Ch 12 Make Every Minute Count

p. 282 Secrets of Good Writers
Good Writers
Think about their writing all the time
Get their behinds in the chair every day and write
Read a lot...noticing what authors do


P. 283 Look into Their Eyes
When I work in schools, I look into children's and teachers' eyes seeking to find learners who love what they do and who find energy in joyful work.

Since this book, I have changed my "old way" practices when teaching writing but it takes revisiting the important ideas in this book before it becomes an every day routine. I honestly feel more confident in working with my kids and their writing. Thank you, all!

p. 287 My Best Advice
1. Keep it short.
2. Keep it simple.
3. Slow it down.
4. Start with the whole.
5. Move on.
6. Teach it first. Label it later.
7. Trust yourself as a writer and as a teacher of writing.
8. Stop when energy is high.
9. Use common sense.
10. Enjoy writing!

Ch 11 Build on Best Practice and Research

p. 260 Take the Lead

Advocate for Saner Teaching and Assessment Practices
Teachers can't be expected to be accountable if they are told specifically what to do. Accountability requires professional autonomy to do what's right. The best teachers are "not followers" and have an "independent spirit." ....they override directives when something else will work more effectively.

p. 280 Change happens one person at a time, one school at a time, but when it's lasting change (not the fake kind that comes from a teaching-to-the-test obsession), change brought about by hearts and minds working together as knowledgeable, caring colleagues, it has a very large ripple effect.