See Dick.
See Jane.
See Dick and Jane.
See Dick and Jane run.
See Dick and Jane run to the park.
This is the grammar which was taught years ago by enthusiastic teachers .
So much has changed and the grammar train is now bursting with life, culture, adventure and creativity.
Let me explain first, why the need to accept and value other cultures dialect is crucial for all students to succeed in comprehending and understanding the English language.
The classrooms today, similar to the text "See Dick" are diversely different. The students in the desk are a rainbow of color and diverse languages. Each student values their own native language and therefore the school must embrace all cultures when teaching grammar to students.
Placing a value on other languages spoken is the key towards opening the door to wanting to learn English grammar. It is all about the student and the desire to learn English. Students need to understand and comprehend the importance of learning English while keeping their own patterns of speech alive!
Realizing the interpersonal relationships built outside of the family domain will improve success on numerous levels of life. Being able to converse on two levels of communication is the bottom line in teaching grammar today.
Realizing the benefits of embracing each others culture will enhance the classroom learning environment while instilling the students with pride and respect.
The teacher will provide a safe setting where any question is answered with respect and ridicule never the norm. Occasions will arise where the teacher may not have answers and it is fine to say so. The students feel comfort in knowing that teachers' too are always learning . This takes the pressure off of the students and their willingness to address issues becomes easier when the treat of ridcule is removed.
Students will become active participants in their leaning by peer editing and contributing ideas to foster and develop skills which enable them to understand the meaning of an others' word or phrase.
The term for this frame of thought is called bidialectical,
"What this means is that everyone should have two language varieties, the informal, more private speech they use with family and friends, and the public, formal language of the business."(p.61)
This is a new and exciting wave towards producing a healthy atmosphere in the classroom. To accomplish a bidialectical foundation, educators, principals, and students must ride the train together. Using the train as a metaphor, the engine, different cars and the caboose must all carry their load to develop a safe ride for its passengers.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
THREE QUOTES FROM BLASINGAME
#1
"An important part of any portfolio program is the goal setting that students do".(112)
This is a small statement but powerful in meaning and understanding it importance for student development. Learning to write and using a portfolio requires that students take an active role in learning. Teacher who utilize writing portfolios give the students rook to grow and assess themselves. I think most students with checks and balances will thrive under these conditions.
Teenagers want independence and this program offers it to them However, teachers must regularity check on the contents to make sure each goal is attained.
The writing workshop will offer both teacher and class the freedom to develop while working towards independance. The tools provided in the program not only create a thoughtful writer but perpares students for the next step in life.
"An important part of any portfolio program is the goal setting that students do".(112)
This is a small statement but powerful in meaning and understanding it importance for student development. Learning to write and using a portfolio requires that students take an active role in learning. Teacher who utilize writing portfolios give the students rook to grow and assess themselves. I think most students with checks and balances will thrive under these conditions.
Teenagers want independence and this program offers it to them However, teachers must regularity check on the contents to make sure each goal is attained.
The writing workshop will offer both teacher and class the freedom to develop while working towards independance. The tools provided in the program not only create a thoughtful writer but perpares students for the next step in life.
#2
"The possibilities for choosing literature to illustrate a targeted trait are limited only by the teacher's resourcefulness and creativity."(133)
How true is this statement?
The Six-Trait rubric is beneficial towards providing students with the skills to develop critical writing techniques.
The availability of resources provided by media venues such as the Internet, advertising in magazines, television make all the differences towards a rewarding outcome within the writing field.
The educator will have access unlike any when we were in school. The cultural diversity which is available will inspire students to locate a topic they deem interesting and apply the Six-Trait concept.
"The possibilities for choosing literature to illustrate a targeted trait are limited only by the teacher's resourcefulness and creativity."(133)
How true is this statement?
The Six-Trait rubric is beneficial towards providing students with the skills to develop critical writing techniques.
The availability of resources provided by media venues such as the Internet, advertising in magazines, television make all the differences towards a rewarding outcome within the writing field.
The educator will have access unlike any when we were in school. The cultural diversity which is available will inspire students to locate a topic they deem interesting and apply the Six-Trait concept.
