Insights About Myself After This Blogging Experience

Usually, when a course ends, a student sighs in relief and moves on to her next class. I will sigh on December 8, but I’ll not simply move on to my next class. My blog will continue to be part of my weekly agenda. I will continue to post links for my students because I’m thrilled when they come to school the day after looking at my blog and want to discuss what they found and explored. I feel a sense of empowerment when I can motivate my students to learn outside the classroom. I’m excited about blogging and cannot wait to produce lifelong learners through my blog.

Applications of Blogs to My Practice

Each posting to my blog is intended to enhance learning in my classroom. Establishing a blog for students is a fantastic way to hook and motivate students. For example, when we studied prepositions in class, I posted a link that offered tutorials and extra practice for my students. Blogs are amazing tools to motivate students to learn English and to keep them engaged in learning beyond the classroom.

Significant Postings from the Blogging Experience

The postings that most help define my blog are two videos. The first is a video is my technology movie. The video summarizes how I feel about using technology in my classroom. I’ve always felt strongly about using technology in the classroom. Technology can be used in many ways as an integral part of the curriculum to meet the needs of diverse learners. The second video demonstrates the use of Interwrite Pad. I recruited the math teacher on my team since she is fortunate to have a Pad in her room. Technology tools are defined as materials, media, and devices that can potentially increase, maintain, or improve students’ functional capabilities, access to instructional activities, meaning-making, and motivation. As I was introduced to new technology tools in MEDT 7464, I attempted to demonstrate use of the tools by posting an application to my blog.

Participle Practice

Hi, Team 8-3 Students! Please click on the link and practice identifying participle phrases. Print out your answers and score, and I'll give you 10 extra credit points.

Persuasive Writing

My students are learning about persuasive writing. They need to be prepared for the 8th grade writing assessment. They will be prompted to write either an expository or persuasive essay. This Power Point is an excellent resource for persuasive writing. Scroll down until you see the Persuasive Writing link.

Songs for Grammar Instruction

I have used this site for grammar instruction. The songs are NOT free, but there are some samples. My students love the change of pace.

Why Teach Grammar

Students are always asking, "Why do I have to learn this?" My favorite is when they say, "No one is ever going to walk up to me and say, 'what is the subject in this sentence?'" As a starting point, I will direct them to this site so they may see some real examples of why grammar instruction is important.