SMS Connections

Students possess knowledge about written language and a variety of forms of writing; quality instruction reflects students’ experience and knowledge.

Writing is a social activity; writing instruction should be embedded in social contexts. Students can take responsibility in shaping the classroom structures that facilitate their work.

Writing is effectively used as a tool for thinking and learning throughout the curriculum.

The auditory nerve transmits sound to the brain and is composed of about 30,000 fibers. Contrast that with the optic nerve which sends visual signals to the brain through 1 million fibers (Burmark 2002). Basically, you’ve got a dial-up connection from the ear to the brain and broadband from the eye to the brain.

Visuals, when combined with other multimedia, provide individuals with a competitive voice. One that can be heard. One that can be measured. One that says “here I am, and here’s what I think, here is what I have to contribute. Now what do you think?” Kids have meaningful things to say, so challenge them to produce visual content with purpose and with pride.

I am accepted and acceptable here just as I am. I am safe here—physically, emotionally, and intellectually. People here care about me. People here listen to me. People know how I'm doing, and it matters to them that I do well. People acknowledge my interests and perspectives and act upon them.

I understand what we do here. I see significance in what we do. What we do reflects me and my world. The work we do makes a difference in the world. The work absorbs me.

when students discover meaning and relevance implicit in books, ideas, and tasks. Without meaning, schoolwork is purposeless for students.