traits. Thus, I am also looking through rose-coloured glasses to receive the condensed version of the rubric that coincides with the CPEA rubric that is usually used with the students in elementary school. This way, I imagine, it would be more effective for me to help the students evaluate all that is needed as they write and exemplary satisfy the rubric.
With that said, I feel we will be fully powered or equipped with a wealth of knowledge and experience to promote writing with our students and ourselves by the end of the race. Ps. I will tune in to communicate with you on your radio should I realise we are about to change course on the track.
Jeneva, as the popular saying goes, "the race is not only for the swift but for those who endure to the end" (n.d). In your comment, you mentioned your interest in knowing how the writing process and the 6 +1 Traits will work together; do you see them as separate and independent? Regarding the writing step process and the 6+1 Traits, each step has to be modelled and learnt giving ample time to practice writing to ensure learners gain a good foundation. With that said, I see that both the writing process and the 6 +1 Traits are two heads of the same coin in that although identified as two different identifiers, they both work in tandem. Take for instance the first step under the writing process; Planning/Prewriting this encompasses formulating "Ideas" (the initial component of the 6+1 Traits) which identifies the who, what, when, where and why of the writing piece. This allows writers to generate ideas that will form the basis of their pieces. Ideally, it is the content, meaning and development of the writing piece. There are other overlapping components of both the Writing Process and 6+1 Traits such as Editing to Conventions and Publishing to Presentation among others. As we progress, I am certain that we will clearly see the similarities and how both processes work cohesively to aid writers. What I will conclude with is the understanding that both are building blocks or characteristics for writing.
DeleteHi Sandra, I regard both the 6 + 1 Traits and the writing process as basically dependent of each other and quite similar. They both share useful information that notably can aid to enhancing effective writing by our children and we as effective teachers of writing. I will be analysing and looking at the similarities between both as we progress.
DeleteWhat a great first reflection, Sandra! I totally agree that I too could also tell by the expectations set and discussed that this class would indeed be fast -paced and very demanding. I can already feel the pressure and we haven't really started the course as yet.
ReplyDeleteI can see that Tr. Ornette's and Tr. Tricia's class that we previously had will definitely come into play with activating the prior knowledge gained from their courses and applying it to this course. Although this course and overall semester feels genuinely hefty and challenging to me, I do look forward to the assignments that will be given as I am always eager to engage in creative and fun artforms.
Although I also teach ICT as a Teaching Assistant and I was also unaware of the phrase “6 +1 Traits of Writing”, I do look forward to thoroughly understanding and utilizing these techniques in my personal writing and encouraging my future students to use this while they are writing as well. As I patiently continue this ACC journey and await the completion of this course and semester, I must admit that I will also look forward to reading the reflections from both you and Jeneva so that I can continue to admire the way in which we all think similarly and note the differences between our mindsets as well.
Thanks Breanna! You are correct in identifying the importance of activating prior knowledge. In my opinion, this is the basis for constructing and building upon what we already know. Inevitably, this makes it easier for knowledge to be transferrable when we can relate to different things. Just imagine how much greater our writing and that of students would be when we can activate prior schema and previous experiences.
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