This semester I learned a lot about myself as a writer. I have figured out what styles work for me and which ones don’t. I have learned that I am much better at free writing than I am with assigned prompts or ones that have due dates. It is much easier for me to write when I am alone and have the sudden desire to. Although I did not keep up to date with the blog posts as much as I should have, I now see how it can help build a strong interactive community among students.

                When it comes to using blogging in the classroom, as long as the teacher states clear directions and rules at the beginning of the school year, blogging can be a positive experience for the whole class. The only challenge I could see is if all students have access to technology or not.  I learned a lot through this assignment, and I hope to use something similar to this in my future classroom. 

Argumentative writing

I chose to read the book on argumentative writing instead of the digital writing book. I found this book to be very helpful when it came to giving the reader activities and strategies to better teach students how to write argumentatively. The texts made it a point to state that the elements of an argument include a claim and evidence to support the claim.

I have taken away from this book many ideas on how go get my future students excited about argumentative writing. My absolute favorite activity discussed, was the “Who Done It” activity that is discussed in the first paragraph. In this activity the author puts a picture up on the board and has the students try and decide what is happening. The students must make rules and back up claims with evidence. I thought this was a very good idea, especially for student engagement. 

Senoritis

I can't believe that this semester is almost over and I am so excited to have some free time again before next semester starts. The only obstacle that I have standing in the way of this is all of the work that I have procrastinated on this semester. I have had a horrible case of senioritis and I partially blame my busy schedule for this. On the rarer occasions this semester when I have had free time, I often found myself staring blankly at my computer screen for hours with major writer's block. Other times that I tried to to my homework, I would wake up with an indent on my stomach from my laptop.

It is safe to say that I am kicking myself in the butt right now while trying to catch up on all of these assignments. 

open post

It's crazy to think that in February my boyfriend and I will be celebrating 5 years of being together. His name is Kerry and although we have been dating for five years, I have known him since the fifth grade. I'm writing about him now because we have been through so much together this year and as a result I believe that our relationship is stronger than ever.

Kerry is so much more than just my boyfriend, he is my rock, and my absolute best friend. I had the biggest crush on him in elementary school but he thought I had cooties and rejected me several times. It wasn't until senior year of high school when he decided that I did not have them after all. I was on my own planet though and never payed much attention to him until he came home from Army boot camp the summer after senior year ;).
Now five years later, we are both expected to graduate in May, and I can't wait to see what the future has in store for us. He has been my biggest support system through school and brings out the best in me.


Sorry for the mushy post!

technology creation

After playing around with several sites, I decided to try the site that Sarah suggested on her blog. I found this site to be the easiest to use and I had so much fun playing around with it.

The site is www.quotescover.com

Technology

After viewing the different site names on the slide, I am going to say that I am probably more of a visitor when it comes to technology. I use technology every day, but it is limited to social media sites, phone apps, e-mail, and You Tube.  

I was fascinated by all of the sites that were listed and I think it’s wonderful that there are endless possibilities when it comes to ways to incorporate technology into the classroom.

·         Skype- I could invite a famous author to do a video chat with my students. I have heard this suggestion many times from Dr. Kaplan, and I think it’s a brilliant idea.

·         Slideshare- This would be an easier way to allow students to share their presentations with each other.

·          Kahootit- I enjoyed using this in tonight’s class and I think it’s a great way to check for understanding and to build excitement amongst students. I would use this for test review.

When choosing technology for the classroom, it is vital that teachers choose relevant technology that aids in student learning. When picking what technological tool to use, the teacher needs to make sure that it fits in with the lesson’s objective.

        I will be using several technological tools in my classroom in order to better teach my students. With so many options out there, I can’t wait to start finding which ones work best in my classroom. 

Memories

               This past week was homecoming week at the school I am doing my interning at. As I watched the students in their wacky twin outfits, I couldn't help but be taken down memory lane. It's hard to believe that six years ago that was my friends and I trying to dress the best for all of the different themed days. I remember the night before "school spirit day" we had a sleepover to work on making shirts and crowns for the following day's events. Spirit week was everything to us. 

             It's crazy how fast time has gone by and I wish I would have appreciated those days more. I remember my mom would always warn me not to be in such a rush to grow up. I never understood those wise words until I grew up. Then it was so simple; go to school, hangout with friends, and whatever else we wanted to do. My friends and I, we didn't know how lucky we were to be so young. 






         I had the best times of my life in high school, and I would not change those four years for anything. The special part about my school was that we all went to elementary school and middle school together. We witnessed one another's awkward stages, crazy moments, and just down right embarrassing moments. Although I have lost touch with some of my high school friends since graduation, I still remain close with others. 

Remember to enjoy the moment you are in. As Trace Atkins would say, "You're Gonna Miss This."