Hey Munchkins...
Progress reports go out today -- grades always stress me out. Even as a student, I'd get fearful and anxious when report card time came around. I was a good student, but not strong in math, so the thought of failing math classes gave me stomach ulcers. I had these feelings even when I knew I was doing all right!
When you get your progress report, I wonder if you'll be surprised? I wonder if you'll know already how you're doing? I think it's simple in my class: do you read every day? do you write in your daybooks every day? are you blogging right now? are you trying to do things better each time you write?
But then again, my anxiety about grades and grading float to the top: have I even shown you how to notice your own progress so you don't wonder about your status in the class? That's probably what I need to work on!!
Happy blogging today. Remember to write your blog post...copy the post's URL in the COMMENTS section here....comment on your writing group's posts...try to comment on 3 national posts.
If people cannot write well, they cannot think well, and if they cannot think well, others will do their thinking for them.
-- George Orwell
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
SOLSC 3.6.2013
My poor, poor little children....You work so hard every day. Why can't your mean old teacher leave you alone? Why must I push you to complete your assignments, try harder, and learn something every day??? Why can't I just let you be?
Here's the answer: I want you to be curious about the world. I want you to love learning -- and keep wanting to learn throughout your life, not just when you "have" to in school. If you leave me at the end of the year with just one memory, let it be that you have a love of learning; that you know what your strengths are and you are willing to shine...
Be a FIREWORK!!!
Words - so innocent and powerless as they are, as standing in a dictionary, how potent for good and evil they become in the hands of one who knows how to combine them. ~Nathaniel Hawthorne
**NOTE: Add your post's URL to the COMMENTS section; comment on your writing group's posts; comment on 3 of the national posts (TwoWritingTeachers).
Here's the answer: I want you to be curious about the world. I want you to love learning -- and keep wanting to learn throughout your life, not just when you "have" to in school. If you leave me at the end of the year with just one memory, let it be that you have a love of learning; that you know what your strengths are and you are willing to shine...
Be a FIREWORK!!!
Words - so innocent and powerless as they are, as standing in a dictionary, how potent for good and evil they become in the hands of one who knows how to combine them. ~Nathaniel Hawthorne
**NOTE: Add your post's URL to the COMMENTS section; comment on your writing group's posts; comment on 3 of the national posts (TwoWritingTeachers).
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
SOLSC #5 March 5
Ya know the worst part of having to spend half the day giving a standardized test? The boredom. Yep, there, I said it. Reading those directions, walking up and down the aisles over and over and over, trying not to fall asleep. These things all make a girl pretty bored. If I could only read, I might be able to handle these types of trifles more. However, the folks at the College Board don't trust students very much, so the teachers have to police them so they don't cheat.
But, as bored as I'm going to be, it will be worse for you. I'm leaving some good assignments, I think, but still -- you won't see me (unless you're in 4th). THAT is the worst for you, right??
I wonder how it would be if the people who make rules about testing you even care that your day is ruined -- that you probably aren't learning anything for the class periods you're being babysat? Maybe we should write some letters to our legislators.
Anyway, here are some ideas for your blog today from Geeky Momma (I don't think you read this post the other day...)
But, as bored as I'm going to be, it will be worse for you. I'm leaving some good assignments, I think, but still -- you won't see me (unless you're in 4th). THAT is the worst for you, right??
I wonder how it would be if the people who make rules about testing you even care that your day is ruined -- that you probably aren't learning anything for the class periods you're being babysat? Maybe we should write some letters to our legislators.
Anyway, here are some ideas for your blog today from Geeky Momma (I don't think you read this post the other day...)
- Are you interested in snakes or something else in nature? Why not make your blog about different types of snakes, birds, insects? Take a look at Santiago's post on The Black Necked Spitting Cobra. Don't forget to pose a question to the readers to encourage comments.
- What's your favorite TV show? Create a "TV Review" blog. Each week, review your show. Post a summary of the show and your thoughts. Don't forget to ask your reader what they think too.
- What book are you reading? Don't wait until you are finished to post about it. Write about it as you are reading it. Better yet, invite others to read it with you and maybe you can get a "book discussion" going on your blog.
- Why not choose a theme for your blog and update it every few days with what's happening? For example, your blog theme might be about your soccer team or theater group. You can update every time your team practices and/or has a game. You can pretend you are a sportscaster and report on the events of the game. Don't forget to pose a question to your readers to encourage comments.
