A baker's half dozen of writing traits ...

... or would a baker's half dozen be 6.5 (half of 13) not 6 + 1 (7)?

After reading just the introduction and first two chapters of 6 + 1 Traits of Writing, I am struck by the theme that every student can be a good writer. The positive attitude that this book projects is very encouraging and refreshing. I like to think that all of my future students can be successful in everything that they attempt, 6 + 1 is reinforcing this idea.

Throughout the book we are given some bad examples of writing, "Cat/Dog" immediately comes to mind. Even though this essay is repetitive and lacking in any sort of central idea or theme, 6 + 1 pulls out the positive. The author notes that the essay is a beginning and with guidance and proper instruction this student can learn how to be a better writer.

Even though I have no true experience in my own classroom, so much of what I hear leads me to believe that it will at times be stressful and frustrating. It seems like it will be easy to give up on the type of kid who writes "Cat/Dog." 6 + 1 will hopefully being to equip me with the tools to keep on keeping on, helping each student reach their full writing potential.

Link of the week: My link this week is not directly related to education (do they need to be connected to our reading?), but is important none the less. It is a link to the Minnesota Election Caucus Finder. Next Tuesday, February 5 at 7:00 pm, are the Minnesota caucus' for the Independence, Republican, and DFL parties. We get out of class at 4:25, there is no reason why you shouldn't caucus. Thus far all of the candidates have spent a lot of time talking about the economy, terrorism, the war in Iraq, social security ... we need to make sure that education, educational reform, and funding for schools remains at the forefront of debate. So, caucus, support your candidate of choice, and support education, it is, after all, your civic duty.

Scared to caucus for the first time? Check out this informational brochure from the MN Secretary of State.

Don't know which candidate to support? Minnesota Public Radio's Select a Candidate online quiz can help.