Survival+Skill+5

Survival Skill 5


 * Effective Oral and Written Communication**

In classrooms today, we start to look at "Effective Communication" with a focus on grammar, spelling and other mechanics of writing. Unfortunately, this approach can remove the individuality, or "voice" from writing, Yet Voice is the very essence of writing that communicates our unique perspective. How can we adapt our //system// to teach //individuality//. Why do we have a disconnect between current instruction in writing and high stakes assessments? The current district initiative of "Writing Workshop" may begin to change this in our district.

• Effective communication is key to everything we do-people need to learn to communicate effectively with each other and with external communitities (p.35) • We need to teach voice so that students have " focus, energy, and passion."