Pleasant discussions on “Nicenet”
Last week we tried taking our literature discussions to the technological-level by using wikis, which didn’t turn out to be a user friendly for synchronous (at the same time) discussion. Fortunately for both me and my students, I remembered learning about nicenet.org – an Internet Classroom Assistant. For two days this week, students have engaged […]
Oh What Fun….
it is to read with a pillow in our room, Hey! Ok, so it’s a bit early for Christmas carols, but yes I am one of those put-your-fake tree-up-the-day-after-Thanksgiving people anyway. But the point of this post is to report the resounding success we’ve had with our Teen Read Week celebration. Sadly, my life has […]
We’re not alone!!
I just found a really interesting article that talks about exactly the kind of learning that we’re doing here on my blog! Looks like others have thought this was a pretty cool way to get parents, teachers, and students all on the same page too! Maybe you can look forward to some literary interpretation homework […]
It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood!
Week 5 already….Wow! This week, both 7th and 8th graders have been digging deep into their memory banks for those priceless jewels. You know, those totally unplanned, yet completely memorable family activities, or some your “finest” parenting moments. Actually, most students are recalling things like accidents, emergencies, and a few first crushes. Many of you […]
Setting the pace
As I sit to write this beautiful Saturday evening, I can’t help but think back over the course of the past month. How is it that the first month of school has already vanished? We’ve already completed several assignments, we’re about to begin our first novel, start MEAP-ing and fall weather is finally rolling in. […]
The Homework Honeymoon has ended
I’ve been purposely avoiding this post, but I feel that the time has come. Having worked through a pretty intense first unit, I was structuring this next two-week timeframe with a few more light-hearted activities that accomplished the same tasks. Seventh grade students are working on writing comics to illustrate the importance of text and […]
Week 3
I can hardly believe we’re already wrapping up the third week of school! Some days, the newness of the school year still lingers in the air. Other days, it seems that students are as comfortable as they were by the end of last year. Either way, it feels good to be getting into the groove […]
First Five Day Week
Hopefully I have at least a couple devoted readers, and to you I sincerely apologize for my late post today. After a 14.5 hour day yesterday, complete with a car-deer accident, and 2 (yes 2) trips back home between the end of the school day and the start of the open house, I spent most […]
Wednesday already?
As I told my students, my goal is to post every Friday with a “newsletter” type update abou the happenings in our classroom. I also mentioned that if I felt inspired to post again throughout the week, I would certainly take a moment to do so. Inspiration struck today. In my previous entries, I have […]
Fabulous Firsts
After countless hours spent planning and preparing my classroom, I find that there’s nothing quite like a classroom full of students. It will take me some time to adjust to my morning conference hour, being on my feet all day and talking a lot more than I’m used to, but for now, being in the […]
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