Throughout this semester, working with my Writing Buddy taught me a lot about the

intricacies of teaching and learning to write. One of the key takeaways was the importance
of structured literacy approaches. Activities like the Fruit and Vegetable Name Unscramble
highlighted how understanding the building blocks of words is essential for both reading
and spelling. This insight reinforced the necessity of a solid foundation in literacy for all
subsequent learning. Direct instruction also proved to be crucial. The Look, Say, Cover,
Write, and Check activity reinforced the importance of explicit teaching in improving
spelling and reading skills. It became evident that students benefit greatly from clear,
focused guidance, especially when tackling new or challenging concepts. Creativity and
vocabulary development were another area of focus. The Synonym Expansion and
Sentence Enrichment activity showed how exploring different words can enhance
creativity and enrich vocabulary. This activity not only expanded my Writing Buddy's word
bank but also encouraged them to think more deeply about the nuances of language and
how to express themselves more precisely. Understanding tone was a valuable lesson
from the Practicing Writing Different Tones activity. We learned how subtle changes in tone
can significantly impact the meaning of a sentence. This understanding is crucial for
effective communication and adds depth to writing, enabling students to convey their
intended message more accurately. Finally, the Building Complex Sentences activity
demonstrated the value of starting with simple structures and gradually adding complexity
to improve writing skills. This gradual approach helps students build confidence and
ensures that they have a solid understanding of each element before moving on to more
complex tasks. Going forward, I plan to use mentor texts more extensively in teaching.
They provide excellent models for various writing techniques and can inspire students to
improve their own writing. I also aim to implement more activities that focus on the
foundational skills of reading and writing, such as decoding, spelling, and understanding
word structures. Encouraging creativity in writing will be a priority. I will provide students
with opportunities to brainstorm and use synonyms to expand their vocabulary and
express emotions more effectively in their writing. Additionally, I will continue to use a
gradual approach to teaching writing, starting with simple sentences and slowly building
up to more complex structures. In summary, this semester has been a valuable learning
experience, and I'm excited to implement these strategies in my future teaching to help
students become more confident and skilled writers. The lessons learned from working
with my Writing Buddy have underscored the importance of structured literacy education
and the need to adapt teaching methods to meet individual learning needs.
RESPONSE TO JORDAN: That's wonderful to hear! Your passion for English and dedication
to your education are truly inspiring. It's great that EDUC 215 and the class on how children
learn to read have been so impactful for you. Using mentor texts in your future teaching is a
fantastic idea. They are such a powerful tool for illustrating good writing techniques and
inspiring students to improve their own writing. Your experience with a writing buddy this
semester also sounds like it was an invaluable part of your learning journey. I'm sure you'll
be an excellent educator, and your future students will benefit greatly from the lessons and
insights you've gained. Keep up the fantastic work, and I wish you all the best in your
journey to becoming an English teacher!