The Bakersfield Voice
Editor, Energy, Excellence!!
Editor, Energy, Excellence!!
By: Mrs. B
Description: Northwest Voice editor speaks to 5th graders at Olive Drive Elementary School about writing, observation, and how the magazine is made!
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Posted by MrsB Thu Oct 2, 2008 19:55:34 PDT
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0 responses 5 comments
Editor, Energy, Excellence, the Northwest Voice is so blessed!!
I knew that Dana Martin was an extremely talented editor, but my class got the privilege of seeing her in a different persona. Those of you that had the wonderful opportunity to have her substitute in your classroom already knew she was an amazing educator; she definitely can capture an audience.
The Baker Bunch was so excited that an editor of a “real” magazine was coming to share about writing, although they weren’t really completely sure what an editor did. Dana Martina, editor of the Northwest Voice, was the prelude for introducing my 5th grade students at Olive Drive Elementary to 6+1 traits: IDEAS, ORGANIZATION, VOICE, WORD CHOICE, SENTENCE FLUENCY, CONVENTIONS, and the +1 PRESENTATION.
Dana was not familiar with this strategy of teaching writing so I e-mailed her some information, and let me tell you, she did her homework. She touched on every single trait and the importance of them in a fun and applicable way to reach 5th graders. And who better to talk about these elements of writing but a person that does it daily for their profession.
One of the most important things my students received from Dana’s visit is to “see and observe things around you.” She went around and asked them, “What did you observe today?” Many couldn’t answer. She went on to tell them that the other morning on her walk she smelled the aroma of flowers, then as she walked a littler further she smelled wet pavement. Dana had such a wonderful way about sharing that good writers notice things around them. Things, IDEAS, they can write about. And yes, she also shared that one of her college professors encouraged them to never use the word things in writing. So I’m sure she is freaking out right now with my multiple use of the word things in this paragraph. But some things just need the word things, to explain things.
One other point that really stood out during her visit was she asked the students who liked to write, and not too many raised their hands. She let the cat out of the bag and told the kids that she can write and do her job in her pajamas (shh don’t tell her I told you that) and after posing the same question as before, she had almost every one of them hooked on wanting to be a writer. Maybe teachers should start wearing jammies to school!!
Dana, my students and I just wanted to tell you THANKS for the time you spent sharing about the importance of writing! And by the way, Joseph and Cole said Gotcha on the old name tag switch-a-roo. Fifth graders can be so sneaky!!
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Thu Oct 2, 2008 06:25:58 PDT
Dana is something else! As one of her contributors, I have submitted articles as late as midnight and received a comment back. She has to work in her jammies! She works 24 hours a day! It is wonderful that she shared her love of writing with your class. The computer might replace a lot of books and papers, but nothing can replace writing. It comes from the mind and the soul.
Thu Oct 2, 2008 06:57:48 PDT
Caroline,
She is Amazing!! My kiddos responded very well to her. We went on an idea hunt after she left and observed and wrote what we saw. They loved it. Thanks for the post.
Thu Oct 2, 2008 14:35:42 PDT
Thank you, Mrs. B! I sure enjoyed your class and sharing my love of writing. And thank you, Caroline, for noticing how late I stay up working! haha! You two are so important to this process, to this citizen journalism masterpiece. I am fortunate to work for a magazine I love and to have so many contributors who love it as much as I do. :)
Wed Oct 8, 2008 16:14:45 PDT
I first met Dana when she subbed for me two years ago. I remember returning to work and finding the class *perfect* - as well as a Halloween goodie bag from her (to me). From that point on, I was able to see Dana work - and she is something to behold! Always positive and friendly to all, the kids and staff were always drawn to her. Now, at the NW Voice, she is as hardworking as always!
Great article and I love the colorful classroom!
Wed Oct 8, 2008 21:11:12 PDT
Jennifer truly God doesn't make them much sweeter than Dana Martin. She is so giving and kind. I wish I could have gone to Talledga Frights with all of you. She offered me tickets also but I had other plans. Bummer!! If you like color you would really like my RETRO READING LAVA LOUNGE. Futon, lava lamps, colorful flowers, butterflys, peace signs, etc included. I guess I'm a hippi at heart! Hee! Hee!
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