Elements of genre
POSTED AT 03:09 PM

rocky

Looking to get your students to articulate elements of a genre?
One of our 5th grade teachers wanted her students to dig deeper into the criteria for a narrative--here's what she did:
• She decided to present her class with an anchor paper that received a score of 1 (on a scale of 1-4).
• Using the overhead, the teacher led the class in reading the piece.
• A discussion followed about why the class thought the paper scored 1. Students were able to articulate that the paper was missing key elements: the setting was not described, the flow of events did not make sense, the setting was abruptly switched in an ackward way with no logical purpose, there was no dialogue, and the characters were not developed.
• The teacher asked students to give a few examples of how they might revise the piece, keeping in mind the genre elements discussed.
• Students offered several examples which the teacher, using her editing marks to model revision, applied to the achor paper.
• The teacher gave pairs of students a copy of the anchor paper and asked them to revise it, keeping in mind the genre elements discussed.
• Finally, students shared their revised papers with other groups and then some shared with the class.

This was a very successful way for students to understand how elements of a genre function to create quality writing. And, when students worked on their next writing task, a personal narrative, they were able to work effectively using a Criteria Chart to guide them through the stages of the writing process.

2nd Grade Weblog
POSTED AT 01:04 PM

rocky

Here's an example of a 2nd grade blog Room 209. These students are posting about their learnings--poems, synopsis, etc. Take a look. I think it's a good model because once we introduce students to blogging via commenting, we can, when we ourselves are ready, move students along to posting. It can be in groups or in pairs, and it doesn't have to be daily. As a matter of fact, a class blog can involve both--students posts and teacher posts with students commenting. Anyway a teacher wants to run her blog is the way to go! So, check it out...

Hola everybody!
POSTED AT 05:39 PM

rocky

Last night's meeting of our Bloggers Network was great. We had fun, helped each other try things out, and had more fun! We need to come up with a new name for ourselves so leave some suggestions in the comments area. For our next meeting, let's work on using images on our blogs. That can mean uploading a Usericon or using pictures and/or clip art in our entries. I found this one and it made me think of one of our members' blogs--Mr.Kitty, meow! Check this link out-- Maukie --YOU'LL LOVE IT!!!

From the heart of L.A. out to the EduBlogging Community--HELLO!!
POSTED AT 10:35 PM

rocky

Our first Bloggers Network meeting took place today and it was wonderful! We had a good turn out and we all helped each other manuever on the internet. We're happy to be part of the edublogging community! We're on a fabulous adventure--I wonder where it will lead...

Great reading site for your students!
POSTED AT 10:27 PM

rocky

Check out this great reading site--via Jose! Starfall: Learn to Read
http://www.starfall.com/ It's kinda like Waterford. And check out the Valentine's Day section--great reading and writing, just in time for Valentine's Day! Maybe a good blog post so your students can check it out!?!

Let's not say goodbye...it's just farewell...till Friday!
POSTED AT 03:53 PM

rocky

Well, it's been a great day. We've all shared and learned soooo much! I look forward to following your blogs--whether you immediately use them in the classroom or you decide to experiment more with them before unveiling in the classroom!

See you on Friday, 4:30, at Barbara's, for our first Harrison Bloggers Network! Drag Queen's treating!!! (*wink*)

1st Meeting of Harrison Blogger's Network
POSTED AT 10:07 AM

rocky

We'll be at Barbara's at the Brewery--620 Molton Street. 4:30--Bring your laptop, your smiles, and your thirst. We will blog and toast to our new community! And, it's payday!!!

Good morning everybody!
POSTED AT 09:14 AM

rocky

Don't you just LOVE getting up at the crack of dawn and coming to the District for an ALL DAY CLASS!!! Ah, the freezing cold air...wonderful for a ruddy complexion, no? Well, glad to see you here. And, LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE, um, er, BLOG!!!!

Happiness is a warm blog!
POSTED AT 09:03 PM

rocky

It's been a great week for blogging! Mozart Concept Question Blog took off like a rocket! These 2nd graders have been blogging EVERYDAY!!!

We're going to create the Harrison Bloggers Network consisting of any Harrison staff who wants to blog. Our first meeting will be next Friday, January 30th afterschool. We'll meet at a local restaurant/bar that has internet access. So, bring your laptop, your smile, and a thirst.

Our last blogging class will take place tomorrow at District F (8am). See you guys then!

Mozart--maybe you can stop by District F and encourage us bloggers with our success or post on this journal tomorrow while we're in class. We'd love to hear from you!

Supporting spelling...
POSTED AT 03:05 PM

rocky

To help students understand that some words use the same spelling pattern but are pronounced differently, try using a Tree Map like this one (one of the Thinking Maps.) As you read stories or come across words in blending lines, draw attention to them, and add them to the map.

Just a little tip from your Aunt Rocky!