Iweb is an intranet site (I think...?) that can be viewed throughout our district and our tech specialist shared some of the possibilities with me. So Monday, my treasures and I began what I am titling, "The Iweb Wonder Adventure." She showed us what are some of the possibilities with the project, and off they went. They have already figured out how to add video and podcasts to their page.
Since I had not created my own, I was learning with them. (After all, they need to see us take risks in our learning, too!) They chose their theme, created a Welcome and About Me page, and then their own blog page. My goal is for them to write their narrative as they go through the process on the blog page, and create other blog pages for different purposes. This will be the place where their poetic literary essay will be published.
Some of the things we learned:
1. Some themes will only type in all caps. That's an issue once we begin composing and publishing authentic writing works.
2. We had some difficulty linking everyone's site together, so that will need to be worked out.
Tomorrow, I'm going to let them play and figure some things out on their own. They are definitely tech savy! Has anyone used this application? Any hints, comments, suggestions would be appreciated!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Friday, January 8, 2010
I am the Weather Goddess!
Today is our very first Snow Day of the season!! They are becoming few and far between because of new state guidelines, but this was not a normal storm. Others doubted my prediction that we would have at the very least a 2 hour delay and emailed me last night that they would see me tomorrow. (I'm not naming any names, but you know who you are!) I am very in tune with the national weather, see what is heading our way, and knew that we would get a huge hit. Even when it began yesterday with early dismissals, a delay or cancellation was in our forecast. Beginning at 5:15am, I began checking online and by 5:30am, I knew that we would have a snow day!! I AM THE WEATHER GODDESS!!!
As we began our first week, my class and I started looking at recurring themes in our reading and writing. Our school will be hosting Lester Laminack at the end of the month, so I used his Snow Day picture book as a mentor text for our poetry study. We looked at various forms of poetry and began writing some of our own with a snow theme.
Our literacy committee would like for each classroom to have a display, where they used Lester's thinking for read alouds or his picture books as mentor texts. During my drives on vacation, I thought of an artistic expression piece that interweaves reading and writing. Using marbles and white paint, each student "rolled" a snow scene on blue background. Next week, they will sketch the scene with markers and use that picture as inspiration for writing poetry. So far, they have enjoyed using a theme as inspiration for their writing.
For everyone in Central Ohio off from school, enjoy your hibernation day!! I've graded some papers, put some jigsaw puzzles together, and am off to read a book. Happy Snow Day one and all!!
As we began our first week, my class and I started looking at recurring themes in our reading and writing. Our school will be hosting Lester Laminack at the end of the month, so I used his Snow Day picture book as a mentor text for our poetry study. We looked at various forms of poetry and began writing some of our own with a snow theme.
Our literacy committee would like for each classroom to have a display, where they used Lester's thinking for read alouds or his picture books as mentor texts. During my drives on vacation, I thought of an artistic expression piece that interweaves reading and writing. Using marbles and white paint, each student "rolled" a snow scene on blue background. Next week, they will sketch the scene with markers and use that picture as inspiration for writing poetry. So far, they have enjoyed using a theme as inspiration for their writing.
For everyone in Central Ohio off from school, enjoy your hibernation day!! I've graded some papers, put some jigsaw puzzles together, and am off to read a book. Happy Snow Day one and all!!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Tribute to Jon Scieszka
A Year of Reading is kicking off a celebration to Jon Scieszka for his work as the First Children's Ambassador.
As a primary teacher, I fell in love with his take on fairy tales. From The Stinky Cheese Man to the True Story of the Three Little Pigs, the point of view he took as he crafted his fairy tales was often the one that we overlooked. I mean, seriously, did we ever think about the wolf before he wrote about him? As I moved into more intermediate grade levels, I marveled at Science Verse and Math Curse. His use of math and science concepts in a language and story form most would understand was remarkable.
