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

First Post

For the past few years, I have heard "read my blog" or have read "you can post to my blog," and I have thought, "What is a blog? Do I really want to do it?" B-l-o-g sounds painful, like most new things. If that were not enough to intimidate me, my media specialist at school told me that I needed to include more technology projects for my students. She appreciated the projects I did require, but... (Thanks a lot, Ms. Debbie, and I do mean that.) SO, here I am, learning how to blog. Watch out world!

I signed up for Create Your Own Podcast and Publish It to the Internet with Mr. Bob Wakeman. Sure enough, he talked about blogs and encouraged our group to attend his blogging workshop on June 16. So, last week, I learned how to create a podcast (I thought I liked a microphone until it was stuck to my head, and I learned I didn't speak as loudly as I thought. Before the end of the session, I was beltin' out tunes like a rockstar...just kidding). Now, I'm in this workshop irritating Mr. Wakeman with my "enthusiasm" to go,go, go. He said that teachers make the worst students...

I'm anticipating what I can accomplish with this skill and how I can use this to communicate better with my parents and students. If they thought I talked a lot before this, bum...bum...bum... (evil laugh included).