We use writing notebooks in our classroom. they go home every Wednesday and the parents have to correct spelling , grammar, etc, It gives the children a great opportunity to work with their parents while writing. It gives parents a chance to see them as writers. I like Mike's idea about the wonder books. I may incorporate that idea into "Writing Wednesday". I will definitely do it next year. Thanks for sharing the idea.
Julie

Wonder Books

We have started Wonder Books in my class. They are notebooks set up with a table of contents (sort of like interactive notebooks) where students record their wonders (questioning) about anything and everything. We have also included the Q-Matrix for them to deepen their questions. So far they are extremely high interest. I intend on using these to start learning conversations, research, and a carry over to our questioning movement. Check out wonderopolis.org to see what others are wondering. Some of my students have already submitted wonders to the website. I wonder if they will get posted!

Mike

Reading Article

I was reading an article on comprehension that I thought you would all connect with. It is about reading aloud and the importance of "thinking aloud" as you share with the kids. As you read, it speaks to how "thinking the process aloud" leads to better, richer learning conversations. The material in the article is not new, but laid out well and I think really relevant to what we are trying to do. At the end, there is a list of some topic related read alouds as well.  If you get a chance, you might want to check it out.

http://www.readingrockets.org/article/343

I think i am figuring this whole thing out. I want to know how to make googledocs show up on my desktop so that it wont take 8 years to access all; of this information.

Do Nows

I always feel that I am so very lucky to be here and this is just one example of why...

A few of you have started to send me your "Do Nows" from the staff meeting. I meant for this activity to be a reflective piece for you; a chance for you to think about your goals and accomplishments ( as well as "ours") and also an opportunity to have some input into your final evaluations, (as you share those insights) so that I can be more specific and focused when I write about your professional journey for this year.

Interestingly, it has also become a reflective piece for me and a part of my self-evaluation on my journey as your principal. Thank you for helping me by being so open and honest with your thoughts.

Keep those reflections coming!

Way to go Amy!

WOW!

I am so excited! I get to use the skills or lack of them from our computer class. I athink this is going to be a great tool!

Welcome

Welcome! This is our new professional blog. I am starting this, but hope that this will be "our place".  A place to share, learn and grow together as a professional community.  I hope you drop by and leave a comment!

Thanks Diane!!!

I'm so excited for our blog!  I can't wait to see what everyone is up to!  Laura