- Another theme example could be an upcoming event, like a party or religious event. Every few days, report on how the event is evolving. Once the event passes, it's ok to change your theme. Remember, it's YOUR blog. (Don't post pictures of your friends and if you post pictures of yourself, be sure you have your parent's permission.
Happy Blogging!!
“After nourishment, shelter and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world.”
― Philip Pullman
“Fiction is the truth inside the lie.”
― Stephen King
**NOTE: Remember to paste your unique URL in the COMMENTS section here.
**NOTE 2: Try to comment on at least 3 other blogs.
Monday, March 4, 2013
SOLSC4: 3.4.2013
Hey Peeps...
I can see you working, working, working. It's a wonderful thing to see, actually. You know that people around the county in leadership and political positions say that students aren't learning anything. They should come to WLHS today and see you!!! They would be oh-so impressed. You're talking about what to blog about; you're encouraging each other; you're trying to embed videos and pictures. Yes, some of you are goofing off (I'm looking at you, Time and Justin!), but mostly you're....showing your learning.
A teacher can't ask for more than that, can she?
Okay, well, here is a writing topic for you today if you're crazily wracking your brain for one:
If you and your best friend could have a free limo for 24 hours, where would you go and what would you do?
or...
Happy blogging!!
I can see you working, working, working. It's a wonderful thing to see, actually. You know that people around the county in leadership and political positions say that students aren't learning anything. They should come to WLHS today and see you!!! They would be oh-so impressed. You're talking about what to blog about; you're encouraging each other; you're trying to embed videos and pictures. Yes, some of you are goofing off (I'm looking at you, Time and Justin!), but mostly you're....showing your learning.
A teacher can't ask for more than that, can she?
Okay, well, here is a writing topic for you today if you're crazily wracking your brain for one:
If you and your best friend could have a free limo for 24 hours, where would you go and what would you do?
or...
Happy blogging!!
“I’m not writing to make anyone’s children feel safe.”
—J. K. Rowling
“There have been great societies
that did not use the wheel, but there have been no societies that did not tell stories.”
—Ursula K. LeGuin
**Remember to post your unique URL in the COMMENTS section.**
**Remember to post your unique URL in the COMMENTS section.**
Sunday, March 3, 2013
SOLSC3: 3.3.2013
Hey My Peeps....
I'm reading blogs and trying to work on plans for next week. Is there anything specific you want to do? Lily was watching tv while eating breakfast this morning--now she's in her room having a dance contest. Anyway, I was flipping the channels to a news show I like and had to stop. Guess what's coming on in a half hour? JOE DIRT!!!!! One of my faves. My sister and I went to the movies to see it when it came out and all I can remember is how much laughter and fun we had. Sometimes sisters don't stink! Haha...
What movie, tv show or song reminds you of a sibling of family member? Maybe this can be your Slice today if you're having trouble coming up with a topic.
Have a great day. Remember to link your post's URL in the COMMENTS section.
"Writing is seeing. It is paying attention." Kate DiCamillo
I'm reading blogs and trying to work on plans for next week. Is there anything specific you want to do? Lily was watching tv while eating breakfast this morning--now she's in her room having a dance contest. Anyway, I was flipping the channels to a news show I like and had to stop. Guess what's coming on in a half hour? JOE DIRT!!!!! One of my faves. My sister and I went to the movies to see it when it came out and all I can remember is how much laughter and fun we had. Sometimes sisters don't stink! Haha...
What movie, tv show or song reminds you of a sibling of family member? Maybe this can be your Slice today if you're having trouble coming up with a topic.
Have a great day. Remember to link your post's URL in the COMMENTS section.
"Writing is seeing. It is paying attention." Kate DiCamillo
"Love the writing, love the writing, love the writing . . . the rest will follow." Jane Yolen
Saturday, March 2, 2013
SOLSC 3.2.2013
Hey People....
It's Blogging-Day #2. I've been busy today, so I'm a little late with the post today. My husband has fallen asleep in his recliner and left the TV on some stupid show called "I Want That". I hate that. Do your parents watch stupid TV shows then fall asleep and you don't want to get up and get the remote so you just let the stupid show play and complain about it the whole time??? Yeah, that's how I'm feeling right now.
