Creating an Antagonist

Creating an Antagonist

November 29, 2017 ●

In creative writing class, middle school students quickly learn the value of creating an interesting antagonist in their short stories. Good stories have captivating antagonists that create conflict for the protagonist.  To introduce this concept, I begin with a discussion of Disney movies.  We brainstorm a list of movies and the notable antagonists.  Cruella DeVille

In creative writing class, middle school students quickly learn the value of creating an interesting antagonist in their short stories. Good stories have captivating antagonists that create conflict for the protagonist.  To introduce this concept, I begin with a discussion of Disney movies.  We brainstorm a list of movies and the notable antagonists.  Cruella DeVille... read more

STEM, Health, and Kidblog

STEM, Health, and Kidblog

November 27, 2017 ● ● 2 Comments

Most adults were very active as children. We played a variety of different games at recess, and we participated in various sports throughout middle and high school. However, as any teacher can see, our students aren’t getting as much physical activity. Nowadays, kids are less interested in outdoor games and more interested in online games.

Most adults were very active as children. We played a variety of different games at recess, and we participated in various sports throughout middle and high school. However, as any teacher can see, our students aren’t getting as much physical activity. Nowadays, kids are less interested in outdoor games and more interested in online games.... read more

My Family Tradition

My Family Tradition

November 20, 2017 ● ● 3 Comments

One year a parent volunteer taught a poetry lesson to my students called “My Unusual Thanksgiving.”  She had students brainstorm a list of what made their Thanksgiving different from others.  She shared how her culturally diverse family celebrated with a mix of traditions. Together we guided the students through the writing process to create a list poem. Over the years,

One year a parent volunteer taught a poetry lesson to my students called “My Unusual Thanksgiving.”  She had students brainstorm a list of what made their Thanksgiving different from others.  She shared how her culturally diverse family celebrated with a mix of traditions. Together we guided the students through the writing process to create a list poem. Over the years,... read more

Ideas Spread

Ideas Spread

November 16, 2017 ●

We have been blogging nonstop since the beginning of school and the ideas for writing seem to be growing.  When a community writes together, ideas spread. Madison loves to write stories.  She wanted a blog that would be dedicated to just story writing, so she asked me to create one called The Story Writing Club.

We have been blogging nonstop since the beginning of school and the ideas for writing seem to be growing.  When a community writes together, ideas spread. Madison loves to write stories.  She wanted a blog that would be dedicated to just story writing, so she asked me to create one called The Story Writing Club.... read more

AASL 2017 Recap

AASL 2017 Recap

November 14, 2017 ●

This past week, our team was in Phoenix, AZ attending the AASL National Conference — the only national professional membership organization focused on school librarians and the school library community. We had a fantastic time speaking with new and veteran members of our Kidblog community. Expo Hall: Throughout the week, the Kidblog team stationed themselves in the

This past week, our team was in Phoenix, AZ attending the AASL National Conference — the only national professional membership organization focused on school librarians and the school library community. We had a fantastic time speaking with new and veteran members of our Kidblog community. Expo Hall: Throughout the week, the Kidblog team stationed themselves in the... read more

Blogging in a Library Setting

Blogging in a Library Setting

November 6, 2017 ●

Educators are constantly encouraged to implement technology into their curriculum. The abundance of apps, websites, and online tools can quickly become overwhelming for teachers and librarians. As media specialists, it is your job to master online tools and teach the most effective platforms to other teachers in your school. It is likely you have been

Educators are constantly encouraged to implement technology into their curriculum. The abundance of apps, websites, and online tools can quickly become overwhelming for teachers and librarians. As media specialists, it is your job to master online tools and teach the most effective platforms to other teachers in your school. It is likely you have been... read more

Finding the “Unique You” through Writing

Finding the “Unique You” through Writing

October 30, 2017 ● ● 1 Comment

I have found it challenging at times to inspire, influence and simply get my students to write. Over the years I’ve heard: “I can’t write”, “I don’t know what to write about”, “I don’t have anything to write about”. I think these are common statements for any teacher who has the task of teaching writing.

I have found it challenging at times to inspire, influence and simply get my students to write. Over the years I’ve heard: “I can’t write”, “I don’t know what to write about”, “I don’t have anything to write about”. I think these are common statements for any teacher who has the task of teaching writing.... read more