So, as I enter the start of my school year, I am proud to identify as a lifelong learner in every sense of the word. I am a professional who continuously strives to grow in my craft. I surround myself with people that inspire me to be the best I can be and I actively seek out opportunities to do so as well. I modify and implement what I learn to better my teaching. I learn from my mistakes, take in the advice of others and adjust accordingly. Additionally, I am a curious minded individual who seeks out new experiences, new people, new places and is willing to take risks to better myself. I am leading by example to my students as I follow the mantra hanging in the front of my classroom- “Today is a great day to learn something new!”
Month: September 2017
An Invitation to Make Writing That Matters
Teaching writing isn't easy. We can get lost in all that needs "fixing" in our students' work, lost in the standards and district curriculum maps, lost in the products we need to hang on a wall for a display. We find our way when our WHY is nearest to our hearts: Why do our students need to write well? How will writing play a role in their lives? How will writing make their lives more meaningful? What matters the most when it comes to teaching young writers?
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Blending Instruction: The One Stop Meeting Space
With the easel at my left (I am right handed), document camera, computer or iPad on my right, and a swivel chair all my tools are at my fingertips! There's no need to move across the room to see the screen or make an adjustment to my technology. The students and I have access to everything in one space. This one-stop meeting space allows the students to maintain focus on the learning and not the tools.
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It’s Tuesday! Please join us with a slice of life!
Welcome to our weekly Slice of Life Story Challenge! Write your post. Share the permalink to your own blog post with the community. Comment on at least three other posts. If you are a slicer who is attending NCTE in St. Louis and you’re interested in joining Stacey and Deb for dinner on 11/18 at 7 pm, please… Continue reading It’s Tuesday! Please join us with a slice of life!
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Offering Choice in the Planning Process
As in all aspects of writing workshop, students should have choice in their planning process.
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Fault Lines in the Constitution: A Review, Five Tips, + Giveaway!
This new book by Cynthia and Sanford Levinson is a treasure trove of information as well as a handy example of many elements of inspiring nonfiction writing.
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Putting the Large Stones In First: A September Check-In
Nervously lowering myself into a chair, I scooted myself closer to the table. Around me sat three new colleagues. My new 7th grade teaching team. Having moved from my familiar home in small-town Oregon to a strange and exciting new land called New England, I wasn't sure quite what to expect. Our team leader, a… Continue reading Putting the Large Stones In First: A September Check-In
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Knowing My Writers
September is a get-to-know-you month. A community-building-ice-breaker-month. September is a settling-in month, a becoming-comfortable month, a building-relationship month. It's an ask-the-parents-about-their-child month. A stack of papers month. Artwork created month. September is a launching month, a set-the-vision month, a build-enthusiasm for the work ahead month. September is an exhausting month, but a month that reveals much about the 24 third graders who inhabit room 215 with me this year.
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It’s Tuesday! Time to share a slice of life!
Welcome to our weekly Slice of Life Story Challenge! Write. Share. Give. Please leave the permalink to your own blog post, and comment on at least three other posts. Comments energize writers and keep our writing community vibrant. On a related note, if you are a slicer who is attending NCTE in St. Louis and you’re… Continue reading It’s Tuesday! Time to share a slice of life!
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The Words You Write First Are Anyone’s Words
Regardless of the genre, one of the most important things we can teach our students is how to write words that could come from them – and only them.
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A Closer Look: Learning About Our Writers with Formative Assessment
Sound assessment plays a vital role in showing and in detailing progress students are making toward reasonable goals.
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Paper Choices: What’s up with that?
I'll be honest, the best thing about the start of the new school year is the school supplies. There's nothing like the combo-smell of new backpack, pencils, erasers, and paper. Ah. I think it's safe to say that many avid writers have a strong affinity for school supplies (or office supplies if you prefer). Pens,… Continue reading Paper Choices: What’s up with that?
