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Metacognitive Poetry: Writing About Thinking While Writing Lesson
Here’s a great metacognitive lesson that integrates poetry. Or is it a poetry lesson that is metacognitive? (Shrug) I believe that good writing and great structure can be taught through mimicking great authors. Using this philosophy as my guide, my
Recalling your own Metacognition
I’ve been working on metacognitive lessons with my middle schoolers in an attempt to teach reflection and the act of thinking about thinking. Anyway, one of the most important elements in teaching about thinking is in your own remembering of
NewsHour with Jim Leher: Michelle Rhee
I recently watched John Merrow’s interview with Michelle Rhee on the NewsHour. Michelle seems like a real mixed blessing for education. On one hand, she’s willing to clean house, and education does seriously need it. On the other hand, however,
But what if the child does everything in their power to be “left behind?”
The Boston Globe is reporting that some students deliberately “shoot themselves in their own foot.” Some of the reason is that trying hard is frightening. Now, don’t get all uppity. Let’s face it; even the most mature of adults may
Is Cursive Really a 21st Century Skill or is it History?
Look, we all agree, that our job is to prepare our students for their future by teaching 21st Century skills, right? Well, then why is cursive even a continuing debate? We can no longer afford to spend time on
Judging Websites for History Day
Yesterday I was proud to judge a number of our group website entries for our History Day competition. Three of our history teachers use History Day as a project-based learning opportunity for all of their students. These students have their
CUE update of my sessions
So I will be presenting again at CUE this year. My session, “Podcasting with 70 Middle Schoolers – RU Crazy?!” has received some great comments in the past and as I’ve tweaked the class, I’ve updated my presentation as well.
Budget Cut Victim – Textbook Adoption
We just got word that we will not have our scheduled textbook adoption for ELA this year as planned. I have to admit, it is disappointing. I mean, yes it meant I was going to be out of the classroom
Budget Cuts trim away the CAT6 – somehow we’ll survive
So we’re at my department meeting yesterday, and my head announces that due to budget cuts, we won’t be administering the CAT6 this year. There was this pause in the room that suggested suppressed sarcasm.
Hola, soy redesignated…
So, please, somebody tell me how this scenario is best for the child: Recently, I received a student, a full quarter into the school year, from our ELD classes. That’s not the problem as much as the fact that she
“Hit a Jew” Day. Um, er…
I’m not sure what one can say about this latest story. AP reports that a number of students at a St Louis middle school are facing suspension for a spirit day gone awry. But how “Hug a Friend Day” de-evolved
Book Review: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
You know when you enjoy a book so much you begin to slow down towards the end just to make the sweetness last? Well, Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book is one of those. NG writes with a rhythm in his
When it works, it’s amazing!
I’m referring, of course, to my new Interactive Whiteboard. I think I’m going to name my second child Promethean.
What’s my role in this debate?
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
Should a free education be unconditional?
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
Oh, the Wells Fargo Wagon is a’comin…
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,
Hurry up & Wait – My New Interactive Whiteboard: Part II
So, I had my online training. I met the Whiteboard sales guy in my classroom to discuss where the board is to be mounted. I talked with my principal to develop an interactive whiteboard presentation during our first staff development
The Carnival is in!
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
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
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Asking for Student Opinions Isn’t Risky, It’s Rewarding
By heather on January 24, 2009
I was reading this great article from Slate Magazine about the cheese that is Billy Joel. And I thought back to many a car trip singing his “Themes from an Italian Restaurant.” I also remembered just how many times I’d