Be Efficient and Integrate Basic Skills

"Imagine having all the pieces of a large jigsaw puzzle on the floor in front of you but never seeing the picture on the lid of the box. That's what learning is like for kids when we start with the parts." (pg. 142)

I completely agree with this Regie. Too many classrooms isolate basic writing skills such as grammar, spelling, and punctuation that students don't always see the connection between these skills and their success in reading and writing. Yes, some students can learn by having all the parts because they can make the connections themselves, but many students...especially the ones who struggle...don't. We must show them the puzzle. As they are reading and writing, help them understand why commas are used and how it helps us better communicate with the author or the reader.

So...how do we make this happen? Some Buhler teachers I have had the opportunity to work with have determined what skills they believe all students should be able to do well in their writing. They have made mini lessons for these skills. These short, 5-10 minute mini lessons can be used anytime throughout the writing process.