Viewing: Writers Project
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,
Skills vs. Strategies: UCI Writing Project Challenge
The UCI Writers Project has monthly meetings for its alumni where we discuss certain topics, bringing our field studies and expertise into the conversation. Last night we tackled an issue related to developing a common language: Skills vs. Strategies. Many
Sesame Street: Word on the Street
OK, so as I write this I’m watching Sesame Street with my 2 year old. This big-feathered muppet just announced that the Word on the Street is, get this…Struggle. I kid you not. I guess times are tough even on
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
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
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
The Excitement Graph: Plot and Word Choice
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
The Carnival of Education Just Rolled Into Town – #180
The Carnival of Education #180 is hosted this week by SteveSpangler.com. Check out my entry if you haven’t already, and enjoy the parade!
Sheridan Blau at the UCIWP
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,
Joanne Jacobs comment:”Stop facilitating and start teaching”
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer posts a not-so-intelligent take on teacher vs. student-directed classrooms.
Too Metacognitive to Think Properly
Today my colleague and I were almost hit by a car while we talking about thinking with clarity. Sigh.
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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