Blogging...

In starting this Methods of Teaching English class, I absolutely hated the thought of blogging. It definately sounded stupid and something that I really did not want to participate in doing.

Since the beginning of this semester I have changed my opinion of blogging. I do think it is a creative way to journal things that are going on within your classroom. It is also a great way to incorporate the use of technology into the classroom environment for students. I can also see where it will really help me in my future as a teacher. Blogging in the future and reading other teachers blogs will help me come up with creative new ideas to use in the classroom.

My thoughts on blogging...

When I was first introduced to the idea of "blogging" I have to admit I hated it! I hated the idea, I hated the word, and I basically thought it was a waste of time. However, I have since changed my mind.

Now I think blogging is a useful tool. Though it still scares me to post blogs for the whole world to read, I have found myself searching other people's blogs in order to find ideas for my class. I have found some very useful materials on blogs that I have found very helpful in teaching certain subjects. I have also found some ideas that made me think, "I have thought of that idea before! I could have posted it on a blog and been credited!"

Though it may take me a while to warm up to the idea of posting blogs myself, I will definately continue to search blogs in the future for information. And who knows, once I graduate from Lyon and actually have some free time you may Google my name and find me blogging like crazy...

Dioramas...

In my seventh grade class we just finished our unit over The Outsiders, and my ninth grade class has just finished their unit over The Odyssey. Each class was assigned a big project grade that was going to be worth 300 points. I really wanted to let the kids do something fun that went along with each of their units. I decided to assign dioramas for bonus points...


The kids really seemed to get into doing the dioramas. I asked them to be very detailed with their scenes from the stories. My favorite ones came from my ninth grade class. I had students using clay to create a cyclops, and they also made some really neat ships and water with different matierials.


I am always surprised at the level of creativeness these young students can have when they actually want to have it. I just wish they would be as creative as they can be all the time...

The End?

Wow! Where did the semester go?

Tomorrow is our last class before finals. I look forward to viewing your portfolios and hearing your reflections on your accomplishments this semester.

I will also give you your "take-home" exam tomorrow that you may email to before our "official" test time.

I will need part of the class tomorrow to touch on some of the topics we have not discussed.

See you then!