Week 5

I am glad that on pg. 55 of Writing Essentials, the issue of spelling correction has been brought up. Like I have said in previous blogs, I think that phonetic spelling is helpful is the early writing stages. Once students have established the idea, I think it is time to help correct misspelled words. The example on page 55 was of a second grader's letter to a grandparent and I absolutely think that the spelling should be corrected (how else do students learn?). My main placement is in a first grade classroom and there are a handful of students in there that could benefit from being corrected on their spelling. It is almost a disservice to them to continue to let them make educational guesses and not correct their spelling, maybe not so much grammar, but definitely spelling.

I agree with needing to raise expectations in school, and as a teacher I also think it is part of our job to see which students are ready to move on and which students need more time where they are at. Neither level is right or wrong, but every student needs to be pushed to achieve greatness in school (even with a little help on the side). The parent co-op in Edmonds where I am in my dyad placement has this attitude for their students. Every student is taught to a high standard and if they fall behind programs are set up for those who need the extra help. The help may be before or after school and I have even seen groups (such as math help) set up and run by teachers during recess time. They are under the impression that all students can and will succeed. There is no room for failure and mediocrity is not an option. I am not trying to say that we should have unattainable goals for students but I think too often we may not push students enough. I think that with the right material each and every student can succeed.