Celebrate Saturday

Today I had the opportunity to attend Central Ohio's Literacy Connection and listen to Ruth Ayres talk about celebrating readers and writers. When the alarm went off this morning for the exact time that I get up through Monday-Friday, I popped out of bed with a quicker step. I was excited to see Ruth today because for several weeks her 40 Stories  posts have really touched me.  Her strength and convictions are inspiring to me both as a mother and teacher. I will be reflecting on all of these take away moments for several days if not weeks probably though the summer.

• Does it make a difference?  It only takes one person to help someone not feel invisible.
• Take the time to tap your visual story.
• This is what we've been discussing in workshop. Where do you see it in your writing?
• Sharing books outside of school like a doctors office. Widening the audience.
• Teaching 1 or 2 points is better than focusing on several points.
• Teach the craft and the process.
• Celebration = reflect + response + rejoice

For more celebrations head over to Ruth's blog: Discover, Play Build. Thanks Ruth for continuing to remind all of us to find the celebration in every life moment.

Nonfiction Digital Research Projects: Part 3

This is the last of a three part series.  Part 1 was about my shift in thinking about nonfiction and part 2 was about the instructional practices.  

I heard about Thinglink several times in twitter chats especially #5thchat. I was intrigued by the opportunity to combine facts, photos and videos. I sat up a teacher account for free, and I received individual emails and passwords. It is very teacher friendly. I wanted to continue our writer's workshop but integrate technology. The power of connecting their writer's notebook and their final digital presentation was important because my goal continues to focus on the best tool for the project. I have never assigned research topics, but I am totally guilty for spending way too much time on one research project.  From start to finish, we completed our first round of research in two weeks.  The students really enjoyed this project, and I want to share some of their reflections. There was a huge shift in their thinking about technology and how they have redefined research. 

Here are a few example enjoy!

Titanic Comes to an End

Surfing

Google and Fireworks a Great Thing

Digital writing has skyrocketed in my classroom since I introduced Google. To be able to connect with my students 24/7 is really exciting. I thought I would be overwhelmed, but I am still in control of my own timeframe. It’s been exciting to give feedback on stories that my two girls are coauthoring. To see them using the writing process digitally is powerful, and they started with a web of ideas and quickly figured out each of them should use a separate color font to differentiate their ideas. In addition, my students are willing to try all different (types of tools) within CREATE:  (see I'm so new I don't even know what you call these).

Google exploded into math class last week because I gave the option for our students to write about their cooking homework using Google. It was exciting because one girl learned how to insert photos and add captions sharing how she was making pumpkin bread. Another photo was of a student in the grocery store in front of the dairy counter comparing quarts and pints. Smiling proudly holding milk, who knew digital learning could include grocery shopping?

Where do I start with Spring Break conversations? Fireworks are exploding. I tossed out an idea to consider your life as a writer during Spring Break. Think about this question: How do your five senses influence your vacation?  I suggested taking photos or writing down ideas in Google.  I just finished checking my Google account, and I am super impressed with the writers of 228.  I also just posted my attempt to share with them. Tomorrow we will start our writing workshop conversations looking at authentic student work. I’m excited to see where this conversation leads us. 

South Carolina Nudges

I love when the obvious hits me and knocks me over. Perhaps it is not a hit but a gentle nudge that reminds me what I already know. Spring break has been a time for gentle nudges. I have had time to work out in the morning although all bundled up in several layers walking the beach. I spent time reading/writing early in the morning before our kids woke up. All of these activities are important in my life however once school starts again unfortunately I don't always find the time for those three activities.  As time moves quickly and our family was reminded how precious life is this past January, we realize chronologically that our children are grown adults, but as parents we will never let go of capturing family moments. Singing to music during the 12 hour car ride, laughing while we all stuffed ourselves on all you can eat crab night, shopping excursions, and our conversations on the beach. We're blessed that Anna and Marcus continue to choose to spend holidays with us.  We are extremely thankful for the memories that we created, and I was able to get my family photo that I wanted on the beach.  Life gets busy again when I return to school, and my South Carolina nudges will stay with me as the month of April turns the corner.