ACCESS, Days Two and Three

Sorry, bloggers! I became negligent and did not blog on my last two days of my last workshop for the summer. Day Two of the workshop included a lot of exposure to the technology that ACCESS teachers and students use. Unfortunately, because many people were training and none of us had accounts, we couldn't practice like we needed to become familiar with the programs. Day Three allowed us some exposure to the software and hardware, but I would have preferred more. Like most new things, I really won't know how to do it until I play with it a little more.
Wish me luck!!

ACCESS Training, Day One

I began training today to be either a facilitator or teacher for ACCESS (Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators, Students Statewide). I learned that for an ACCESS class to be truly successful it must have a motivated and conscientious facilitator--someone who monitors the students' work and encourages them to keep at it. The facilitator can't be just a body in the room (that kind of person takes up too much oxygen and collects dust--I'm mean, I know.)
I feel that this resource that we have is a blessing and a curse. A blessing because it opens so much opportunity for our kids--variety in curriculum and experience for the future. A curse because it requires independence and self-discipline that many of our kids do not have. I'm am, though, anticipating great things from the use of ACCESS.

Gulf Coast Writing Conference, Day Three

I attended my final day of the Writing Conference. The presenter, Susan Koehler, suggested that teachers teach small amounts of writing a day. She was very well spoken and experienced. Unfortunately, my behind had endured all it could for three days, and I knew that I had a four-hour trip home. I'm afraid she did not have all of my attention. My loss, not hers.

Gulf Coast Writing Conference, Day Two

Today the featured writer was Rick Shelton. I must say that he was a very entertaining and motivating presenter. He encouraged the writing teachers, grades K and beyond, to teach "craft," not "formula." By that, I mean, he wants teachers to teach students the flow of writing and encourage the love of writing. I truly felt inspired.
I also attended a "definition essay" workshop by Amy Weaston. She is an eleventh grade writing teacher from Katy, Texas. She explained how any essay could be formed from a definition essay.
Finally, I attended a "Music, Method, Madness" workshop by Carol Martin. She demonstrated how she was using classic and current music to engage her students in writing. I really enjoyed her presentation, as well as the music. Rock on!

Gulf Coast Writing Conference, Day One

I attended three workshops today: Engaging Boy Writers and Fine-tuning the Writing Process by Ralph Fletcher, as well as "Perky Pointers" (figurative language) by Julie Downing. Although I feel that the majority of the information was geared toward elementary teachers, I still believe that I can use it to enhance my teaching. I must say, however, that I commend the elementary teachers because they are the ones who spend most of their time seeking professional development on their time.
I received some really great hand-outs about similes, spoonerisms (learned something new--didn't know what these were), and onomonatopeias. I also obtained some "first days of school" ideas to get the writing juices flowing.
In my eighth and ninth grade classes next year, I plan to spend more time developing writers--not teaching the ADAW. So, my creative and practical juices are replenished.
I'm looking forward to the next two days.

Descriptive Writing Workshop

Since I began this blog as a diary of my workshops this summer (hence the title), I am excited to report that I attended a descriptive writing workshop presented by Deanne Davis of Mobile County Public Schools. As a teacher of writing, I felt most intimidated about teaching the descriptive mode. That thought made me feel like a failure since I love reading, I can point out and demonstrate example after example of strong descriptive writing, but I could not adequately explain to my students how to answer in this mode.
After attending this workshop and learning about describing objects in three part, I feel empowered and rejuvenated. I also feel like a burdened has been lifted because I can concentrate on seventh grade this year and not tear myself between seventh and tenth.
I encourage anyone to attend as many workshops on as many topics as possible. When I grow as a professional, I know my students grow with me. I am so anticipating a great year!
I will be attending the Gulf Coast Writing Conference in Sandestin next week. I'll let you know how it goes.

Jingle Bell Verbs

Listen to this episode

Some verbs can be defined as either linking or action, depending on their use. They are easy to memorize if you can sing "Jingle Bells."

Special Verbs:
appear grow seem stay
become look smell taste
feel remain sound turn