# 3
"Portfolios foster responsibility, self-evaluation, and accountability within students-characteristics we all need and use on a daily basis in the "real world."(p.100)
Portfolios are exciting and useful in assisting students and teachers with a chunk of "history" which centers around the student. Portfolios will influence my teaching in a positive factor. There are numerous attributes towards creating portfolios.
I think of them as a students personal treasure chest. Portfolios contain bits and pieces of a students progress which when viewed towards the end of a semester will show development.
Incorporating portfolios into my educational plan is certainly going to aid in the process of teaching students how to write.
The diversity is appealing to me because students will select their own style and different ideas of writing to place in the file.
Some of the selections could be a poetry slam entry, a critique of a book or play, an interview with another student or relative. The creativity is endless and every portfolio is different.
"Portfolios foster responsibility, self-evaluation, and accountability within students-characteristics we all need and use on a daily basis in the "real world."(p.100)
Portfolios are exciting and useful in assisting students and teachers with a chunk of "history" which centers around the student. Portfolios will influence my teaching in a positive factor. There are numerous attributes towards creating portfolios.
I think of them as a students personal treasure chest. Portfolios contain bits and pieces of a students progress which when viewed towards the end of a semester will show development.
Incorporating portfolios into my educational plan is certainly going to aid in the process of teaching students how to write.
The diversity is appealing to me because students will select their own style and different ideas of writing to place in the file.
Some of the selections could be a poetry slam entry, a critique of a book or play, an interview with another student or relative. The creativity is endless and every portfolio is different.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Chapter 7 Burke,,Teaching Writing
The first thoughts that come to mind are confusion and more confusion. This is my state of mind today however with persistence and practice I will comprehend the large amount of information in the chapter. Perhaps I will add Burke's book to my summer reading list.
In the meantime here are my initial concerns and perks of the chapter.
I am interested in the formation of the paragraph because it seems like putting a puzzle together, which I enjoy doing. The simple question to keep in mind , "What is the relationship of this sentence to the one before it?" is a phenomenal thought to bear in mind when writing. This idea will keep the writer focused and on track. Perhaps the question should actually be visible on the head of the paper, just to keep clear exactly what the goal or outcome should be.
The lesson should be repeated over the semester until the class has mastered the idea and there are few mistakes. It is a fun way to learn order of developing a paragraph.
The group essay is something I am not real comfortable with at the moment. While volunteering in high schools through the city , I have noticed that some student preform all of the work . While others sit and do nothing. He students working hard do not complain about their peers but it is always the same students doing the work. I would need to have eyes in the back of my head for this task to work properly.Cooperative learning groups will work but the students need to understand the process and create an atmosphere where all students participate in the final project. It is not enough to have a cooperation sheet because students will not sell one another out. Therefore I give pause to the group essay as a functional tool in certain classrooms.
In the meantime here are my initial concerns and perks of the chapter.
I am interested in the formation of the paragraph because it seems like putting a puzzle together, which I enjoy doing. The simple question to keep in mind , "What is the relationship of this sentence to the one before it?" is a phenomenal thought to bear in mind when writing. This idea will keep the writer focused and on track. Perhaps the question should actually be visible on the head of the paper, just to keep clear exactly what the goal or outcome should be.
The lesson should be repeated over the semester until the class has mastered the idea and there are few mistakes. It is a fun way to learn order of developing a paragraph.
The group essay is something I am not real comfortable with at the moment. While volunteering in high schools through the city , I have noticed that some student preform all of the work . While others sit and do nothing. He students working hard do not complain about their peers but it is always the same students doing the work. I would need to have eyes in the back of my head for this task to work properly.Cooperative learning groups will work but the students need to understand the process and create an atmosphere where all students participate in the final project. It is not enough to have a cooperation sheet because students will not sell one another out. Therefore I give pause to the group essay as a functional tool in certain classrooms.
A Mode of Writing I Want to Teach
What a great chapter and selecting one mode of writing is a difficult task since all of the formats seem equally important to the student. However I've chosen exposition aka informative writing because of the detailed thought process involved in this writing style. This mode will greatly benefit the student inside and outside of the classroom.
