Letters

Teaching Pre K-8, Mar 2000

Writing for an Audience

I would like to comment on

"A Community Writing Project," which appeared in the November/December 1999 issue. April Love Libre was right on target when she stated how important it is for students to write for an audience.

I am currently a student at Rhode Island College and I'm on my way to becoming a teacher. From my experiences, I believe that students write much better when their work is going to be published. Not only will this motivate the students to write their best, but the experience will be more meaningful to them.

The article mentioned that this project was assigned to eighth graders. I feel that this project could be, and should be, adapted to elementary school students. I've been teaching language arts and reading to third grade students. I know that they'd enjoy participating in this writing project. Since they'd be interested and motivated, they'd benefit greatly from the assignment.

I also like the idea of involving the community. Children should learn about the community around them and this would be a great opportunity.

Jennifer Lynn Tellier Lincoln, RI

Uncovering the Sparkle I am writing to inform you r how much I truly appreciated the letter and corresponding poem by Tamara Wheeler in your November/December 1999 issue [page 10]. The letter dealt with an educator's need to work a bit harder to "uncover the sparkle in a special needs child's eyes."

She reminded us that these children did not ask to have learning challenges. They are only asking to be accepted and appreciated in the classroom.

The poem that followed was very beautiful. As a prospective teacher who would like to work with special needs children, I found the poem quite enlightening. It's great to hear that there are teachers out there who have such compassion and devotion to helping every child they meet.

As a society, we need to realize that each child has his or her own unique qualities. Our classrooms need to reflect these differences and have the flexibility to support and adapt to the needs of each child. Only then will we be able to give our students the best education possible. I think we can all learn a lot from Ms. Wheeler's positive attitude.

Kelly Renaud St. Clot" MN

READ ACROSS AMERICA

Last month we mentioned in the Parent Connection that the Read Across America celebration will be held again this year on Dr. Seuss' birthday, March 2. For a list of planned activities and for certificates of participation for children who read that day, visit their website at www. nea.org/readacross

Wildlife Educators

"WE" received an old copy of your magazine and "devoured" it.

Although I'm not a classroom teacher, I am an educator and would like to subscribe. I also wonder if there's any way "WE" can ask classroom teachers and administrators for input on new ideas for our programs?

Thank you. Cindie Espeland Wildlfe Educator

Editor's note: Teachers and administrators who would like to get in touch with Wildlife Educators ("Conserving Our Wildlife, Educating Our Youth') can do so by writing to P.O. Box 202, Marseilles, IL 61341; by calling 815-795-3959, or by visiting their website at http.11wi1dedu.web jump.com

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