But, what I most admire him about was the creation of the website, Guys Read. When I began teaching third and fourth grade, my boys were not as engaged in reading as I would have hoped. I was given some professional reading on boys and literacy to help me think through some strategies for my treasures. Through those books, I came across a website he created. It validated my boys and their interests. I understand their need for graphics, action, and a quick moving read. Jon Scieszka created a website for teachers, parents, and treasures to find books that will meet their needs. It validates graphic novels. It validates those who enjoy science fiction. It validates them.
Thanks Jon, for your work as the first Children's Literature Ambassador.
As a primary teacher, I fell in love with his take on fairy tales. From The Stinky Cheese Man to the True Story of the Three Little Pigs, the point of view he took as he crafted his fairy tales was often the one that we overlooked. I mean, seriously, did we ever think about the wolf before he wrote about him? As I moved into more intermediate grade levels, I marveled at Science Verse and Math Curse. His use of math and science concepts in a language and story form most would understand was remarkable.
But, what I most admire him about was the creation of the website, Guys Read. When I began teaching third and fourth grade, my boys were not as engaged in reading as I would have hoped. I was given some professional reading on boys and literacy to help me think through some strategies for my treasures. Through those books, I came across a website he created. It validated my boys and their interests. I understand their need for graphics, action, and a quick moving read. Jon Scieszka created a website for teachers, parents, and treasures to find books that will meet their needs. It validates graphic novels. It validates those who enjoy science fiction. It validates them.
Thanks Jon, for your work as the first Children's Literature Ambassador.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Let the Hibernation Begin!!!
It is thought that hibernation was once a shared characteristic among all mammals, and then we humans lost the ability to hibernate,- but it still might be in our genes. Steven Swoap
I despise the cold! For one who has lived in Ohio their entire life, I ask you, "How did this vile contempt for the cold begin?" I believe it stems from a hypothermia incident while white-water rafting in Wyoming in my early days of teaching. That incident forever changed my internal heating system, and I now dress in multiple layers from November until late April. I am considerate in that I don't make everyone bow to my warmth issues, but I tend to come home from school and stay indoors for the rest of the evening.
I've found that the winter does provide one benefit...I read tons during the winter. Reading is a part of our household. Our anthem is "READERS ARE LEADERS!" We have a family reading time from 7-7:30 nightly. Books are plentiful, along with weekly trips to the library. My favorite genre is non-fiction, because I can read a chapter or two, marinate, and come back to it. A side benefit is that non-fiction is a genre my husband and I can share together.
But, the holiday breaks are great for reading fiction. Once the busiest of the season is over, I lay on the couch with my blanket, coffee, a blazing fireplace, and get totally lost in my book. This vacation has opened my eyes to the possibilities of reading fiction more.
During the drive down to North Carolina, I was completely absorbed in the book Sent by Margaret Peterson Haddix. Next, my aunt loves mysteries and her shelves were filled with them. I picked up Honeymoon by James Patterson, read it completely on Christmas Day. (Major rain storm knocked out their tv/cell phone service, and I realized at the end I had already read it.) She also had a book on Queen Elizabeth/Princess Di comparisons. While it was pretty dry, that topic continues to fascinate. I finished that in one day. The drive home was awful because of no reading material.
What I've noticed about myself is that when I begin reading fiction, nothing else matters except reading that book. I could be organizing my kids' rooms, my room, putting the Christmas decorations away, and more. But, my winter hibernation has begun. Tuesday, I made myself a goal. I needed to get caught up on some emails, and begin some school projects that I'm putting off before I could "have" my reward...READ. It worked! I accomplished so much and was able to finish my book. I'm going to be on the look for some good fiction to read in 2010. Happy Hibernating!!!
I've found that the winter does provide one benefit...I read tons during the winter. Reading is a part of our household. Our anthem is "READERS ARE LEADERS!" We have a family reading time from 7-7:30 nightly. Books are plentiful, along with weekly trips to the library. My favorite genre is non-fiction, because I can read a chapter or two, marinate, and come back to it. A side benefit is that non-fiction is a genre my husband and I can share together.
