MGRP Ch: 5 & 7

Ch: 5 What A Character:

            I think it is a good idea to read aloud experts from good writers. In doing this, students will get ideas from the writers and apply them in their own writing. The short excerpt from, Mama Makes Up Her Mind, catches my attention and helps me see how to successfully write about a character. In order for the teacher to teach this skill, they must know how to do it on their own. I will make sure to read the books suggested to get more of an idea on how to show the character through my writing. Once I read different writings that create characters, I will ask students to describe how the author revealed their personalities. I will be looking for answers that involve writing about characters actions and dialog.

            I love the activities that are given throughout the chapter. I think creating a class character would really get students engaged.  I think this activity would better with older students, and allow them to put in their own ideas. This way when they are creating the story about the character they will be using the ideas that interested them. I think it will also be entertaining to hear different stories about the same character and point out similarities and differences.

            The quick write and revise can be something that is done with partners in any type of character writing. Students could do quick write then swap and comment on what they would like to know more of, with each others characters.

Ch: 7 Explore The Arts:

 I love the idea of having children incorporate the arts into their MGRP. By doing this, it incorporated learning from the right side of the brain. Since children will be using the left side to create their papers, the right side will come as they partake in creativity.  Since some children are more right brain users, this gives them a time to shine.

            I think it will be important to keep copies of MGRP from years past. I love looking at past examples because it helps me to think of my own. Since I am going to encourage my students to be artistic, I will take pictures of the items they create. Also, I will videotape their presentations to have on file and show to the class.