Too often this business of ours is stressful. Too often we get worked up over things that don't really matter. Today's post is about keeping the joy through it all. The longer I teach, the more I realize the importance of keeping joy. Here are some ways I hold on to my joy, even on the rough… Continue reading Keeping Joy.
Category: writing workshop
Ruth’s SOLS: Remembering
Grading editorials; going through motions; completing the task, when I was smacked with images from four years ago. "Adoption is a choice to consider if you don't want the baby," I read aloud from the editorial I was grading. Just like that, my heart did a flip-flop and my son's birthmother was in my mind.… Continue reading Ruth’s SOLS: Remembering
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What is collaboration?
Main Entry: col·lab·o·rate Pronunciation: \kə-ˈla-bə-ˌrāt\ Date: 1871 1 : to work jointly with others or together especially in an intellectual endeavor (Merriam-Webster Online) I've been learning a lot about collaboration. Like many learning curves, I find myself with more questions than answers when it comes to collaboration. One of the main reasons I've been learning… Continue reading What is collaboration?
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Slice of Life Story CHALLENGE
The trimester ends in 7 days. So, beginning last Monday I challenged my students to write every day until the end of the trimester. (After that, I'll challenge them to join us here on Two Writing Teachers in the month-long Slice of Life Challenge in March.) Each day we read a little and then write… Continue reading Slice of Life Story CHALLENGE
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Let this be a reminder to you too!
I almost lost this: It's not quite a tragedy, since it is something I could have recovered. Granted it wouldn't have been much fun and I would have been grumbling on the inside about the time it takes to collect and scan old photos, especially old photos I've already scanned. Still, it was recoverable. Other… Continue reading Let this be a reminder to you too!
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Why do you care?
My students are in the heart of a study on persuasion. They selected their own topics for their editorials. What I've noticed this week is they are depending more on collecting facts and statistics to support their stance, rather than their own logical reasoning. So minilessons have been centered around this issue. We've discussed using evidence… Continue reading Why do you care?
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The “Real” World
A few years ago our county hosted Dr. Ruby Payne. Every educator in the county was expected to read her book and attend the day-long training. One of the things which stuck with me from this experience was the idea that teachers are often far-removed from the worlds our students live in. The home I return… Continue reading The “Real” World
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Classroom Management.
Since the first few weeks of my student teaching, classroom management hasn't been something I've struggled with. (Although I do struggle with the term.) The first week of my student teaching I planned a lab. Everything went smoothly, except clean up. The lab was a mess. Nothing was put away. Nothing was set for the next class… Continue reading Classroom Management.
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Not Me Monday.
Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week. Thought I'd play along today, since it is a way to experiment using a new voice in my writing and relates to my… Continue reading Not Me Monday.
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Exceptional Professional Development
Yesterday I enjoyed some of the very best professional development in my career -- and I didn't even leave the school building! It began with a short meeting with two art teachers, Cindy Bryan and Bill Eby. As the meeting ended, I asked them about their own art work. Cindy showed me a picture she demonstrated with… Continue reading Exceptional Professional Development
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Narrative Assessment
There are many lenses to look through when assessing student writers. Here are some of the things I consider: How well students write when given time, choice, support, and unlimited resources, as well as how well they write on-demand. The effectiveness of their personal writing processes. Attempts at sophisticated craft moves, even if they fail.… Continue reading Narrative Assessment
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A Few Places in Cyberspace
Happy Friday! Today's post is a smattering of places across Cyberspace you may find interesting, fun, inspirational, OR perhaps they won't be your cup of tea. Regardless, have a great weekend! The Whole Child Blog: This blog from ACSD is designed to "raise awareness about the need to ensure each child is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and… Continue reading A Few Places in Cyberspace
