Need Class Set!

Okay......I tried something new this week. I gave one of my classes an essay final on Call of the Wild. I had them work in groups with a total of 6 essay questions about the novel's elements and characters. Using post-it notes, the students found examples throughout the novel they could use to justify and support possible responses to those questions. After the group activity, each student chose 4 questions they individually would actually write to for their test. The group did not have to do the same 4 questions. On test day, I brought the mobile lab of mini netbooks into my classroom and had students type their responses. The quality of writing I got from the students was unbelievable---a direct result, I believe, from the simple fact they could use the netbooks rather than hand write the test. All students told me afterwards they much preferred to type their answers....and then the wheels started to turn. The problem with our computer labs (both stationary and mobile) is that every time I wanted to use one I couldn't because of some kind of benchmark testing that was being conducted. This past week was a bonus due to the fact I got the netbooks twice--once for a webquest activity with all of my students and then for the typing of the final with one of my classes. My kids were all so encouraged and wanted to know why we couldn't have a set of netbooks in the classroom all of the time. And then I decided I have to get a grant and get a set of computers for my room. With all of Sara Kajder's suggestions given in The Tech-Savy English Classroom, a set of netbooks could put into motion a classroom full of engagement, diversity, and technology. Any ideas on how to go about getting a grant for this??????

Social Networking Hits Wall

I love the whole idea of social bookmarking and blogging. However, a problem I've encountered over and over again is that the technology department is not on the same page as the teachers. When I find cool sites (Wallwisher, for example) and want to share them with the students, I'm running into the big "Access Denied" sign due to all of the filters in place. With this idea fostering choice for students through RSS, Social Bookmarking, and Blogging, we've got to ALL be working from the same script. Many of my students have access to technology only at school, and if teachers and students can't access the "tools" that will make these kids ready for the 21st century, what good will the tools be to us? We are moving quickly with these ideas of engaging technology and we all need to be moving in the same direction.

Imagining a Digital Workshop

The title for Chapter 1 of Troy Hicks' The Digital Writing Workshop obviously caught my attention. I'm thinking that I can't wait for this year to be over with so I can rethink the processes I currently have in place and replace some of what I do with many of these wonderful, engaging strategies. I know I have to start small, but I think I am on the verge of the ginormous iceberg of technology. The possibilities of utilizing the framework of a digital writing workshop in my classroom are both exhilarating and nerve wracking all at the same time! I am committed to allowing my students opportunities for engagement through the use of technology. I may even try a few things myself :)

Too Much To Do, Not Enough Time

I have such a dilemma. I read so much professional "stuff" that my head sometimes swims with ideas and things I want to do. Most everything I read I want to try in my classroom because I am a risk taker. I like to try different activities and if they work, yeah for me. And if they don't, it's back to the drawing board. I love reading about new things to do......until I realize that I can't get done now what I need to do during my regular day. I wish for one year I could throw all the mandates to the wind and do some really different kinds of things on my timeframe. I struggle how to make it all work and still incorporate some of these cool strategies I read about. Sara Kajder's technology strategies have me thinking.......once again.

Tutorial

Ann, Colleen, and I are trying to figure out how to blog correctly. So far we've figured out we need to sign in.......HELP!!

Kelly Gallagher Holds the Key

I am currently reading/using the text Teaching Adolescent Writers and I love what the author, Kelly Gallagher, said in chapter 5 about state standards and testing. His viewpoint is to forget teaching the standards for a while and just let the kids write! Allow students to choose what they want to write and let them have tons of practice doing so. Build the love of writing first and then hone the skills. How smart is that?!

Back to School

Well, it was back to school today. Back to cold hallways, talkative middle school students, and too much to do and too little time! I'm just now starting a unit on natural disasters with my grade level students, reading Treasure Island with my honors, and starting a unit on the Revolutionary War with my Accelerated. It keeps me busy and on my toes! I'm waiting on warmer weather so these kids can get outside and burn off some of this bottled energy!!!!

The Quarter Century Mark!

I've been teaching in Horry County Schools for 25 years now. I've only taught at two schools--Myrtle Beach Middle and North Myrtle Beach Middle--where I am currently. I teach 7th grade ELA and I'm having a blast :) I love to read and write!

Today is a new day!

Today is the day I entered the 21st century by creating my very first blog! I am excited to think about all of the possibilities this can hold for me and my students! While technology can be overwhelming, it is also very exciting!