Just Write, Right?

I love to teach writing.

I also love to teach character education. 

During the essay unit we do, the kids observe or notice events, objects or people around them. Then, they think about what it/they mean(s) to them. It's always during this unit where I learn so much about my students. Essay beginnings such as: "What does being trustworthy mean? OR Why can't people do what they are supposed to do? flood my classroom.

Struggling writers no longer have as big of a struggle. Avid writers seem to write essay after essay; reflecting on the world around them. Yes, they are 8 and 9. And, yes, their views are fascinating and very real. And finally, YES they LOVE to WRITE. Why? Simple. They are writing about topics that interest them.

My kids also blog. They go on to our class blog and write. They edit and revise. They can't post without doing so. They write about what INTERESTS them. See, it's simple. INTEREST. You can view their blog to see the beginnings of their essays.

My kids' response to literature has improved.
Their discussions have become rich and engaging.
Vocabulary development is obvious through their writing.


I love to teach writing.

Blog, Blogging, Blogged

A few weeks ago, I introduced blogging to my students. It had been my goal to start something like this, so I was excited to get it going! I showed them the basics, talked about a blog's purpose, gave them my expectations, and they were on their way. I still can't get over how quickly they picked up on this skill!

I wanted my kids to blog for several reasons.
1. To reflect on topics learned in school
2. To practice typing using correct conventions
3. To apply writing craft learned during Writer's Workshop
4. To have a global audience
5. To use technology in a meaningful and authentic way.

They loved it the second they tried it. They were authors and could write a journal entry for the world to see. Wow!

I am so proud of my little authors. Please follow us if you are interested! You can even leave a comment, as we will be discussing them.

http://206news3.blogspot.com/

Benefits of this Blog

After blogging for several weeks, I have decided to continue posting my thoughts and ideas about technology integration, curriculum and teaching. I think we all have a lot of offer each other so I am hoping my blog posts will offer other educators resources and/or ideas.

In the meantime, I am very excited about a new project we (my grade level partner and I) are doing with our third grade classes. We are currently working on our Native American Unit. Yesterday, we watched short video clips about the various Native American houses and brainstormed materials we could use to make model houses. Then, we split the students into groups, and using this hotlist, they came up with more materials. Next week, they will be planning and creating one of the houses. I am so excited to see how this turns out, and I know the kids are too!