EXIT TICKET DAY ONE

[Jolene Hetherington]

As you reflect on today's session, what is one thing you have learned? Also, what question(s) do you still have?

[Noncy Fields]

One participant shared how she assigns "Weekend Homework." Students choose four items (activities from the week) they would like to share information with parents. For each item, students write a couple of sentences about what they would like parents to know. Parents are encouraged to add comments before sending back to school on Monday. Excellent example of student choice and timely feedback to parents.

[Monica]

I have learned that the MAISA units are way more user friendly then I was feeling before. I want to be able to make the rest of my 4th grade team comfortable too. Any suggestions. :)

[Char Lemons]

I really enjoyed the role playing and seeing how students are introduced to a new unit and lesson.
I still feel confused and a little overwhelmed getting used to the teacher guide (lesson plan for each unit)
I know it is okay to deviate a little from the scripted lessons, but not familiar enough with this writing program to know what can be left out or which mentor texts I could use in place of what is listed as mentor texts. All in all I truly enjoyed the day and learned much!

[Shari Fresorger]

I learned that it is easy to add our voice to the units. How do you deal with student writing that isn't perfect. Some student make great gains, but their writing is still so far behind and splashed with glaring grammatical and spelling errors. Do you display them? How far do you push or do you focus on just the big idea or one point? I struggle with teachers that critique as they read completed work in the hall.

[Jenny van Biljon]

As a reflection of today, I learned that we are all in the same boat when it comes to teaching writing. I think many of us came expecting to adopt a new curriculum. After much discussion, we have learned that MAISA is a great resource. Some questions I have are will we receive a hard copy of the units? This would be beneficial to have, as it's difficult to print these units from school. We have a limit of how much we can print. I would also like to learn what MAISA stands for. Thanks for a great day, looking forward to tomorrow.

[Kelley]

Even though this is signed in as Kelley, this is Laura and Kelley! Kelley learned the big picture of writer's workshop. Laura learned that it is OK to make it my own and to be flexibility with timing, mini-lessons, and procedures.

[Danielle Arriaga]

I learned that the MAISA unit can be used as a framework and does not necessarily have to be followed word for word. I was happy to hear that we are encouraged to make it our own.
I still wonder if there is a way that it would be beneficial to cycle back to personal narrative towards the end of the year and build upon what we had previously learned. This would help with our end of the year district writing assessment which is a personal narrative piece.

[Cindy Vaughn]

I learned that there can be flexible in using the script and allow for fluidity in instruction. I also enjoyed learning about cross-curricular writing using the mini-lessons.

I continue to be concerned about the grammar aspect. I feel that my students, as writers, are missing this crucial piece. While it can be addressed in conferencing, I am usually more concerned with their idea development.

[Emily Westman]

I learned how to incorporate the non-fiction with the state report. I am still wondering about the time it will take realistically in a classroom.

[Sarah Kobes]

I really appreciate the suggestion about assessing on all units at the beginning of the year, before the unit, and at the conclusion of the unit. I think this will help to provide me with tangible growth data in writing.