Anyhoo, I thought that if you're having trouble coming up with something to write about that I'd leave you a writing prompt just to get your juices running. Here it is:
~write about your favorite local place or about the qualities of your town or neighborhood.
I'm not sure I have one of these in L-town--a favorite place, I mean. I used to hang out at that coffee shop in town that didn't last long (Witches' Brew). When it closed, I started hanging out at 36th Street Bakery, but it closed during the summer. I keep asking Kev to start us a bookshop/coffee shop. I wish a Starbucks would open here, but I'm not holding my breath. So when I think about hanging out in L-town, I don't. I hang out at the Barnes & Noble either in Hickory (my favorite) or at Birkdale in Huntersville. I can drink coffee, read books, make up stories about the other people who hang out there, and be totally jealous of those folks who can go there every single day.
Where do you hang out??
It's Blogging-Day #2. I've been busy today, so I'm a little late with the post today. My husband has fallen asleep in his recliner and left the TV on some stupid show called "I Want That". I hate that. Do your parents watch stupid TV shows then fall asleep and you don't want to get up and get the remote so you just let the stupid show play and complain about it the whole time??? Yeah, that's how I'm feeling right now.
Anyhoo, I thought that if you're having trouble coming up with something to write about that I'd leave you a writing prompt just to get your juices running. Here it is:
~write about your favorite local place or about the qualities of your town or neighborhood.
I'm not sure I have one of these in L-town--a favorite place, I mean. I used to hang out at that coffee shop in town that didn't last long (Witches' Brew). When it closed, I started hanging out at 36th Street Bakery, but it closed during the summer. I keep asking Kev to start us a bookshop/coffee shop. I wish a Starbucks would open here, but I'm not holding my breath. So when I think about hanging out in L-town, I don't. I hang out at the Barnes & Noble either in Hickory (my favorite) or at Birkdale in Huntersville. I can drink coffee, read books, make up stories about the other people who hang out there, and be totally jealous of those folks who can go there every single day.
Where do you hang out??
“There have been great societies that did not use the wheel, but there have been no societies that did not tell stories.”
—Ursula K. LeGuin
“Quantity produces quality. If you write only a few things, you’re doomed.”
—Ray Bradbury
***NOTE: Please link your specific URL in the COMMENTS section. I'll add our site to the national site around 10:30.
Friday, March 1, 2013
SOLSC2013: 1 of 31
Hello My Peeps...
Today is your first day of blogging for a month. I'm glad to see so much enthusiasm -- you really know how to make me a happy teacher!!
Here's how we'll proceed: I'll publish the daily Slice of Life Challenge class post each day. Those of you who choose to blog will need to paste your day's post URL in the COMMENTS section below. I'll need to post this URL to the TwoWritingTeachers site and you'll need to follow that link to read other classroom blogs.
Things to remember:
1. The unique URL is the address of the POST, not the BLOG.
2. Give a teaser about your post before you paste the URL.
3. Check our class webpage for ideas to write about
4. Complete your calendar so you'll know what you wrote about.
5. Comment on at least 3 other blog posts --KEEP THE COMMENTS POSITIVE!!
6. Have fun!! ;)
I can't wait to read your stories and watch how much you grow as a writer this month!!
;)
"Write about what makes you different."
Sandra Cisneros
"Good writing happens when human beings follow particular steps to take control of their sentences-to make their words do what they want them to do."
Ralph Fletcher
Today is your first day of blogging for a month. I'm glad to see so much enthusiasm -- you really know how to make me a happy teacher!!
Here's how we'll proceed: I'll publish the daily Slice of Life Challenge class post each day. Those of you who choose to blog will need to paste your day's post URL in the COMMENTS section below. I'll need to post this URL to the TwoWritingTeachers site and you'll need to follow that link to read other classroom blogs.
Things to remember:
1. The unique URL is the address of the POST, not the BLOG.
2. Give a teaser about your post before you paste the URL.
3. Check our class webpage for ideas to write about
4. Complete your calendar so you'll know what you wrote about.
5. Comment on at least 3 other blog posts --KEEP THE COMMENTS POSITIVE!!
6. Have fun!! ;)
I can't wait to read your stories and watch how much you grow as a writer this month!!
;)
"Write about what makes you different."
Sandra Cisneros
"Good writing happens when human beings follow particular steps to take control of their sentences-to make their words do what they want them to do."
Ralph Fletcher
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