Questions, Questions?

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2002 : January : 26

Questions, Questions?
By Elaine

Hello Everybody (and Debbie)!

I hope someone is out there because I don't want anyone thinking I am having a book discussion with myself! I haven't read all of Ch. 5 yet, but I am getting really excited about what I've
read so far. I have a few of questions.
First, I am wondering if anyone else feels like I do about the time issue (which I know we've already discussed below). I absolutely do not have 2 uninterrupted time slots for Reading and Writing every day (or any day for that matter). What's the answer? When F & P talk about those long sessions, it sounds like anything less would be too little.

I say jump in and use what you have and try to build on it. Are pieced together sessions made up of minutes snatched here and there of no value whatsoever, or are they better than nothing? What thoughts would any of you have on the subject of interrupted sessions vs squeeze it in however it fits?

Second, F & P talk about a nice, quiet, peaceful atmosphere in the classroom. I agree that reading and writing are thinking and therefore need quiet. Here's my problem. I am not usually very quiet when meeting with groups. We start off quiet, and then someone says something funny or exciting about what they are reading and/or writing. Next thing you know the whole class wants in on the secret. Am I the only teacher who has this problem? I hesitate to call a group together because I am afraid we will interrupt the wonderful quiet that occurs when authors and readers are really "into" their work. I know F & P say that we have to model the kinds of voices that are appropriate during the Workshops, but I am afraid after 1 1/2 years together it's too late for us to change. What do you think? Can a teacher with a talking problem change and become a F & P model of quietness?

Finally, I am wondering how some of you plan to manage the space/storage problems presented by needing all the Writing Workshop materials listed on p. 59. F & P (and I) want all the necessary materials readily available for students' use. To me that means that everything needs to be "out." I would love to have that classroom pictured in the book, but unfortunately I do not. What do you do to make materials available and at the same time keep things neat and tidy (very high on my list of priorities)? How do you find enough space for everything?

I have questions. Who has answers? Please reply!

Usually nice but sometimes too noisy,
Elaine