Now that we're a month and 1/2 into school-let's hear an update on your inquiry project! I loved reading about Kim's problems/progress! I think if everyone posts what is going well and what is slowing you down, we could really learn from each other.
Also, Dave has two fabulous tech savvy coaches for us! Seth Mitchell and Denyell Suomi- Seth currently works with older writers and Denyell teaches grades 1-2. There won't be formal workshops, but lots of small group and 1:1 work depending on what you need. Considering our conference is only 8 days away (October 23rd) make sure you start gathering anything you'll need to work for a full 7 or so hours on your inquiry project. Please let me know if you have any questions or a snack preference :)
So far I've been investigating iMovie with my students and gathering ideas for projects. NECAP testing put a bit of a crimp in my plans, but I'm sure I'll have plenty to work on on 10/23.
ReplyDeleteSo far, I have used a blog to facilitate a book group for four of my high-achievers. Our class novel was "The Hunger Games" (Collins); these four students had already read HG and wanted a challenge. We read Lord of the Flies and their job while reading was to be symbol detectives. I had posted seven symbols that Golding uses and they did a great job of piggy-backing off of one another's ideas and using textual evidence to figure out each symbol's meaning.
ReplyDeleteWe are currently chatting about what Golding's message was to his reader about humanity and the world as he saw it. The kids are coming up with some nice conversation.
I hope to use Saturday as time for reflection, journaling, and exploring different ways I could use technology to differentiate instruction.
Are we meeting in Shibles? What time? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSo far, I have used different youtube videos to engage my 3rd graders in the reading and writing workshop, written a grant for donors choose for a new ELMO, and brainstormed ideas with our kindergarten reading buddies for creating books that highlight students own growth in the writing workshop. My goal is to improve the core reading/writing workshop through a supportive digital community, offering elementary students the opportunity to investigate various social destinations for their writing. I've investigated self publishing book sites, imovie, and ELMO, as I look for ways to create a digital library ie digital storytelling, picture collage, keynote/power point... Still looking to narrow it down a bit. On Saturday I am looking forward to hearing other inquiry projects, and chatting with the tech people about what is doable. I'm also a little bit behind on responding to other's blogs and need a pep talk on that requirement! Where are we meeting and what time? Looking forward to seeing everyone.
ReplyDeleteMy autobiographies were very good this year. I had a good mix of traditional paper narratives and digital projects including websites, pages presentations, and multimedia projects. I had some heavy stories too. One of my students faces a challenging - life threatening - disease so rare he is the only case in New England. Another student lost his father last year (actually two did) and wrote very openly about it. His mother sent me an email saying how much she appreciated the assignment as he hadn't really opened up about how he felt. As they read through his writing they shared an emotional and cathartic experience. Speaking with his mother during conferences last week reminded me how rewarding teaching can be.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of digital literacy I'm gearing up for a digital research project. What I need next week are ways to expand this project idea.
Also, I did my first prezi last week for my AP students - anyone used this before? It was fun, but not as easy as I thought it would be. I need to learn more about it.
Everyone's work sounds so exciting! I am also excited about my own learning as I get my students on board with Google Docs. I'm learning on my own, but have a couple of colleagues who have answered some of my questions about organization. The students have been great in teaching me how to use the Presentation feature. The collaboration allowed through the Sharing feature seems to have all students engaged! See you all on Saturday!
ReplyDeleteMostly I feel somewhat overwhelmed by the independence of the project. As the week goes by, I forget this in the midst of my teaching, editing, learning, and living and then think, "dammit! What am I supposed to do next?". I would love weekly REMINDERS in an email just to say "hope all is well and dont' forget to post". Yes, I am asking to help keep me on track...it is my ADHD at work!
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