Thinking about how students often do not see writing as a way to learn, but how they think of it as a way to be assessed. Writing involves so much of our brain! We need to ask our students to wrote more short responses to what they read.
Read this synopsis of a national report for ideas:
http://www.centeroninstruction.org/files/Synopsis%20Writing%20to%20Read.pdf
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Fun Object Lesson
Today was the first day for homework responsibility. I had a few students who failed to do it. They had great excuses. So I picked up a desk and lifted it over my head and asked them to think of the desk as homework, then asked the students how long they thought I could carry it. After an hour I'd probably collapse. If I could carry it until 10:00 p.m. I'd probably have to be taken away in an ambulance. The longer I carried the desk or put off the homework, the greater the burden. So, better to get home, do the homework early and put the desk on the ground where it belongs.
I Just Have to Say...
How much I love teaching! Day 2 and my kids are brilliant.
I love the Socratic method-if you don't know what it is, I challenge you to find out. The students make their own discoveries which can be the most powerful way to learn.
How are you all doing after your first few days of school (for some)?
I love the Socratic method-if you don't know what it is, I challenge you to find out. The students make their own discoveries which can be the most powerful way to learn.
How are you all doing after your first few days of school (for some)?
Monday, March 21, 2011
Another Web Resource
If you like to peruse education websites, I found an interesting one today--Star Wars famous, George Lucas, appears to have a passion for education. I only read one article but found that it rang true: What's the Secret to Effective Classroom Management?
By Maurice Elias.
Basically, trust between student and teacher is what creates the most effectively managed classroom.
By Maurice Elias.
Basically, trust between student and teacher is what creates the most effectively managed classroom.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Where I am From poetry activity
One of my student teachers, Kristen, did a fabulous job using this poem by George Ella Lyon as an introduction to House on Mango Street.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Yet Another Discovery
I previously wrote about poetry or essay cafe because I was pleasantly surprised at how much harder students worked on their writing pieces when they knew they would be reading to the class. This past Friday, I discovered another reason to have essay read-alouds. It is an amazing tool for teaching editing.
I had several students that stumbled over sentences, words or phrases or even did a stand-up-editing-comedy-routine.
I usually edit their work and students must return their polished copy for a final grade. This time, I gave papers back with instructions to edit their own work--they already knew where changes had to be made from reading out loud.
I had several students that stumbled over sentences, words or phrases or even did a stand-up-editing-comedy-routine.
I usually edit their work and students must return their polished copy for a final grade. This time, I gave papers back with instructions to edit their own work--they already knew where changes had to be made from reading out loud.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
The Library of Imagination
I wanted to pass on one of my favorite journal prompts.
http://www.walkerdigital.com/video/ The musical accompaniment is splendid.
Questions I ask for the prompt:
How much do you love to learn? Value learning? How important was creativity in the creation of this library and the success that provided the means to build this library? What original manuscripts would you want in your library? What artifacts?
Jay Walker can also be found at ted.com with a personal explanation of his Library of Imagination.
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/jay_walker_s_library_of_human_imagination.html
http://www.walkerdigital.com/video/ The musical accompaniment is splendid.
Questions I ask for the prompt:
How much do you love to learn? Value learning? How important was creativity in the creation of this library and the success that provided the means to build this library? What original manuscripts would you want in your library? What artifacts?
Jay Walker can also be found at ted.com with a personal explanation of his Library of Imagination.
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/jay_walker_s_library_of_human_imagination.html
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Teaching Literature and Reading Wiki
Friday, December 31, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Best Thing I've Ever Done
Just a quick note on teacher blogs: best thing I've ever done. I have two. The first blog communicates assignments due, afterthoughts, a re-cap of the day etc. If a student is absent and asked what he/she missed, I can say, "Check the class blog." This blog also serves as my journal and helps me to self-reflect and see what is needed.
It isn't all business either; students see that I write and reflect too-I do what I ask them to do.
The second blog is for posting student writing. Each student is required to make 5 comments on other writers' work. When I visit the writing blog and see the comments that students are making about each others' writing, I see that something positive is happening. Students have an audience.
It isn't all business either; students see that I write and reflect too-I do what I ask them to do.
The second blog is for posting student writing. Each student is required to make 5 comments on other writers' work. When I visit the writing blog and see the comments that students are making about each others' writing, I see that something positive is happening. Students have an audience.
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