The five W's are critical when developing a piece of literature. These tools are also useful in everyday life. Education in the classroom must assist students outside in the "real world" and by learning to write in this particular mode the validation is complete. Let me explain further.
Analyzing information is a task we preform on a daily bases, most times being unaware that this process is taking place. When putting thoughts on paper although, the skills need proper channeling in a written format in order for the public to understand there meaning. For this skill alone students will need to master exposition writing.
Exposition writing is important in other factors too such as learning how to organize, develop ideas, and produce a well rounded product. All of the mentioned skills involved are useful in life and development in a persons character.
Students who master this mode of writing will learn how to create resumes, apply for a job and not to mention the strength in simply speaking coherently. They will become an articulate individual who knows how to create a story of detail.
When a student learns how to write in this style, they are developing strengths in the areas of detail, format and organization. Once again displaying the useful requirements to live a productive life in society.
In closing I would like to state that expository writing is a crossover technique in life which will benefit the students in numerous avenues. Learning this style of writing is crucial to the successful education of our youth as mention in the above section.
The five W's are critical when developing a piece of literature. These tools are also useful in everyday life. Education in the classroom must assist students outside in the "real world" and by learning to write in this particular mode the validation is complete. Let me explain further.
Analyzing information is a task we preform on a daily bases, most times being unaware that this process is taking place. When putting thoughts on paper although, the skills need proper channeling in a written format in order for the public to understand there meaning. For this skill alone students will need to master exposition writing.
Exposition writing is important in other factors too such as learning how to organize, develop ideas, and produce a well rounded product. All of the mentioned skills involved are useful in life and development in a persons character.
Students who master this mode of writing will learn how to create resumes, apply for a job and not to mention the strength in simply speaking coherently. They will become an articulate individual who knows how to create a story of detail.
When a student learns how to write in this style, they are developing strengths in the areas of detail, format and organization. Once again displaying the useful requirements to live a productive life in society.
In closing I would like to state that expository writing is a crossover technique in life which will benefit the students in numerous avenues. Learning this style of writing is crucial to the successful education of our youth as mention in the above section.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Writing Experience
Since returning to college the extent of writing courses has been limited. I have taken a few literary analysis courses where the focus were poems and literature involving Black women writers however, LAED 445 is the first course pertaining to writing and how to develop and teach future students.
I am a sponge trying to soak in as much information as possible.
Reflecting on my past as made me aware that there are many avenues that I need to revisit and tighten up in order to be a successful teacher. There are differentiated ways to aid students of color and that is my main priority.
The necessary strategies towards producing literate student is a process of do and redo. There are techniques which will work for a few. There are numerous styles of teaching students to write.
Brainstorming and getting ideas on paper is the first step. Letting the students write about issues in their own lives. The subject matter may be foreign to the teacher but necessary for the student to accomplish their goal. Writing about something familiar has always been a concept that works.
After a student becomes comfortable with the writing process, new and different subject topics are approachable. They are able to write an essay about a book plot or main character of choice.
Making the lesson creative and fun will help students enjoy what they are doing while learning.
Supporting the students ideas is crucial. Concentrating on correct grammar and punctuation comes later. Grasping the main points behind composing an essay is the ultimate goal.
Teaching students today requires a lot of flexibility on the teacher. Learning how not to clump everyone into the same category is important. Most students learn thoughtful and genuine guidance from their teacher . The student needs support, positive input and an open environment to thrive and develop. Students need to feel comfortable in the class not only trusting the teacher but the other classmates as well.
I am a sponge trying to soak in as much information as possible.
Reflecting on my past as made me aware that there are many avenues that I need to revisit and tighten up in order to be a successful teacher. There are differentiated ways to aid students of color and that is my main priority.
The necessary strategies towards producing literate student is a process of do and redo. There are techniques which will work for a few. There are numerous styles of teaching students to write.
