I believe the best way to get at the haters is to give them something they love: choice. So, if you are doing a research paper, let them decide the topic. this will be good for you too since you won't have to read a multitude of papers on the SAME topic! Or, for example, if you are conducting a poetry unit, let them decide the context of their poems. I had a student last year who, during the poetry unit, wrote on nothing but hunting. His presentation (which we did on Prezi) was one of the best in the class.
Choice and a feeling of control/power is important to reluctant learners. Also--give them the why of the lesson. They want to know "what's in it for me." Go beyond "It's a requirement" to skills, sharing your voice, expression. Everyone wants to be noticed, belong, be heard. Perhaps start with a conflict journal where your writers take 3 minutes and write about a problem they are having. Or make it a "good news, bad news" journal about themselves, the day, or another topic. Then have them reflect on the bad news--How can it change? What can you do to solve it? Of course, share the good news! Make them feel as comfortable as possible. Let them see that writing is cathartic. Write back to them and take time with your comments. Share your own writing. Share favorite things you read. Really listen to them. You will find that you will reach them. Words are powerful connectors.
I believe the best way to get at the haters is to give them something they love: choice. So, if you are doing a research paper, let them decide the topic. this will be good for you too since you won't have to read a multitude of papers on the SAME topic! Or, for example, if you are conducting a poetry unit, let them decide the context of their poems. I had a student last year who, during the poetry unit, wrote on nothing but hunting. His presentation (which we did on Prezi) was one of the best in the class.
ReplyDeleteChoice and a feeling of control/power is important to reluctant learners. Also--give them the why of the lesson. They want to know "what's in it for me." Go beyond "It's a requirement" to skills, sharing your voice, expression. Everyone wants to be noticed, belong, be heard. Perhaps start with a conflict journal where your writers take 3 minutes and write about a problem they are having. Or make it a "good news, bad news" journal about themselves, the day, or another topic. Then have them reflect on the bad news--How can it change? What can you do to solve it? Of course, share the good news! Make them feel as comfortable as possible. Let them see that writing is cathartic. Write back to them and take time with your comments. Share your own writing. Share favorite things you read. Really listen to them. You will find that you will reach them. Words are powerful connectors.
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