This is our online blogging site where you will post your assignments 2-7
Monday, April 18, 2011
Get Lit! Assignment #1 - due April 19
Post your synopsis of the 2 workshops and panel attended and considerwhat would work for you and what would challenge you; say why. Please respond to at least one other.
I attended, "Putting Pen to Paper" with Barbara Crumb and Beverley Wolff in the AM session. In, this workshop we studied using a writer's notebook in the classroom. We started by addressing concerns that teachers may have about using a WN such as, not knowing what to write about, grading, and students who feel 'journaled out'. A lengthy discussion was held in which several suggestions were made including; look for when students are excited to share something and then ask them to journal it, allow drawing, make sure there is a purpose, give opportunities for the students to choose their own topics, and using a participation grade rather than a point grade. Several suggestions were also given for journaling prompts such as; 'wow' words, questions, quotes, statements, exclamations, dialogue, definitions, onomatopoeia, and metaphors. Finally, we were asked to describe writing in terms of something we love. For example, writing is like fishing...
I attended the Comics in the Classroom panel with, Sammi Curry, Danica Novgorodoff, and Manny Trembley. We were introduced to Manny's graphic novels, "PX" books one and two about a girl and her panda. Danica wrote, "Refresh, Refresh" a graphic novel about 3 boys whose father's are away in Iraq. Sammi, is a first grade teacher who discussed using graphic novels in the classroom. Manny made the point that he did not intentionally write his graphic novel for use in the classroom. He states that he wrote the book for himself, a book that he would want to read. Danica discussed the use of line quality to draw the reader's eye and censorship of graphic novels. Sammi gave some suggestions on how to use a graphic novel in the classroom and that they are very useful for struggling readers.
During the PM session I attended, Writing Off the Page with, Nance Van Winckel. Nance introduced us to the concept of phot-oems. Nance uses existing objects to write her poetry and art. She shared some of her work with us and then set us to work. Nance had supplied several natural objects for us to work on such as; seed-pods, sticks, and rocks. She also supplied markers, art pens, an old engineering book and glue. We 'wrote' poems using scraps of words from the old engineering book and glued them to our objects or used the markers to write words on the objects.
I would definitely use the concepts from the, "Writing Off the Page" workshop in my classroom. I found that writing on things other than paper was very inspiring and freeing. It would be a fun way to introduce poetry into the classroom and also give students other options for writing than just journaling.
Writing journals would be a struggle for me. I feel that writing should be a free-flowing activity. When I am ask to reflect on things for an assignment I find it difficult. People reflect in different ways and not always immediately following what they are reflecting on. I do see the value of providing a place that is safe for kids to write and giving them prompts to get them to write more often. However, using a journal for this makes writing an impersonal activity and turns me off to writing. I freeze up when I am required to write, I can imagine how my students would feel. I am going to have to do a lot of reflecting on this and figure out how I could use journals in my classroom without turning kids off to writing.
I went to Putting Pen To Paper. I really liked this seminar because I felt that it provided practical uses for implementing a writing notebook and ways to motivate students to write. I also went to Comics in the Classroom. I thought this panel was interesting. I like the idea of using graphic novels in the classroom. I also found it interesting that the artist/authors did not necessarily consciously draw pictures that showed the symbolism that we know. For instance that an open window or door could have a symbolic meaning. Finally, I went to writing off the page. I found this seminar interesting, but not one I would be quick to use in the classroom. I didn't see how it would help students to improve their writing skills by writing on things other than paper.
The workshops and panel that I went to included,"Putting Pen to Paper","Comics in the Classroom", and "Writing off the Page". I enjoyed all of these very much.
Putting Pen to Paper was a workshop on getting students writing in writing notebooks. This workshop had many great ideas and people who had learned from their mistakes. They shared many ideas with us that had worked or didn't work for them in the past. I have enjoyed learning about how writing notebooks can benefit the children in a classroom. I really liked the idea of having the children write in the notebooks all year long and as a gift give them to their parents. This way the parents could see how their writing has improved throughout the year. I would use this in my classroom and plan too.
Comics and Cartoons in the Classroom was a very informative panel to listen too. The last few months I have been learning a lot about graphic novels and how they can benefit students. In this panel I learned a lot about how reading comics can help children that get overwhelmed when they see a page of words. This way they have few words but pictures to help tell the story. I think that it is important to give children a choice to read what they would like to. This panel increased my idea of reading freedom for my future classroom.
Writing off the Page was not what I expected, yet it was a fun opportunity. I wanted to get ideas of how to make writing fun by not just writing over and over on paper. I thought that it would link a lot more to the classroom setting than it did. It did give great ideas of how to use everyday materials to give poems character. I would use this in my classroom as an extension for children who got finished with poems before others in their class.
