Further Reading on Today's Quick Write

Today's QuickWrite option was persuasive: Did President Obama deserve to win the Nobel Peace Prize? Why or why not?

I mentioned an interesting editorial on the subject to the students in class, and here it is. This was published in yesterday's NY Times, by Thomas Friedman. It's an interesting take on HOW President Obama should accept the award. What do you think?

DON'T POST HERE!

Hey all!

I wanted to let you know that I've created separate sites for each class on which I'd like you to respond to Stargirl and other class happenings. I think the comments and grading will be absolutely overwhelming for us all to do together. For this assignment, please visit your class's blog and comment on the new questions there. Make sure to follow the directions. I'd also like you to add your section's blog to blogs you're following.

2nd Hour: http://roomsixconnects2.blogspot.com
3rd Hour: http://roomsixconnects3.blogspot.com
4th Hour: http://roomsixconnects4.blogspot.com
5th Hour: http://roomsixconnects5.blogspot.com

Thanks, and have fun.

Stargirl--What do you think?

We are having a busy day in class: labeling dividers, personalizing composition books, reviewing technology expectations, and starting our class read-aloud: Jerry Spinelli's Stargirl.

By Friday, you need to have created a Google account if you don't already have one, and also log into Blogger so you can comment on this post. This will let me know that you've created your Google account and you are ready to go. Unfortunately, our school computers are allowing students to USE Google accounts, but not set them up. This means that students will need to create accounts at home. If you do not have Internet access at home, and you are reading this at school, please speak to me. I can set up your Google account at home with information you prefer, and then you'll be able to use it while at school without a problem.

To complete this assignment, you need to do the following things:
1) Email me your Google ID and email address it's connected to at griffinb@cedar-falls.k12.ia.us.
2) Comment on the discussion question below by FRIDAY at 3 p.m.
3) Visit back and re-comment if someone adds something interesting to the discussion.

Please comment on one of these questions:
In the section we've read so far, how does Mica High seem like Peet Jr. High, and how does it seem different?

How would you react if someone like Stargirl showed up at Peet?

Monday, August 31

I heard so many great sentences as students shared from their quick writes today in English. Thanks, everyone! It made me really excited to keep working together on writing.

Thanks to all students and parents who have "Million Words" assignments and technology questions in. A couple things that have come to my attention from reading your responses:
1. Despite the additional convenience of Facebook homework updates, my PEET ASSIGNMENT page will be kept current. I don't think I made it clear that I would be using both in my letter. Not using Facebook will in no way impact your ability to find assignments on the Internet; it's just an added opportunity.

2. On the blogs permission sheet, I wrote "with your child's permission" regarding sharing his/her blog with you. I had a few comments/questions about this. I must admit: it was sort of a slip on my part. I work really hard to let my students take ownership of their writing and choose what they share and with whom they share it. I am also not a parent, so sometimes I miss important angles without knowing it. Of course you should be able to see what your child is posting on an Internet sight. I'm sorry I phrased it that way if it caused confusion. I should have left that part out, that time! Thanks for those of you who pointed it out.

We are off to a great start. Students, if you'd like to post an additional sentence from any of your quick writes today, feel free to do it here.

Our First Full Day

Students, you did an awesome job today of sitting through my long-winded explanation of expectations, etc. Parents, thanks for your participation in the Million Words assignments. I look forward to reading about your kids.

I'll keep tonight's entry short, but I will ask for comments on one thing, if you want to respond and get into the conversation. At this point in your life, who is your favorite author, or what is the best book you've ever read? Students and parents, feel free to respond!

I have several favorites, but I think I'll go with the best book I've read this year: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. It is just awesome.

Welcome Students and Parents!

Thanks for dropping by. I'm working at school the Thursday before you all come, trying to get everything set up. I am very excited to get to work reading and sharing writing. I'll post more later, but I couldn't very well set up a blog and leave a blank page. Please leave a note to let us know you were here!