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Catching Up

April 3rd, 2009 by rjsmom03

Greetings! We have some catching up to do – actually I have to get you up to speed on a few topics. First, please review the curriculum coordinators minutes (CCM: Curriculum Coordinator’s Meetings). Then, be sure to check out the the Blogroll – particualry Mrs. Arnold’s blog, “Kisses and Disses”. Lastly, we will meet on Wednesday, June 3, for our final meeting of the year. We will meet at 7:30 in my room. I will provide juice and muffins.

* Please remember to submit summer proposals to Sue by Friday. Please forward a copy or an email to me – I would like to be aware of what everyone is working on this summer.

Posted in Uncategorized | | | 0 Comments

Starting the Discussion – Vocabulary Matters

January 2nd, 2009 by rjsmom03

Respond to the two questions below:

Discussion Question #1: What advantages do you see in using the gradual release of
responsibility (modeling, peer learning, and independent
experiences) for vocabulary instruction? What would/could/should this look like in the classroom?

Discussion Question #2: Could a schoolwide approach maximize the vocabulary expertise
at our school? What do you envision this might look like?

After we listen to all of the podcasts, I will post two more discussion questions. This second discussion will not be “due” until Feb. I will share the date via email or at our next meeting.

Posted in Vocabulary Discussion, vocabulary | | | 2 Comments

Chapter 1: Words (Still) Matter In Middle and High School

December 23rd, 2008 by rjsmom03

Click on Link:

View Podcast for Chapter 1 and Chapter 2

I will post discussion question for Chapter 1 on December 29. Please respond by January 20.

Posted in Uncategorized | | | 3 Comments

Blogging

July 19th, 2008 by rjsmom03

If you are unfamiliar with blogging, please watch the video Blogging in Plain English (video from leelefever -commoncraft).

In what ways could we use blogging in our department? with our students? If you visit the site http://budtheteacher.blogspot.com ,you can read about the journey one teacher and his students took to implement blogs in their classroom. It introduces the potential/possibilities of weblogs.

Posted in Technology | | | 0 Comments

6 Traits Training

July 15th, 2008 by rjsmom03

In the book, Creating Writers Through 6-Trait Writing, Vicki Spandel states that consistent language and assessment are two of the top ten benefits of 6 Trait Writing. On page 7 of the book, the two paragraphs that discuss consistency made me think:If we are not all consistent in our thinking (what good writing is), our teaching (use of consistent/common language), and our assessing (rubrics), how do we expect our students to become better writers? I don’t think we can expect their writing to improve if we do not give them consistent instruction, an opportunity to practice and consistent feedback. I know we have been working on school wide benchmark assessments and I believe grade levels are getting better about consistency, but I don’t know if we are on the same page grades 6-8. What are your thoughts?

As I have been reading,  I am taking note as to what I need to work on, but I also am thinking about how this may impact our department and most importantly our students.   I am so glad that we are all participating in the 6 trait session; I believe this will be something we can move forward with and make recognizable progress- unlike our grammar discussions (another post on another day :) ). I also believe this will open up a line of discussion – one that will bring about positive change and success.  See you July 22.  :)

Posted in 6 traits | | | 0 Comments

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