Literacy Lab!

I just spent an incredible two days at Lit Lab with Ken Stamatis! Seeing and hearing the things he had to say made me really want to be back in the classroom. I watched so many of the teachers around me either grading papers or reading books or doing various and sundry other things instead of trying to take in what he was saying. Teachers can be so rude! Well, maybe they don't have a corner on rudeness but it sure showed up! I just wonder what goes on in their classrooms? Are their students as bored with them as they seemed to be during this incredible learning experience? Our secondary students are in trouble. And maybe it's because some teachers just don't want to take the time to be challenged to do something different.
However, let me tell you about this one incredible (that's my word of the day) teacher I have been observing using the Lit Lab philosophy. She teaches 9th Grade English at a nearby High School. Her students are so turned on to reading and, watching her class is like watching a demonstration vidoe of what Lit Lab should be like. Talk about engaged! Now my observations are not a one-time thing. I have been trying to go at least once a week so I have seen this class over time. Today they were doing Book Talks and I wanted to borrow some to show my college students. Every student should be so fortunate (blessed) to have a teacher who models a love for reading. She does great "think alouds"--just like we all are supposed to do. If anybody would like to observe her "in action", let me know and I will set it up for you!

Blogging!

I truly enjoy reading all the blogs--even though I don't do it often enough! It is amazing to see the depth in some of the writings. I wish it were true for everyone. Some see this only as an "assignment" while others are beginning to get the value of writing their thoughts and ideas. Hopefully, some will have the time and energy to read what others are writing. You know, we all should be writers if we expect our students to write--just as being a reader is important to being a model to our students.

Very interesting book--especially after our conversation about student "expectations". This book made me stop and think about what we actually expect from teenagers. In the context of brain development I really have a lot to think about. This book has a definite Christian slant to it, but I can apply everything said in the book to almost every part of life--and I mean not just teenagers. I think this is a must read for those of us who work with teens or have teens living in our homes. Definitely a perspective that needs to be considered.

Fun Saturday!

Well, it was fun for some of us anyway! I hope it wasn't too painful! The stories were great and I am actually thinking about adding a "Whack a Mole" game to the agenda next summer. Wonder where I can find one?

It is always gratifying that I actually enjoy being with the MAT students. This group seemed a little more up-beat than previous semesters. I know this is a tough semester and, in spite of all the "experiences", they seem to be doing fairly well. I am looking forward to next semester when we are all together as a group. There has to be something wrong with me!

The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod

I bought this book last summer and, honestly, it has been at the bottom of my "pile" for a while. It finally said, "Read me, read me" and I responded. As I begin to read a book I thought would be just another "vampire" book, I was pleasantly surprised. It reminded me of Twilight--without the sexual tension and Harry Potter because Vlad lives with the fact that his parent's had been mysteriously murdered. Oh, I forgot, Vlad is a vampire who tries to live a normal a life as possible. He does drink blood but his "aunt" (guardian) works at a hospital and brings home "almost expired" blood for him. Vlad and his best friend Henry, who knows he is a vampire, and typical 8th grade guys, thinking about girls, but not sure what to do with them yet. Many questions are raised in this first book and I, for sure, will read the next book to find out how Vlad deals with not only trying to be a "normal" 8th grader (is that possible?) but also the fact that his life is in danger and he doesn't understand why.
I also found some cools links about the author of the book, Heather Brewer, and some YouTube videos. I think there may be a movie in the works or at least some graphic novel-type series. You might want to check these outwant to check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCv2Z30ZQ-A

A Day in the Life of a 7th Grader

Lunch is always a highlight at any school! Shelly and I enjoyed hamburgers and fries. We ate quickly but yet, didn't have enough time to enjoy our lunch. How do the students manage to eat so quickly and still be social?

Whew!

This has been my "catch-up "weekend but I'm not sure I'm "caught-up." Last week was a very interesting week--doing something I completely enjoy--visiting classrooms! The week started out with my annual "Day in the Life of...". (Last year, I did a "Day in the Life of a 6th Grader--this year I moved up to 7th grade!). I can truthfully say, I had so much fun! Shelly Wolfe, a current MAT candidate, accompanied me. We started the day at 7:45 and lasted until the day was over, 3:15ish. Seeing the day from a student's perspective should be required of every teacher. We often see from only one perspective--our own. Personally, I don't know how these guys are able to focus on anything. They change classes every 50 minutes or so. Each teacher has a different management style (what if I forget what this teacher expects of me?) About the time I get focused on one subject, it's time to change! Something to think about.
It happened to be raining las Monday so, instead of going outside after lunch, the boys sat quietly in the gym for 20 minutes (glad I didn't have to keep them quiet!). The girls were allowed to go stand at the from of the school under a covered drive for their 20 minutes.
During the past week I visited in 6 different schools--4 different schools systems. Amazing differences in classroom management styles, the way content in presented, teacher/student engagement...many things. I visited in 3rd, 6th, 7th, and 9th grades. Much to ponder.

Confused!

Wow! This semester is starting off with difficulty. My planning for the MAT courses are a little off. Not only are there MATs in the course, but MATs with jobs and MATs without jobs. It's a great idea but I just need to re-think some of my assignments. In MLED 5063 (Teaching and Learning) I add another group--5th & 6th endorsement. (I forgot to mention the M.ED. students in both courses!) Talk about differentiated teaching! I'll get there but I am finding it somewhat difficult to keep everything straight.

Thursday, Aug. 27

This semester is beginning with the feel of a whirlwind! Everything is spinning out of control! Today, I visited a 9th grade class at Monticello High School and observed a teacher using Lit Lab strategies. Watching the students' engagement with the novel Mrs. Mike was so encouraging. Some teachers are doing the right things with students! I loved it! Can't wait to go back next week and to see how the students have progressed.

New Beginnings!

Wow, it's hard to believe that it's that time of year again--time for a new group of students! Even after teaching for 30+ years, I still feel that anticipation and excitement of a new year. In what other profession do you get to "start over" every year (sometimes more often)? On the other hand, there's always the anxiousness that says, "Will I be able to meet every student need? Will I teach them anything? What if they don't even like me?" Some things never change... After all these years, I've finally learned that it is most often the teacher who learns the most from the students. I wonder...what new learning will I experience this semester from this group of students?