Tag: Middle School

Collaboration, Connected Educator, curriculum, Digital Media, My Story

“I’d like to thank the Academy…” a.k.a. What do teachers need?

Did you see the new thank-you ticker crawling across the screen at this year’s Oscars? The long list of names reminded me that whether we are actors or teachers, directors or principals, we didn’t get where we are without the help of a lot of people. I was reminded of all the people who have contributed to my own, albeit less glamorous, career in education. I was reminded that I have not become … Continue reading “I’d like to thank the Academy…” a.k.a. What do teachers need?

Unknown's avatarLaura4 Comments
My Story, NaNoWriMo, Writing

50% means it’s time for a box castle

My students have been working on their novels for a couple weeks now, and as November 15 approaches, they know it’s time to get to 50% of their word goal. When they cross that halfway line, they choose a NaNoWriMo button to wear proudly on their hoodie: But many of us are starting to feel like we’re running out of steam. The story we were so excited … Continue reading 50% means it’s time for a box castle

Unknown's avatarLauraLeave a comment
#oneword, #YourEdustory, Connected Educator, My Story, Writing

#oneword for 2015

Share #yourEdustory, week 1: What is your #oneword for 2015? In spite of the ongoing attacks on public schools and teachers; in spite of too many students in my room; in spite of too many papers to grade; in spite of never enough time or resources, my one word for 2015 is this: POSITIVE There are so many factors beyond my control that affect my … Continue reading #oneword for 2015

Unknown's avatarLaura5 Comments
CCSS, Common Core, Digital Media, Ed Tech, Google, My Story, Visions of Education

They need to learn to yearn

“If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work, and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.” ― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Programs like the Independent Project at Monument Mountain Regional High School inspire me to keep looking for ways to give my students as much control over their own learning as I can. In my 8th … Continue reading They need to learn to yearn

Unknown's avatarLaura2 Comments
CCSS, Common Core, Heroes of Education, High Stakes Testing, My Story, NCLB, Reading, Visions of Education, Writing

Fighting for the dream, continued

This was my very first blog post, written in 2011, in response to my growing frustrations and fears over NCLB.  I had met and spoken with Stephen Krashen, who encouraged me to start blogging, to get my voice of experience out there for others to hear.  Although our ongoing battles in education may not compare to the historic (and ongoing) struggles for civil rights, we … Continue reading Fighting for the dream, continued

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CUE, Digital Media, Ed Tech, Google, ISTE, My Story, Writing

Oh, the skillz they will learn!

Asking middle school students to write (and share) book recommendations isn’t new.  It gives them the opportunity to write about literature they have enjoyed, be inspired to check out books that their peers have loved, and demonstrate their growing reading and writing skills for their teacher. But move those book recommendations to the students’ own blogs, and suddenly they are learning a whole hard drive’s … Continue reading Oh, the skillz they will learn!

Unknown's avatarLauraLeave a comment
CUE, Digital Media, Ed Tech, Google, ISTE, My Story

What’s up in Digital Media (now Design Lab) class?

2018 update: if you are interested in the details of this class, check out my latest article about it here. I’ve been teaching English language arts for over 20 years, and as much as I love it, I have always wanted to add some variety to my work load by teaching an elective class.  I envisioned this class as a break from the deluge of … Continue reading What’s up in Digital Media (now Design Lab) class?

Unknown's avatarLaura10 Comments
Ed Tech, My Story, Writing

Evolution of a lesson

It all started with a Facebook post by a friend of mine: “Check out these customer reviews on Amazon!  It’s like a whole new kind of writing!” The Hutzler 571 Banana Slicer has generated nearly 3,000 customer reviews that mock the absurdity of this unnecessary product. Ranging from “What can I say about the 571B Banana Slicer that hasn’t already been said about the wheel, … Continue reading Evolution of a lesson

Unknown's avatarLaura5 Comments
Digital Media, Ed Tech, Google, My Story

Final Project 2.0

Our junior high semester ends with three days of finals: two classes per day, two hours for each class.  I could easily create a semester final exam that would take my students two hours to complete, but I’m not sure that would be the best use of our time (nor am I convinced that junior high students should be taking two-hour finals).  So each year I … Continue reading Final Project 2.0

Unknown's avatarLaura3 Comments
Ed Tech, My Story, NaNoWriMo, Writing

A Novel and Most Excellent Cause

You are frustrated with the testing emphasis in education, and you really resent politicians and non-educators trying to tell teachers what to do in their classrooms.  You are especially upset over the shift away from creative, artistic pursuits in the classroom as drill-and-kill math and reading replace the arts.  So what can you do to make a difference? Don’t despair, my friend!  The Office of … Continue reading A Novel and Most Excellent Cause

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