What a treat! Wesley Stocken, one of my wonderful writers when I first came to MVCS who is now in middle school, recently won a prize for his rhino book. He generously sent our class a copy of his book plus supplies to make African spin drums so we could join him in celebrating World Rhino Day last Thursday. Thank you, Wesley!
Sharing
Fireplace Readers Model Fluency
Our literacy emphasis since Christmas has been on fluency and expression in our reading. We are studying the genre of poetry, trying plays, practicing partner reading selections, and much more. A real highlight has been listening to outstanding readers modeling their own styles as they read a favorite picture book by our tiny fireplace.
One of the most touching gifts I have ever received–our own little fireplace for cozy winter reading. Thank you, generous giver, and thank You, Greatest Giver, for blessing us in this way.
And Gloriana partnered her reading of Pete the Cat
with the great reading enthusiasm modeled by her own nephew reading to her niece.
Sharing
During morning meetings, students have the opportunity to share something important to them. As we investigated vertebrates this week, this scientist discovered an online tool that helped him draw a howling wolf the way he wanted it drawn for his project. He showed his whole class how to use it. We learn so much from each other every day.
January Readers by the Fireplace
Looking Back at Some Fall Fun!
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas from all of us here at MVCS!
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
(Isaiah 9:6)
Some Fall Learning Moments
Autumn Mix Slideshow
Yes! The Start of a New Year!
For our Quick Write this morning, we brainstormed a list of words we felt represented the start of our new year as a class. Then we put our words all together to show you!
Networking, Sharing, and Persisting
Friends make us better than we could ever be without them.
This is my tech friend, who is also a forever friend as well.
She is a model of the best when it comes to sharing and inspiring. She transformed my technology life as my tech mentor, coming alongside me to model a new practice, then to assist me in trying on my own, and finally to problem solve with me as I worked independently on each new skill. She peruses a constant flow of books, blogs, and websites and passes on great ideas. She knows how to sift through the zillions of tech applications available out there and focus on the ones with great possibilities for a particular group of students. Just a few minutes with her energizes you to take on anything!
She has walked the whole blogging path with me over the last number of years. I initially learned to blog from her as we worked together on one of her grant ideas. We have explored many ways blogging can be used to promote writing enthusiasm among students.
One key problem has been persistent. You need commenters to maintain the energy. Having a global audience for their writing catches students on fire for writing, and I have had trouble consistently finding partner classes over the years.
My tech friend never gave up looking along with me, and over Christmas break she discovered it! She sent me an e-mail with a link to . . . . . . QuadBlogging! Stay tuned as we put QuadBlogging into action and meet our new blogging friends from around the world.
So thank you, Friend. I look forward to tackling the next tech challenge with your brain to keep me company.