Katie Couric's Notebook: Write On
In today's Notebook, Katie ponders the Write Stuff -- and the fading art of good penmanship.
October 17, 2006 12:32 PM
Video: More from Couric & Co. and Evening News on CBSNews.com
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- This comment is completely off topic, but I wanted to make a small suggestion that may make a huge difference. I have noticed that since your departure from good morning america, you have made it a point to be taken more seriously with your new career endeavor. Might I suggest calling yourself Katherine Couric? It sounds more professional.
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- Every high school teacher who slogs through their students' poor penmanship salutes you, Katie. As a sophomore and junior English teacher, I require my students to not only pen their own short answers on a quiz (instead of the multiple guess option)but to also pen the questions I announce as well. Oh yes, it takes me three times longer to grade quizzes, but I have required my kids to listen, write down what they hear, and respond intelligently. This sounds so simple, but I firmly believe that kids cannot think without turning on their brains first. Penned responses helps them do this. They think better and write better. "If I can't read it, I won't grade it" and the kids know this. Spelling errors? Can you spell d-i-c-t-i-o-n-a-r-i-e-s I have in my classroom? Apostrophe problems? Five points off, kiddo. Nothing will give you away as an amateur on that SAT essay better than those errors will. Slow down. Think. And, let's not forget that teachers--dare I say it?--are human and we, too, become annoyed when we cannot read a student's in-class hand written essay. And so will those dedicated SAT essay readers. Of course, it will impact the grade because SAT readers are also human, not saints with endless patience. I tell my kids they can hate me now, but that they will thank me later. And so will an employer and a sweetheart and an SAT essay reader, and your kids when they can read your note you put in their lunch box about how fantastic they are. X and O are still acceptable.
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- Okay, what is it about people who can't leave a comment about what you were yapping about in your notebook...grrr.
Now about handwriting, here's my take. If the public schools have not become such social brainwashing institutions for our kids by promoting self esteem programs and giving everyone a trophy even if they don't win, then maybe the real teachers who actually want to teach - could teach these kids handwriting.
If schools actually taught courtesy and manners, well, then maybe kids would learn the art of writing a thank you note for a gift.
Need I say more? Really, the social engineering of the public schools has diminished the education of millions of students, which is exactly why home schooled children are a lot smarter and better educated. They actually get taught the truth about the country, and focus on reading, writing and yes - math. - Reply to this comment
- Thank you Katie for making me want to watch the evening news again!
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- Hey Katie, Thank's for the Apple Pie recipe. I cant wait to try it. If you like, I'll send you an "Apple Tart" recipe of my mom's that will knock your sock's off. yummy to the tummy.!! ha ha. I dont live any where close to go apple picking, it sure sound's like fun. your story was great, you funny.!! you crack me up with some thing's you say. It remind's me alot of my cousin's personality. and by the way, CBS EVENING NEWS "ROCKS". Dont pay any attention to those polls's. also, I think it's so cool the way you have set up this neato burito website. your such a "good Egg" ha ha..well have a great day, dont work too hard. Geri(S.C.)
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- I missed part of it, but did I really hear Katie C. say that the bill the President signed today will make the U S now "able to try" terrorists? What about the fact that this STOPS the right to habeas corpus? This is terrifying - or should be - to anyone. I have been trying o watch Katie - this is the kind of reporting that makes that IMPOSSIBLE. What were you thinking? It is a frightening concept and was not even discussed in terms of pros and cons. John Dean is right.
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- Can you hear the sound of a ratings crash? Perhaps it is because the news as read by Katie continues to be filled with nothing but pap. Why are you not pursuing thr Harry Reid story? Why not mention the outstanding good news about the growth economy and how this is all linked to the Bush tax cuts? I guess nobody really wants to watch a bubble headed bleach blonde come on at five (to quote Don Henley) after all....
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- I just have a little constructive thought on the news broadcast.
The entry into the evening news is a little abrupt. It is a little like opening a shaken soda. Consider adding a few more seconds. Just a thought. - Reply to this comment