Brainstorming and getting ideas on paper is the first step. Letting the students write about issues in their own lives. The subject matter may be foreign to the teacher but necessary for the student to accomplish their goal. Writing about something familiar has always been a concept that works.
After a student becomes comfortable with the writing process, new and different subject topics are approachable. They are able to write an essay about a book plot or main character of choice.
Making the lesson creative and fun will help students enjoy what they are doing while learning.
Supporting the students ideas is crucial. Concentrating on correct grammar and punctuation comes later. Grasping the main points behind composing an essay is the ultimate goal.
Teaching students today requires a lot of flexibility on the teacher. Learning how not to clump everyone into the same category is important. Most students learn thoughtful and genuine guidance from their teacher . The student needs support, positive input and an open environment to thrive and develop. Students need to feel comfortable in the class not only trusting the teacher but the other classmates as well.
Preferred Method
My preferred method of writing a composition usually begins with a rough draft of the subject matter. Until recently I wrote out my thoughts on paper but the process now seems to take to long. Utilizing the computer and its many word documents makes editing easier and faster. However, I do miss my red pen for correcting purposes and the way I would redirect sentences on the pages, but as stated time is precious and the computer invaluable.
The thesis statement of any paper is the crucial step in creating a structure composition. I prefer to introduce the statement in the first paragraph followed usually by three key points. Each point needs enough information to support the main idea of the thesis. The following paragraphs should each begin with a topic sentence and flow smoothly together to create a essay in which a reader could understand it context without knowing anything about the subject.
This is the format in which I follow.
Allowing time to complete the project is important. I prefer not to rush and will change and rearrange the essay numerous times.
Writing is an ongoing process which requires patience and daily practice.
The thesis statement of any paper is the crucial step in creating a structure composition. I prefer to introduce the statement in the first paragraph followed usually by three key points. Each point needs enough information to support the main idea of the thesis. The following paragraphs should each begin with a topic sentence and flow smoothly together to create a essay in which a reader could understand it context without knowing anything about the subject.
This is the format in which I follow.
Allowing time to complete the project is important. I prefer not to rush and will change and rearrange the essay numerous times.
Writing is an ongoing process which requires patience and daily practice.
My Autobiography as a Writer
Honestly thinking back on how I learned to write is a huge process in itself. The years are vast and the memories , well lets face it not something that I can say are truly memorable. I have always enjoyed writing and was taught to journal at an early age, perhaps sixth or seventh grade. I kept a diary during those days and made sure it was always locked. That type of writing was considered free style.
As for remembering how the techniques of writing were taught I will do my best.Muddling through elementary and high school writing courses are vague. College is where the majority of my writing skills were formed and developed. The classes focused mainly on beginning writing courses and creative writing. I was a psychology major and most of my classes did not focus on learning how to write , form and develop a well structured essay. I struggle at times to create the perfect thesis statement and sometimes I am right on and there are other instances where teachers think I have lost all of my marbles. I know there are correct ways to teach students how to write, the basic and formats which is what I need to concentrate on to help my future students.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
THING # 34
Credibility when it comes to gathering a websites accuracy is essential.
Students need to have the correct and accurate information in order to produce valid research papers and other class assignments. There are many sites which are bogus. How then does a student know where to obtain the correct information?
The reference desk staff is apart of the library where students may do to ask this question?
Their teacher is a valuable resource too.
I have acquainted myself through reading the different sites on Thing 34 with ideas to assist my students.
First of all informing students of a particular bias is the first step. Students need to stay alert and detect where the author of any particular piece stands or what does this person have to gain.
Checking information is one site against another is another way to validate the information in any given site.
Looking for the balance and the facts is the first step..
There are a series of questions that students need to familiarize themselves with in order to make astute and accurate web site checks.
As a teacher it is my position to make sure they follow these checks and balances to obtain a positive results.
Students need to have the correct and accurate information in order to produce valid research papers and other class assignments. There are many sites which are bogus. How then does a student know where to obtain the correct information?
The reference desk staff is apart of the library where students may do to ask this question?
Their teacher is a valuable resource too.
I have acquainted myself through reading the different sites on Thing 34 with ideas to assist my students.
