As this being my first Blog, I would first like to introduce my hopes for this Educational Blog. I have learned that blogging is not to simply communicate, but writing meant to connect. I personally believe that when I am interested and care about a particular topic, I am more likely to be engaged. This increases the interactions and conversations through feedback, which in turn, deepens understanding. I do believe that my students' feel the same way.
This year, all teachers are required by our district to incorporate writing into each and every classroom. This is a new concept for a lot of teachers because many teachers believe that writing should be done only in the English classroom. We have had many Professional Development days trying to get everyone on board with this concept, and it is slowly working. I have wanted to create a Blog site for my student's simply because I do not feel that their individual writing is enough. I want them to be able to comment on other student's writings and receive feedback on their own. As stated above, this will help to deepen understanding and form a learning space.
I found an incredible website (www.PicLits.com) which is a creative writing site that matches beautiful images with carefully selected keywords in order to inspire. I tried this out last week with my students and it worked wonderfully. Here are the requirements:
1. Log on to the website www.PicLits.com
2. Each day, there is one main picture on the home page that you will use
3. With that picture, you can drag and drop or freestyle (use your own words) to create meaning to the picture (This can be in the form of scattered words, quotes, sayings, sentences, etc.)
4. Save the picture (must have a PicLit account)
5. Share the link with the class
6. Write about what the words, quote, or saying meant to you (This can be a explanation, a story, any type of writing you want it to be)
7. Look at 2 other classmates PicLit's and read their writing
8. Post a comment on their page
Here is an example I created :
http://www.piclits.com/viewpoem.aspx?PoemId=123983
Writing example:
In my life, I have learned that not everyday will be full of sun and happiness. There are some days that may be just plain out dark and cloudy. What I can see though is by reflecting on all that there is in life, I can still remember the beauty of it all.
Lunden, I really enjoyed reading your blog. I think your students will enjoy this activity. My school requires that all teachers incorporate reading and writing in every subject, including the electives. Using Piclits is greeat for introducing your students to writing and I like the idea of allowing them to have the options of using any type of writing. This is something I will use in my classroom.
ReplyDeleteLove the picture of the "bean"!! This is one of my favorite places in Chicago. Thanks for bringing back some fun memories.
ReplyDeleteOh I like this idea. I enjoyed not only the picture of the bean, but the thought written above it. I am sure the kids will enjoy the pictures as well as using them to spark new ideas.
ReplyDeleteThat is a very interesting site! I could see using a version of that idea in my science class where I print off a ghost image of a volcano, or quake damage, and have students actually write words/phrases over the picture. Might be a good way to help learn vocab and ideas. Your example was really cool! I loved the picture!
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