But, the holiday breaks are great for reading fiction. Once the busiest of the season is over, I lay on the couch with my blanket, coffee, a blazing fireplace, and get totally lost in my book. This vacation has opened my eyes to the possibilities of reading fiction more.
During the drive down to North Carolina, I was completely absorbed in the book Sent by Margaret Peterson Haddix. Next, my aunt loves mysteries and her shelves were filled with them. I picked up Honeymoon by James Patterson, read it completely on Christmas Day. (Major rain storm knocked out their tv/cell phone service, and I realized at the end I had already read it.) She also had a book on Queen Elizabeth/Princess Di comparisons. While it was pretty dry, that topic continues to fascinate. I finished that in one day. The drive home was awful because of no reading material.
What I've noticed about myself is that when I begin reading fiction, nothing else matters except reading that book. I could be organizing my kids' rooms, my room, putting the Christmas decorations away, and more. But, my winter hibernation has begun. Tuesday, I made myself a goal. I needed to get caught up on some emails, and begin some school projects that I'm putting off before I could "have" my reward...READ. It worked! I accomplished so much and was able to finish my book. I'm going to be on the look for some good fiction to read in 2010. Happy Hibernating!!!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Great Joy!
I love Kate DiCamillo! I "met" her many years ago when I read Because of Winn Dixie. Winn Dixie and Opal warmed my heart in such a way that I can still "see" Winn Dixie's doggy smile when think of him. After my first experience with Kate's book, I actively sought out her other works. She has been busy...She has a wonderful beginning chapter book series about a lovable pig named Mercy Watson that transitional readers can really enjoy.
This year I read The Tiger Rising with a small group "promising" fourth grade students. The book was the catalyst for the best book discussion with young students I have ever had. The students experience with the book was so real, so authentic, so joyful that they would come running in from recess all red-faced and winded to discuss the latest development in the story. Sistine, Rob, and Willie May became friends of ours for whom we cared deeply.
Like avid readers, when we finished The Tiger Rising, this group wanted more! Next we wanted to read, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. I had not read the book before, so I asked my colleagues what they thought of the book. I heard from them that the book was challenging because of the vocabulary and the story's circular framework over time. Tigger, my youngest son, and I love to listen to books on CD. I checked Edward Tulane out from the library and we listened to the amazing story in the car every day. We loved it and I knew my promising readers would as well....if they listened to it as they "read" it. I felt that we needed to keep the momentum going. I wanted to continue to give them the strong message that reading is fun, engaging...JOYFUL! They listened to the CD in their classroom during their reading workshop and we discussed, sketched, and recorded important information in our journals during our brief 30 minute lessons. It was magical!
Two weeks before Winter Break, I found another gem by Kate DiCamillo, Great Joy. This moving picture book is a wonderful story about a little girl who spots a homeless accordion player and his monkey on the street corner. She worries about them and eventually invites them to see her Christmas play performance. The man and his monkey come and stay for the reception following. It is a heartwarming story that is beautifully illustrated by the same man who did the artwork for Edward Tulane. This gem also included the book on CD and...drum roll please...a incredible interview with the author, my new BFF, Kate DiCamillo.
I shared this book with all of my promising readers as well as Shelly's fourth grade class. We carefully listened to and discussed the interview over 3 days. It was powerful. The students and their teacher took her message to heart. In order to be a writer you need to do two things: read all the time and write every day. I have the wonderful opportunity to go into this classroom every day and that is exactly what they are doing...reading and writing every day. Simple, but powerful stuff.
In thinking about my latest experience with Kate DiCamillo's books, I can't help but feel validated. As a Reading Specialist, I feel strongly that our focus needs to be on create joyful experiences with books. So many remedial reading programs focus on the skills, strategies, and levels that young readers need to have in order to read. In our efforts to "tool" them up, we forget what made us "real" readers...the Joy! Thanks Kate for creating books that bring JOY to us all.
