After Class Eight

This week we covered Chapter 10 Integrating Language Arts with the Fine Arts.  We looked at activities for each of the arts and then how to combine them.  We also performed a fun rendition of "The Legend of Lightning Larry" as readers theater.  (See link:  http://www.aaronshep.com/rt/RTE01.html )  Lastly, we had time in groups to work on our lesson presentations.
For next class, please read Chapter 11 in our textbook.  At the end of the next class, there will be some time again to work on the presentations.
Enjoy the long weekend -- Happy Canada Day!!

After Class Seven

Today we looked at the less well known areas of language arts:  listening, speaking, viewing and visually representing (Chapters 8 and 9).  We had some excellent discussion questions led by groups.  Lastly, we formed groups for our lesson presentations, which will start July 12 and run over three classes. 
Next week we will have a minimum of one hour to get back into groups and work on the lessons.  I will also bring a sign up sheet for the presentation dates.
Enjoy the sun!

After Class Six

This week we explored aspects of teaching with expository texts and in particular talked about digital literacies.  We also looked at the controversial issue of segregating genders to teach certain courses, and if a same sex teacher is more effective with boys/girls.
Lastly, we used children's magazines to create more detailed lesson plans, such as how to help struggling readers and writers, ESL and gifted students, etc.
Please bring your textbook to class on June 21.  We will also have time to form groups and work on the lesson plan presentations.
Enjoy the great weather!

After Class Five

In our reading for today, Chapter Five looks at the connection between reading and writing.  We also discussed ways to teach different kinds of writing and the value of getting students to do peer feedback.  Thanks for bringing in your favourite children's books, and as part of your posting for today, please give the title and the author of your book.  Lastly, we did two writer's workshop activities; in the first, we wrote about a time we felt successful and then examined the writing process we used.  In the second, we tried a creative writing exercise where one person wrote the beginning of a story, the second the middle, and the third person wrote the ending.  Thanks for being willing to try this challenging task, especially in such a short time frame.  As teachers, by stepping out of our comfort zone we can grow and understand more about writing and different kinds of learners.
Have a great week.  Fingers crossed for the Canucks!

After Class Four

In this class we discussed the debates around invented spelling, and the whole language/phonics/phonemic awareness approach to teaching reading.  We also watched a video, What Children Need in Order to Read, narrated by Marilyn Jager Adams.  Our lecture introduced the stages of reading after phonemic awareness:  decoding/word identification, fluency and comprehension.  We then got into groups to brainstorm some activities connected to teaching the various stages, although we found many activities can be multilevel.  Then as a class we compiled a master list.  Hopefully by linking activities with strategies everyone now has a better idea of the variety of choices available when teaching reading, especially understanding which ones may work well with visual, auditory, kinesthetic, etc. kinds of learners. 
For our next class, please bring in (if possible) your favourite children's book (or YA/teen book).  We will share authors and titles, and discuss why the book was so important to us and how we might use it in a classroom. 
Have a great week.  Go Canucks!