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!