Responding

This morning's demo, completed by Carly, was a lot of fun. My students struggle with vocabulary. This game could help them make new connections with the vocabulary words. When Carly asked our class who had which word, students were very quick to let everyone know. I agree, too, that students are very competitive. They all have that drive to win. It is an assignment I will do in class with my students. I have to say, though, I felt awful. I let my team down. Sorry team!
I absolutely loved the photo essay. I can see how students will be drawn to certain pictures. I immediately wanted the picture that reminded me of Adam. Right from the start, I began thinking of what the little boy was thinking and deciding what I wanted to put down on paper to express those thoughts. When approached this way, writing becomes fun and pleasant, providing a time where students can write without fear. There is no right or wrong; it's what you think and feel. In my class, we complete poetry notebooks. Students include their own poetry, poetry from friends and family, published poetry, etc. They must also write a "why" page discussing the poems and explaining why these particular poems are important. The writing assignment Where I'm From is an assignment I am going to have them include in their notebooks or do as an introduction before beginning this assignment. I'm not sure yet. I do know how much I enjoyed completing it, and I think my students will respond to it in a very positive way as well. It was difficult to pick three things today. I loved all the ideas, and I can see how I can use these ideas in my classroom.