The Journey Continues

Summer is my time to catch up on novels and literature I haven't had time to complete through the school year. Most of the books I reach for come from my Amazon wish list. These are books I read for enjoyment.
Sometimes I sneak a "teacher" book into my summer reading pile. Today was one such day as I reached for a book that has set on my desk since April. This book is a wonderful resource for writing teachers. What makes this book stand out was how enjoyable it was to read! I could not put this treasure down. I found myself bending page corners so I wouldn't forget to reread the page. I highly recommend Notebook Know - How: Strategies for the Writer's Notebook by Aimee Buckner. Last year was the first year I had my students create a writer's notebook. I loved them! However, this year I want my students to create more meaningful notebooks. Aimee Buckner has opened my eyes to so many options and offered amazing strategies. I can't wait to pass out composition books and get my students writing!

Bonnet for Bella

I'm ecstatic to announce I'm going to be an aunt! My sister is having a baby girl any day and we are all beyond ready to meet Bella Sophia. I crocheted this bonnet because the pattern was beautiful and fitting for a Bella Sophia. Don't you agree?

AHA! Moments and Writer's Notebooks

Last summer I went scavenging for ways other teachers journal in their classrooms. I was beyond blessed when I found Corbett Harrison's web page.  http://www.corbettharrison.com
He was the inspiration I was looking for! You know when you find something that screams, "AHA!"? That was this kind of moment for me.  I couldn't get enough of this brillant educator's ideas.  I purchased his Sacred Writing Time slides, I downloaded his freebies and started planning.
I cannot remember being this excited for school to start since my second year of teaching. Haha! It was fabulous! I'm not sure if it was fabulous because I was so excited, but I'm sure that had a lot to do with it.
Every day we started class with a slide. My students loved them as well as myself. We became aware of all the minute things we could write about.  Wait....we became WRITERS.
This year I'm starting every class  with Sacred Writing Time (SWT) and our beloved Mr. Stick. Of course I am planning to make a few subtle changes to make this work for my curriculum. But I encourage Middle School teachers to go have a look at Corbett's web site. Later today I am going to post some work of last years students.
Please share some resources that have made you scream "AHA!"
Blessings,
Dawnelle

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I think I've figured out some blog basics....

Hello! I have wanted to become a blogger for a long time. I have read and used many blogger's post in my classroom the past 2-3 years. I have been a little leery of starting my own blog simply because I am not sure "how" to do it. Yes, that sounds a little silly to me also.
July is my reflective month. I contemplate the change I need to see in my classroom. I'm a fan of change. I believe if we are not changing in order to meet new goals, we become stuck in a rut. I try to pick 2-3 things to change each year in my classroom.  Some of these changes are settle. But some are enormous and can be scary.  This year I have some scary changes to make. Other than blogging, I am going to focus on ...
1. Incorporating Guided reading groups in my 8th grade ELA classes.
2. Strengthen my writing workshops and the student's writing portfolios.
3. Implement independent reading groups which produce high level discussions.
So as you can see I'm stalking a lot of blogs. Soon I will learn how to post my favorite blogs onto my page. :)
Blessings,
Dawnelle