This year I read The Tiger Rising with a small group "promising" fourth grade students. The book was the catalyst for the best book discussion with young students I have ever had. The students experience with the book was so real, so authentic, so joyful that they would come running in from recess all red-faced and winded to discuss the latest development in the story. Sistine, Rob, and Willie May became friends of ours for whom we cared deeply.
Like avid readers, when we finished The Tiger Rising, this group wanted more! Next we wanted to read, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. I had not read the book before, so I asked my colleagues what they thought of the book. I heard from them that the book was challenging because of the vocabulary and the story's circular framework over time. Tigger, my youngest son, and I love to listen to books on CD. I checked Edward Tulane out from the library and we listened to the amazing story in the car every day. We loved it and I knew my promising readers would as well....if they listened to it as they "read" it. I felt that we needed to keep the momentum going. I wanted to continue to give them the strong message that reading is fun, engaging...JOYFUL! They listened to the CD in their classroom during their reading workshop and we discussed, sketched, and recorded important information in our journals during our brief 30 minute lessons. It was magical!
Two weeks before Winter Break, I found another gem by Kate DiCamillo, Great Joy. This moving picture book is a wonderful story about a little girl who spots a homeless accordion player and his monkey on the street corner. She worries about them and eventually invites them to see her Christmas play performance. The man and his monkey come and stay for the reception following. It is a heartwarming story that is beautifully illustrated by the same man who did the artwork for Edward Tulane. This gem also included the book on CD and...drum roll please...a incredible interview with the author, my new BFF, Kate DiCamillo.
I shared this book with all of my promising readers as well as Shelly's fourth grade class. We carefully listened to and discussed the interview over 3 days. It was powerful. The students and their teacher took her message to heart. In order to be a writer you need to do two things: read all the time and write every day. I have the wonderful opportunity to go into this classroom every day and that is exactly what they are doing...reading and writing every day. Simple, but powerful stuff.
In thinking about my latest experience with Kate DiCamillo's books, I can't help but feel validated. As a Reading Specialist, I feel strongly that our focus needs to be on create joyful experiences with books. So many remedial reading programs focus on the skills, strategies, and levels that young readers need to have in order to read. In our efforts to "tool" them up, we forget what made us "real" readers...the Joy! Thanks Kate for creating books that bring JOY to us all.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Poetry Friday
Merry Christmas!
There's nothing like the wonder and excitement of Christmas morning as children rush from their beds to the Christmas tree. One can't describe the tales and stories they weave as they try to figure out Santa's path around the globe and how he came down the chimney. Enjoy this time with your friends and family today and this week. Celebrate those special moments, those special times.
Family Joys
And the very best of all
Is contemplating those dear to us,
And the memories we recall.
Of people, affectionately,
And we realize how blessed we are
To have you in our family.
By: Joanna Kunchs
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Poetry Saturday?
Santa came last night to the Archer household, bringing a trip instead of toys. We're heading to the Carolinas Monday(have you seen how much snow they've received!!!?) to go tubing, the Biltmore Estate, and visit relatives. Since we couldn't pack until Santa came(which I should be doing while everyone is outside making a snowman!), my husband crafted a poem to help Santa explain the trip. Addyson found it early this morning(before 7am on a Saturday!!!!!), and read it to us.
Twas the week before Christmas, and wouldn't you know
The tree was all lit, and it had started to snow.
The elves were all working away on their toys,
while Santa checked his list of good girls and boys.
A couple of kids soon caught his attention.
The ones his elf Ellie had happened to mention.
Addyson and Austin were the names of this pair,
And Santa had sent Ellie to keep an eye on them there.
At their home in Powell, on Watson Way.
Santa hoped they could stay nice until Christmas Day.
But he had reasons to worry, reasons to fret.
After all, Christmas was a week away yet.
Austin was already bored, with no school, nothing to do.
Santa heard Addyson exclaim "I'm bored too!"
Santa and Ellie worked for hours together,
to make this the kids' best Christmas ever.
A family adventure, the two had agreed,
was the perfect solution for this Christmas need.
