Heather Wolpert-Gawron

Viewing: ELA

When it works, it’s amazing!

When it works, it’s amazing!

By on October 3, 2008

I’m referring, of course, to my new Interactive Whiteboard. I think I’m going to name my second child Promethean.

The Excitement Graph: Plot and Word Choice

The Excitement Graph: Plot and Word Choice

By on October 2, 2008

Every year, I do this activity when teaching Narrative Plot.  I’ve used it from 3rd grade to 12th grade.  I learned a version of it first in 1993 at a UCLA Extension class on “Teaching Reading to Secondary Students” and

What’s my role in this debate?

What’s my role in this debate?

By on September 28, 2008

Dear Fellow Edubloggers, Many of you have been blogging far longer than I have.  I have many of you on my Google Reader and I admire your wit, your writing, and would now love your advice. Last week, I posted

Book Review: Breaking Dawn (Cliff Notes of the Stephanie Meyer’s series)

Book Review: Breaking Dawn (Cliff Notes of the Stephanie Meyer’s series)

By on September 26, 2008

Look, I’m a big believer in reading what the kids are reading, so I picked up the first in this crapfest of a series.  I was a big Anne Rice fan during my middle school years, so clearly I’m not

Should a free education be unconditional?

Should a free education be unconditional?

By on September 6, 2008

So you know when you get your group of kids on the first day, there are those who immediately set off your alarms?  Well, that definitely happened to me on my first day. I have a student who clearly needs

Find the Fib…First Day Activity (UPDATED)

Find the Fib…First Day Activity (UPDATED)

By on September 5, 2008

I learned a version of this activity from Erick Gordon this summer at the UCI institute. Basically, it’s a get-to-know activity where the students get to learn a little about me and then learn a little about each other. It

Oh, the Wells Fargo Wagon is a’comin…

Oh, the Wells Fargo Wagon is a’comin…

By on August 30, 2008

So, in a move reminiscent of a 12-year old girl caught up in the riot mentality of rumors, I believed the whisper I heard about not getting my Whiteboard for 2 months.  But I tell you now: it was false,

The Carnival is in!

The Carnival is in!

By on August 13, 2008

Welcome to another Carnival of Education hosted this week by Joanne Jacobs.   After taking a writing break for a few weeks, I am back in the party.  Something I love about Le Carnival is that is represents both sides of

My new Interactive Whiteboard: Part I

My new Interactive Whiteboard: Part I

By on August 11, 2008

Is the tale of the recent surge of Interactive Whiteboards a grade-B horror flick or a Cinderella story?  Are they the villain or the belle of the ball?  They’ve begun creeping into trendsetting classrooms, taking over precious wall space and

Sheridan Blau at the UCIWP

Sheridan Blau at the UCIWP

By on July 14, 2008

OK, normally, I would reflect on one of the presenters at the UCIWP with my own spin-off thoughts and musings. Not so today.  Here are some Golden Lines from today’s presentation with Sheridan Blau, award-winning educator, past president of NCTE,

Kelly Gallagher’s Golden Line

Kelly Gallagher’s Golden Line

By on July 12, 2008

Kelly Gallagher on the simple concept: "Everyone improves."

Joanne Jacobs comment:”Stop facilitating and start teaching”

Joanne Jacobs comment:”Stop facilitating and start teaching”

By on July 6, 2008

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer posts a not-so-intelligent take on teacher vs. student-directed classrooms.

Collaboration…Blocked by a Firewall Near You

Collaboration…Blocked by a Firewall Near You

By on July 2, 2008

I just saw Doug Fisher's presentation on ELL students in the Language Arts classroom. I got me reflective on tech's role in collaboration in the classroom.

The Carnival #178 is in town!

The Carnival #178 is in town!

By on July 2, 2008

The Carnival #178 has come to town!

Book Review: The Looking Glass Wars

Book Review: The Looking Glass Wars

By on July 1, 2008

Read The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor. It's great for setting, character, and action details.SowahtSo

The Carnival of Education is in Town!

The Carnival of Education is in Town!

By on June 25, 2008

The Carnival of Education #177 has arrived and my article, "How to Find a Job in Education that You Love" is featured.

Surely Shakespeare has a sniglet for it?

Surely Shakespeare has a sniglet for it?

By on June 21, 2008

What's a word for both grateful and frustrated?

NCLB?  How ’bout B-studentsLB

NCLB? How ’bout B-studentsLB

By on June 21, 2008

NCLB might be losing the highest students, but it is also causing the loss of the middle-of-the-line student's electives.

Comment on Dangerously Irrelevant’s “Ed Tech Quarantine?”

Comment on Dangerously Irrelevant’s “Ed Tech Quarantine?”

By on June 19, 2008

As I commented on Dangerously Irrelevant's blog, we need to respect those who do not share our tech enthusiasm, yet keep the battle waged.

D is the New F for North Carolina

D is the New F for North Carolina

By on June 11, 2008

Is D the hew F? I comment on The Core Knowledge Blog.