ALL was initially a struggle as I was unsure how best to accelerate students. I knew how to move students forward but could I do it at the speed required? As we head toward the end of this stage of the journey I am pleased with how the group has worked out. Their excitement for writing is palpable. The want to write and write and absorb what is given to them. I believe the key has been the small group, my constant feedback and their ‘captive’ audience, peers to talk to and share with who are all there for the same reason and working toward the same goal.
One student is now writing without needing to be prompted.She has used it to express her imagination and issues from home. She has moved forward 2 levels and so keen to continue to grow and develop her skills. The excitement from this group has spilled to the classroom. My students all want writing time and with the most recent writing task a student who has struggled with writing, blaming his dyslexia received a grade at level 4. He literally bounced around the room so excited wanting a copy to take home to his parents.
ALL has been a great opportunity for myself, learning little steps can have a great effect, and the awakening of my students who had given up on writing but now enjoy it, impatient to write more each day.
