I cannot believe that summer has come and gone so quickly. I managed to muster some energy today to finally peak into my classroom, and clear out the cob-webs. I was relieved to see that my classroom was "clean" (at least, better than how I left it), and there didn't seem to be much to do in terms of classroom decor. There are a few changes, however, that I hope to make. I am going to change a couple of bulletin boards so that they represent the students and not the commercial items with a distinct agenda hidden within them (see Jerome Harste and Vivian Vasquez). I am creating a "Learning Archives" wall (Vivian Vasquez)to document the wonderful ideas, conversations, articles, questions, pictures, etc. that the kids and I participate in this year. At present, I am considering abandoning Reading Response Journals. I am having a hard time with this one, but...they're boring, and I HATE responding back to the kids. It takes way too much time despite my valiant efforts every year to try to figure out how to eliminate the huge time consumption. I have given up, so... "farewell RRJs!" Instead, I plan on using "Journals". The appeal of a non-specific journal is that it leaves my kids open for broader discussions, ideas and thinking...it's not just about the books (as important as they are). My thinking here is a result of the Summer Institute. Thoughts?
Finally, I am happy to report that I created an "Edublog" today for my students and I. I am still "mucking about" with it, but am hoping that it provides another dimension (literacy) to my classroom community. I know that the blog is capable of posting "Podcasts", videos, pictures,in addition to text...we'll see. I'll keep you updated with my progress here. You KNOW I will be slow with such progress, however!
Ultimately, I am looking for "adventure" (Colin Lankshear)in my classroom this year. I want to come to school each day, and be excited about what might happen. I hope to learn along with the kids. I was bored with myself last year, I can't imagine how the kids were feeling! I want to try new stuff. I think I'm off to a good start, but I know I have a long way to go...this is only the beginning!
Daytripping...no, not at Burk's Falls
But, why are we not moving????
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3 comments:
Holy cow! The summer institute really HAS created a monster in you. I applaud you for bringing the theory to the practice.
I visited my classroom in my new school today and it is a complete mess- the entire school is a mess. They are still unpacking furniture, our boxes were moved with such tender loving care that most of them have busted open, so heaven only knows what I will be able to salvage. There are problems galore in the "new" building- to be quite honest, I would rather be in the 59 year old school. At least there I knew what to expect and how to deal with the crazy issues. I have never seen so many problems with a brand new building.
All the best in September! I know your kids with love their new and improved monster teacher.
Love ya!
Tracy,
I cannot believe the situation! Are you kidding me? Brand new...and they still mess up?? This is Canadian infrastructure at its best. I must admit...I'm not surprised. You can only do what you can do...nothing more. Let it go.
xoxo
heidster
You really are their cheerleader...I admire you greatly Pooky...Good luck.
XO
ho
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