I'm "Being a Writer..."

I am speech-language pathologist in a small village school.  I have the pleasure of working with some pretty awesome kids...and several of my students are placed in self-contained classrooms because of very low academic skills.  Needless to say, most of the kids have speech and/or language delays.  Over the course of the last few years I've been able to do a group push-in session once or twice a week.  It's been a work in progress as to how the classroom teacher and I make it work within the framework of the students' language needs and classroom curriculum.

Last year we worked together with me introducing a Social Studies or Science topic to be taught each week through a story rich in vocabulary pertinent to the topic and some sort of hands-on activity.  The second push-in that week involved the classroom teacher taking the reins with me providing support for the students.  It was a lot of fun and the students were able to work on functional language skills. 

Unfortunately, scheduling this year has allowed me one session each week rather than two.  We have also decided to change the focus and begin a new program with the two of us team-teaching during the time I push-in.  I am very excited about it!  The program is being used throughout the elementary schools in our district.  The program is Being a Writer by the Developmental Studies Center.  Check it out...it's a 3 day per Unit program that incorporates children's books, creative thinking, vocabulary building, 'wh' questions, and writing using a "writing community" approach.  <----I'm not being paid to talk about this program...I just like it...as a matter of fact, I'm pretty sure the makers of the program have no idea I exist!

Anyhow, as part of this program there is a "Teacher as Writer" section which I assume is designed to encourage teachers to get out our "thinking caps" and challenge ourselves, much like we challenge our students.  SO...I have decided that for each week we do the Being a Writer program I will participate in the "Teacher as Writer" section.  It's one of my professional goals for the 2011-2012 year.  And all of my faithful followers (all 3 of you) will be privy to my writing journey. 

I am very much looking forward to this new twist to my push-in group session and am very excited to see what our students can do!  I hope my writing journey will be as insightful as theirs will be.

Join me as I am "being a writer" and take up the challenge yourself!