So Austin and Addy, with parents in tow
would head out on Monday for some fun in the snow.
Some skiing, some tubing, some skating, who knows?
depends on how cold, and how the wind blows.
Or maybe some mini-golf, or bowling or wall-climbing?
Boy, Santa sure was getting tired of rhyming.
Then off to a castle, fit for a queen.
All lit up for Christmas, like nothing they've seen.
"But what about family, and time spent together?"
Ellie wondered out loud, as she checked the weather.
"So spend time with Aunt Dot," Santa was quick to suggest.
"And Uncle Steve and the horses, that would be best!"
"And bring Grandma and Grandpa Archer too."
Santa proclaimed, "That's the thing to do."
So Santa packed his sleigh early, and took to the skies.
To deliver and early Christmas surprise.
With Ellie's help, and his reindeer, all eight,
he set his plan in motion to make their Christmas great.
He left presents beneath Addyson and Austin's tree,
But the best gift of all couldn't be wrapped, you see.
For fun times together, don't need ribbon and bows,
And can't be delivered by Rudolph, with his shiny nose.
So pack your bags, kids, dress warm and get ready to roll!
On an adventure from Santa and all his elves at the North Pole.
Have fun, be safe on the snow and the ice.
And remember Ellie and Santa are watching,
So BE NICE!
Merry Christmas.
Have a Merry Christmas everyone.
Archer Accountability Plan Update: I haven't made as much progress in the book Sent as I would have liked. I'm taking it with me on vacation. However, I do have the article written, edited, and hope to send it off in January. So... I'm 50/50 on my accountability plan.
Thanks for checking!
Twas the week before Christmas, and wouldn't you know
The tree was all lit, and it had started to snow.
The elves were all working away on their toys,
while Santa checked his list of good girls and boys.
A couple of kids soon caught his attention.
The ones his elf Ellie had happened to mention.
Addyson and Austin were the names of this pair,
And Santa had sent Ellie to keep an eye on them there.
At their home in Powell, on Watson Way.
Santa hoped they could stay nice until Christmas Day.
But he had reasons to worry, reasons to fret.
After all, Christmas was a week away yet.
Austin was already bored, with no school, nothing to do.
Santa heard Addyson exclaim "I'm bored too!"
Santa and Ellie worked for hours together,
to make this the kids' best Christmas ever.
A family adventure, the two had agreed,
was the perfect solution for this Christmas need.
So Austin and Addy, with parents in tow
would head out on Monday for some fun in the snow.
Some skiing, some tubing, some skating, who knows?
depends on how cold, and how the wind blows.
Or maybe some mini-golf, or bowling or wall-climbing?
Boy, Santa sure was getting tired of rhyming.
Then off to a castle, fit for a queen.
All lit up for Christmas, like nothing they've seen.
"But what about family, and time spent together?"
Ellie wondered out loud, as she checked the weather.
"So spend time with Aunt Dot," Santa was quick to suggest.
"And Uncle Steve and the horses, that would be best!"
"And bring Grandma and Grandpa Archer too."
Santa proclaimed, "That's the thing to do."
So Santa packed his sleigh early, and took to the skies.
To deliver and early Christmas surprise.
With Ellie's help, and his reindeer, all eight,
he set his plan in motion to make their Christmas great.
He left presents beneath Addyson and Austin's tree,
But the best gift of all couldn't be wrapped, you see.
For fun times together, don't need ribbon and bows,
And can't be delivered by Rudolph, with his shiny nose.
So pack your bags, kids, dress warm and get ready to roll!
On an adventure from Santa and all his elves at the North Pole.
Have fun, be safe on the snow and the ice.
And remember Ellie and Santa are watching,
So BE NICE!
Merry Christmas.
Have a Merry Christmas everyone.
Archer Accountability Plan Update: I haven't made as much progress in the book Sent as I would have liked. I'm taking it with me on vacation. However, I do have the article written, edited, and hope to send it off in January. So... I'm 50/50 on my accountability plan.
Thanks for checking!
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