Free+Response

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When my students are a bit overwhelmed following an intense reading, I will ask them to take out their writer's notebooks and write whatever is on their minds for five minutes. This exercise allows them some cognitive breathing space-an opportunity for them to think before they have to think. Exploring their initial thinking through writing takes the onus off the teacher and give students time to process heavy ideas. This five-minute investment of time is almost always paid back by the deeper discussions that ensue once the quickwrites are over. (Gallagher)

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