1. Does the deer live in one of the residence halls? He was headed that way. And if so, does he keep his roommate up late? What does he keep in the tiny fridge?
2. After returning from the upstairs conference, most people said some version of "It's hot up there," which made me think of the phrase "hot seat." Even though it's very clear that Tim and Pam are here to help us and want us to create something valuable for our own classrooms, it still felt like being called to the principal's office. (Which is far worse when you're a teacher!) It made me wonder if my creative writing students experience similar feelings before/during our little conferences.
3. When I have my "I heart rubrics" t-shirt made, I'll also produce some "I barely tolerate Nancy Atwell" t-shirts and a "Doesn't play well with others" shirt for Gerilyn. (Though I can't imagine that's really true, Gerilyn!)
4. I was floored to hear that Tim's students have laptops, and my (well off!) district has severe technical issues. I'd love to do the digital storytelling, but access to decent tech stops me from even using Powerpoint more than once a year. What other opportunities are we missing b/c of simple roadblocks?
5. I was struck by Michaela saying that the principals and administrators at the conference were surprised to know that teachers "cared enough" about students to form committees. Why do we have such an adversarial relationship with administrators and school committees, when we are all supposed to be helping the same kids?
My apologies for misspelling Jerilyn's name!
ReplyDeleteThanks Maggie. Actually, East Greenwich is lacking so much technology when compared to other districts. I think many people assume because EG is so affluent that they must spend money freely on tech equipment. Not the case. In addition, I am always shocked by how much a district is willing to pay for technology that is offered for free on-line.
ReplyDeleteNo worries, Maggie. The only mistake that really irks me when it comes to my name is Geraldine. For the oldies in the group, visions of Flip Wilson come to mind. Great and entertaining review of the day. Now I'm sorry I volunteered to sum up today.
ReplyDeleteHow I spent my summer vacation...
ReplyDeleteThursday, 23 July 2009
A certain someone, who shall remain nameless, arrived late again. At least it was within 15 minutes or so this time. I'm sure it will be a better week for said person next week, now that the mysterious summer virus is on its way out.
Good journal sharing. I think if time allowed, we would have heard from everyone. No offense to other groups and facilitators, but a past WP workshop sort of guided the journal writings, steering them towards the readings from the night before and other academic issues. Although very valuable and insightful, there is really something to be said about the camaraderie that is built in the personal writings that people share. Also, how many of us have or make time to sit and write about what matters to us, what we observe, what strikes us in some way shape or form? I am always thankful for that allotted time in the WP courses.
On to our featured presentation -- Jeff Lawton (English teacher at Warwick Vets HS). I think many, if not all, would agree that it was insightful, interesting, enlightening, and definitely applicable. It would be nice to see if any of us can fit that in a multi-genre project before our meeting in November so we can see how it works. I might give it a shot, even on a smaller scale to prep for a larger, fuller version later in the year.
Research time was shorter than usual, but it seems as though we were all willing to give up some of that time for a really good presentation.
Discussion of the readings was also interesting and insightful. As I said in an earlier blog, we have a good group. We are good communicators. No parallel talkers. I really like Maggie's reference to the professor who said, "good teaching is good teaching". Something for all of us to keep in mind.
Last, but certainly not least, another great snack day. Thank you, Ann for the lovely spread. Thanks to all snack providers this week. The bar is raising each day. By time my turn rolls around, I'll have to be standing in the corner at an omelette station.
On a personal note, I'm already in weekend mode. I took time this afternoon to pick fresh green beans with my oldest son (no cell phone within a 50 foot radius), ones he grew from a seed at school. He then helped me put together a wonderful salad of beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, and basil. And lo and behold, after one taste, he declared, "Wow. I like green beans!" On that note, enjoy your weekend. See you Monday morning, by 8:30 (I hope.).
I'm wicked excited to use Jeff's multi-genre papers, especially with my lower level classes. I can see those kids actually enjoying some work for a change! I will have to add some componenet where they show MLA format for in-text citations and a Work Cited page, but that could be a one-pager, I think, along with all the fun stuff.
ReplyDeleteAnn, thanks for the take-home berries! My boys ate them this morning with blueberries and bananas and corn flakes.
Hope everyone has a fun weekend. Check out Foster Old Home Days this weekend if you have young kids or a fried dough addiction or haven't seen a show chicken in a while (or ever!)
Jerilyn, I like my omelettes with mushrooms! I too am excited (wicked excited even) about the multi-genre papers. With 4 huge 10th grade classes next year, it might just be the thing that keeps me teetering on the side of sanity.
ReplyDeleteI loved the presentation on the multi-genre papers and shared the idea with my mom, who teaches 6th grade social studies, and SHE is very excited about them...feels like that old shampoo commercial...and they'll tell two friends and they'll tell two friends...
ReplyDeleteJerilyn - that salad sounds fabulous and makes me a little despondent about my own garden, sigh, which has been mercilessly beaten down by the rain this summer...my tiny little green tomatoes are so pathetic! If they survive tomorrow's storms it'll be a miracle!
P.S. - have pity on those of us who have snack day at the end of the week!!! If you go to the omelette station, I'm screwed...
ReplyDeleteAn omelette station! I am all for that. I enjoy a meat-lovers omelette, if you don't mind.
ReplyDeleteI also am excited about the multi-genre paper. I contacted other teachers in my team to plan on using it as soon as possible.