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!