First of all informing students of a particular bias is the first step. Students need to stay alert and detect where the author of any particular piece stands or what does this person have to gain.
Checking information is one site against another is another way to validate the information in any given site.
Looking for the balance and the facts is the first step..
There are a series of questions that students need to familiarize themselves with in order to make astute and accurate web site checks.
As a teacher it is my position to make sure they follow these checks and balances to obtain a positive results.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Different Genres, News and Documentaries....Beach
Teaching the numerous genres in the classroom today is extremely exciting, especially when I remember my years in schools. The lesson plans were boring, tedious and always the same. The attitude must of been if it ain't broke don't fix it, however "it" was broken and many years have passed without a tune-up.
What we need now is a major overhaul!
Beach presents a new way to explore the field of media technology which creates an atmosphere of inclusion. There are movies today which explore the life and times of different cultures. These types are now being introduced to the students in the classroom with encouraging results.
Reviewing different genres will provide a well-rounded view for the students. Teachers will help students develop a critical eye while watching many of these films. Analyzing and critiquing films also provide students with the abilities to move their skills outside of the classroom and in to the real world.
News and documentaries are important in the class and have always been apart of education. But once again the scope has widened to included all races and cultures. Which is necessary to develop the mind of all students.
The fast pace of the Internet and global information via CNN makes us connected with the world and the news is fresh and immediate. However teachers must be aware and try to provide information that is accurate. This is always not going to be the case and the students should understand that the news and documentaries are biased at times.
What we need now is a major overhaul!
Beach presents a new way to explore the field of media technology which creates an atmosphere of inclusion. There are movies today which explore the life and times of different cultures. These types are now being introduced to the students in the classroom with encouraging results.
Reviewing different genres will provide a well-rounded view for the students. Teachers will help students develop a critical eye while watching many of these films. Analyzing and critiquing films also provide students with the abilities to move their skills outside of the classroom and in to the real world.
News and documentaries are important in the class and have always been apart of education. But once again the scope has widened to included all races and cultures. Which is necessary to develop the mind of all students.
The fast pace of the Internet and global information via CNN makes us connected with the world and the news is fresh and immediate. However teachers must be aware and try to provide information that is accurate. This is always not going to be the case and the students should understand that the news and documentaries are biased at times.
Thing Number 38
Thing number 38 was amazing!
I checked all of the sites and discovered my favorite was SKETCH...I viewed the site a couple of times and realized how much fun the students will have.
I did not think it was difficult and the mini instruction explained how to use in simple language.
Cropping and resizing images seemed easy and yes I would definitely use in my library. Can't wait to get started.
SCREEN-O-MATIC had many interesting options too and students can create videos at a much faster rate than before. This technique will provide the students different options for capturing their ideas on film visa the computers. I liked the Note Box, where users could add or make comments to the site.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Thing 29.............................
My attention gravitated towards Gmail primarily because I am a huge user of e mail!
The tools are user friendly and there are a variety of options. I especially thought the built in text,voice,or video section was interesting.
Students enjoy seeing their selves on camera, adding a voice makes the experience come alive.
Search tools, alerts and google news also peaked my interest. In the future these and many more Internet options will assist me with lesson planning and student involvement. I am finding morethingsonastick extremely helpful.
The tools are user friendly and there are a variety of options. I especially thought the built in text,voice,or video section was interesting.
Students enjoy seeing their selves on camera, adding a voice makes the experience come alive.
Search tools, alerts and google news also peaked my interest. In the future these and many more Internet options will assist me with lesson planning and student involvement. I am finding morethingsonastick extremely helpful.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
IDEAS FOR MEDIA UNIT....
Proposal
Edgar Allan Poe
Short stories and poems...
Introduction to Poe , the man via video clips
PBS Production of Poe's life....
