Tag: Authentic Audience

Teacher and Peer Feedback through Kidblog

Teacher and Peer Feedback through Kidblog

March 9, 2018 ● ● 1 Comment

The topic of formative assessment is something that is often discussed in education today. Personally, I have found myself involved in many conversations with colleagues during professional development sessions, at conferences, and even in Twitter chats. The focus is typically on how to assess student learning efficiently and effectively. A big part of these discussions

The topic of formative assessment is something that is often discussed in education today. Personally, I have found myself involved in many conversations with colleagues during professional development sessions, at conferences, and even in Twitter chats. The focus is typically on how to assess student learning efficiently and effectively. A big part of these discussions... read more

The Power of Thoughtful Commenting

The Power of Thoughtful Commenting

February 23, 2018 ● ● 8 Comments

They have seen how the written word can inspire and motivate others to be the best they can be, or how negative comments can greatly impact a life forever. I am so proud of how my students use their voice to make their world brighter.

They have seen how the written word can inspire and motivate others to be the best they can be, or how negative comments can greatly impact a life forever. I am so proud of how my students use their voice to make their world brighter. ... read more

Student passions: Exploration and reflection through blogging

Student passions: Exploration and reflection through blogging

February 15, 2018 ●

A few years ago, when I first started to introduce my students to the idea of “blogging,” I was met with a little resistance. Students were wary of the unknowns – what to expect, who would be reading their posts, and what types of posts they would be writing. “Why can’t we just write on

A few years ago, when I first started to introduce my students to the idea of “blogging,” I was met with a little resistance. Students were wary of the unknowns – what to expect, who would be reading their posts, and what types of posts they would be writing. “Why can’t we just write on... read more

The Tough Stuff

The Tough Stuff

January 25, 2018 ● ● 4 Comments

Every year, our school district requires at least 2 hours of online training in suicide awareness and prevention.  I activated the video and half-heartedly listened. I teach elementary kids, so I thought that suicide was a pretty far-fetched possibility.   When opening up blogging to students, we not only open up a platform for creative

Every year, our school district requires at least 2 hours of online training in suicide awareness and prevention.  I activated the video and half-heartedly listened. I teach elementary kids, so I thought that suicide was a pretty far-fetched possibility.   When opening up blogging to students, we not only open up a platform for creative... read more

Using Poetry across Content Areas

Using Poetry across Content Areas

January 17, 2018 ● ● 1 Comment

Much of learning new content is learning new vocabulary.  I am excited to share with you my secret strategy for getting students to write using these new words: poetry.  Most people think of poems as writing that rhymes, but there are dozens of poetry forms that use different syllables and parts of speech.  Even my

Much of learning new content is learning new vocabulary.  I am excited to share with you my secret strategy for getting students to write using these new words: poetry.  Most people think of poems as writing that rhymes, but there are dozens of poetry forms that use different syllables and parts of speech.  Even my... read more

Learner Profile: An interview with Margaret Simon

Learner Profile: An interview with Margaret Simon

January 9, 2018 ●

The following is an excerpt from “Digital Portfolios in the Classroom: Showcasing and Assessing Student Work” by Matt Renwick (ASCD, 2017). You can purchase a copy of the book here.  Margaret Simon is a gifted and talented teacher in New Orleans, Louisiana. She works with many students in several schools, specifically related to English Language

The following is an excerpt from “Digital Portfolios in the Classroom: Showcasing and Assessing Student Work” by Matt Renwick (ASCD, 2017). You can purchase a copy of the book here.  Margaret Simon is a gifted and talented teacher in New Orleans, Louisiana. She works with many students in several schools, specifically related to English Language... read more

Building Blogging Stamina

Building Blogging Stamina

January 3, 2018 ●

Young writers many times don’t know where to start writing.  Students can spend an entire 20 minutes thinking of an idea and second guessing themselves out of any idea, often using all of the time allotted for the writing itself.  They typically prefer to oral brainstorm with friends and frequently go with an idea that

Young writers many times don’t know where to start writing.  Students can spend an entire 20 minutes thinking of an idea and second guessing themselves out of any idea, often using all of the time allotted for the writing itself.  They typically prefer to oral brainstorm with friends and frequently go with an idea that... read more