I found Sue Ellis' lecture today really interesting. I'm pretty sure none of us had thought of karate chops as a way of getting the children to practice letter formation. I am also almost positive most us all will give it a try in the future... for the giggles alone.
It was a bit of an eye-opener when she said that in her opinion 'two stars and a wish' isn't the most effective form of feedback as it doesn't help children understand the purpose of their writing or demonstrate to them what readers would enjoy reading or want to know.This was a thought-provoking insight as it is a feedback I used when I was on placement. I employed it as a feedback method when marking the children's draft stories and in hindsight some comments were not very beneficial to the children. However, I did try to ask the children questions as the wish part. As a form of feedback I do think it has its place if used correctly. Perhaps, in my case, imaginative writing was not the best forum for it. I am now aware that children need much more constructive, thought-probing feedback. Food for thought.
I hope everyone is having a great week! :)
Hey Gemma,
ReplyDeleteWhat nursery are you going to?
I too was surprised about the two stars and a wish thing. Thought that was a tried and tested successful marking method.Not so, says Sue! I really hope I'll remember and be confident enough to use all the stuff she talks about in her lectures. It all sounds great! I wonder what she thinks of reward stickers and stamps?
Daria
Two stars and a wish: as is often the case, it's not what you do, it's the way that you do it. Any feedback technique is only as good as the feedback it gives. Did she say it was impossible to help children: "understand the purpose of their writing or demonstrate to them what readers would enjoy reading or want to know."? Is it that two stars and a wish could encourage unthinking praise rather than constructive criticism?
ReplyDeleteMust apologise!! I have only just realised there are comments on this... I agree that is how I feel about it and any feedback technique... it did make me question how worthwhile it had been on my placement, but I am pleased to say I think I gave purposeful feedback and my placement tutor complimented me for using it, so yay. I understand that in some cases it can only encourage unthinking praise however.
Delete