"The Raven" read to class by a celebrity personality
Video clip of television show The Simpson's" doing "The Raven"
Audio clip of The Raven or Cat
Copies of The Black Cat"
Production of a story board from a poem or short story of Poe's
Analyze Poe's poems and short stories
Compare the many different versions of The Black Cat
Standards: Senior High Students 12 th grade
Literature:
The student will actively engage in the reading process and read,understand respond to, analyze, interpret, evaluate and appreciate a wide variety of fiction, poetic and non-fiction texts.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Special Effects & Slide Shows
More Things #24, 25 and 27......
Explored and added a few goodies to my blog....
There is an abundance of interesting information on the site and most of it would provide great educational value to students.
The whistles and bells make blogs come alive. Students can capture many facets of their personality and display their interest.
Planning a blog with an entire English class sounds like good fun to me.
Each student would download the cover to a book they have read along with a brief summary, perhaps installing moving thumbs up or down as an indicator towards liking the book or not.
There are numerous options to add creativity to any project. English courses especially can benefit from these sites.
Explored and added a few goodies to my blog....
There is an abundance of interesting information on the site and most of it would provide great educational value to students.
The whistles and bells make blogs come alive. Students can capture many facets of their personality and display their interest.
Planning a blog with an entire English class sounds like good fun to me.
Each student would download the cover to a book they have read along with a brief summary, perhaps installing moving thumbs up or down as an indicator towards liking the book or not.
There are numerous options to add creativity to any project. English courses especially can benefit from these sites.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Beach Review
Chapters 3 and 4 of Richard Beaches' book Teachingmeidaliteracy.com is loaded with valuable information, techniques and numerous websites for online teaching and development skills for teaching media in the classroom. There is a lot of information to digest and comprehend. I discovered many different venues to create web based lessons plans which will aid students in their production of thinking visually and critically.
Teaching students' how to recognize and utilize film techniques such as editing,sound, and lighting were examined in the book along with analysing images of still photography. The text recommends beginning the process slowly so as not to overwhelm. I agree. The chapters mention also to keep the students' grade level in mind, not all films are appropriate for everyone.
The site, Internet Movie Data Base, (IMDB) was amazing! Their list of television, film and movies were endless, not to mention the site is FREE.
Another interesting and resourceful site is Rottentomatoes.com which too provided recent television shows and sitcoms no longer on the air.
The Closer is a crime drama show on the station TNT. The drama provides its viewers with an extremely diverse cast. The actors of color are portrayed in power positions and in excellent standing with the community. The lead character is a intelligent female who takes charge.
This is an important show because of the polished writing and the diversity. Students will see themselves in the characters and a healthy self esteem is the result of witnessing actors who resemble their culture.
Teaching students' how to recognize and utilize film techniques such as editing,sound, and lighting were examined in the book along with analysing images of still photography. The text recommends beginning the process slowly so as not to overwhelm. I agree. The chapters mention also to keep the students' grade level in mind, not all films are appropriate for everyone.
The site, Internet Movie Data Base, (IMDB) was amazing! Their list of television, film and movies were endless, not to mention the site is FREE.
Another interesting and resourceful site is Rottentomatoes.com which too provided recent television shows and sitcoms no longer on the air.
The Closer is a crime drama show on the station TNT. The drama provides its viewers with an extremely diverse cast. The actors of color are portrayed in power positions and in excellent standing with the community. The lead character is a intelligent female who takes charge.
This is an important show because of the polished writing and the diversity. Students will see themselves in the characters and a healthy self esteem is the result of witnessing actors who resemble their culture.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Television and Film:Necessary in the Classroom....Say What?
"Establishing powerful , critical connections between the popular world and the academic curriculum ensures that the knowledge created will not remain confined within the classroom walls.' 'It will necessarily spill out into the real world to deal with real issues."(Morrell p.87)
Quotes Facts Words That Make You Aware Informed & Enlightened
"The knowledge reflected in these lyrics could engender discussions of esteem, power,place, and purpose or encourage students to further their own knowledge of urban sociology and politics." (Morrell P. 61)
Saturday, February 7, 2009
More Interesting Facts from The Mind of Morrell
"Critical teachers of popular music will fine ways to simultaneously affirm and challenge while maintaing a problem-posing environment in which studnets feel free to challenge each other and the teacher as well."(Morrell, p.71)
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