Comment on Jennifer D's post: I agree with your statement on the writing notebooks. I too went away with great ideas of how to implement writing notebooks into the classroom. I also thought the comics and cartoons was interesting. I didn't realize that they leave empty doors or windows for a reason. I haven't realized this whole time reading the graphic novel of Hamlet that other things besides the color of clothing have a deeper meaning. I too had a hard time understanding how writing off the page would be beneficial in helping children with their writing skills. I had fun though experienceing art in away to spice up words.
I really enjoyed this Festival! It was my first experience with Get Lit! I am already looking forward to next year’s festival!
I attended the Putting Pen to Paper (Writer’s Notebook) workshop with Barbara Crumb, and Writing off the Page with Nance Van Winckel. Additionally, I attended the panel, From Novel to Graphic Novel with Danica Novgorodoff and Benjamin Percy.
I found all three packed with valuable and inspiring information.
In the Putting Pen to Paper workshop, I learned that even Tots could use a writer’s notebook. What a concept! I plan to use a writing journal with my students in the future. It was great to get clarification on the how to and whys behind a writer’s journal. The instructors were great and answered all my questions.
I found the Writing off the Page workshop very interesting. I had fun taking bits of my favorite quotes and placing them on objects. I am happy with my finished projects, and inspired by Nancy Van Winckel’s artistry. What a talented woman!
I enjoyed the panel from Novel to Graphic Novel. I feel challenged to use graphic novels in my future classroom. I am still not sure which books would be beneficial for second graders. I will have to do more research on the subject. I found it very interesting though.
Ashley commented on the Writing off the Page workshop. I was also, surprised by this workshop. I came prepared with items to write on but didn't expect that it would be so crafty. I agree with you this would make a great extension activity.It was wonderful to see the creations produced by those attending, too!
Writers’ Notebooks: Everything you wanted to know…and more I couldn’t have been more inspired to write! This workshop presented by primary-grade teacher, Beverly Wolff, and secondary teacher, Barbara Crumb, allowed us to openly discuss and respond in writing to various dilemmas that journals present, how important journals are in the writing process, and how to implement journals throughout the curriculum. This class allowed us to give written responses and included time for us to journal our metaphorical thoughts about writing. Beverly introduced the concept of picking out a WOW-word from your writing, and both Beverly and Barbara gave ideas for improving the first sentence of your writing. This class was so valuable and provided simple and useful ideas.
Panel Discussion: Comics in the Classroom This discussion was so interesting! First, I really hadn’t given comics much credit as being worthy of good literature, but after understanding comics from the writer’s perspective, I have much more respect for them- so much that I plan to implement a lesson based on a graphic novel. What really set the wheels in motion for me was when teacher of the Athol elementary school, Sammy, spoke about the response from her first and sixth-grade classes. Students who had difficulty reading by way of words could easily participate by way of graphic analysis. Her students then started to see how the picture could communicate through symbolism and the medium in which the comic was created: feel of the page and the quality of illustration.
Writing Off the Page We literately wrote off the usual white, lined piece of notebook paper we are so accustom to using. Instead, we used rocks, bark, leaves, pods, commercial items, and old garden gloves as a medium to communicate text that expressed meaning to us. This was a stretch for me but made me realize how one word can have such focus and meaning. Teaching this type of poetry/art could be fun because there is no right or wrong way; however, Nanc did continuously walk around the classroom to observe and encourage.
Ashley commented on how comics/graphic novels aid students who may be overwhelmed by an entire page of words to read the few scattered bubbles instead. As Sammy Curry commented on her observation, I made a direct connection to the first workshop, "Putting Pen to Paper," when it was suggested that students who have difficulty writing because they are faced with a large white sheet of paper. Someone in the class then suggested that a few boxes of increasing size be used to help students graduate from writing in one small box to the next larger box if they felt inclined to do so. It seems when tasks are broken out into manageable amounts, we can handle them easier, so why wouldn't it be any different for our students!
Morning session: Putting Pen to Paper: Barbra Crumb and Beverley Wolff.
I have not had my students do any journal writing as a math teacher, but I see that it could be a great tool to get to know how the kids are feeling about life in general. It could be used as a review at the end of the period each day. Barbra said to have a purpose for journal writing. I could have my students write a short journal on “What I learned today”, or journal on “Explaining to my peers how to do a math problem. I think it would be a challenge to get my kids to want to write anything about math. If I start the first month with simple topics like what do I like about school, or how do I feel about my math ability, I think that I could easy into journaling that could help the kids review their math daily and get them ready for upcoming tests. I have to say that I learned a lot in this class. My notebook is full of notes to use for future teaching.
Lunch Panel Comics and Cartoons in the Classroom? Curry, Novgorodoff, and Trembley
I never really liked comic strips, but I know that my students love them. They tell me storylines every day about a comic strip or two, so I thought this would be a good panel for me to encourage myself to incorporate comics into my lessons somehow. The panel turned out to be very interesting and again I filled my own notebook with notes again. I think that I could make a social studies lesson on making comic strips that describe ancient history for my 6th grade social studies class. Instead of having the kids always on the computer doing power points for their projects they could make a comic strip to tell the story of Cleopatra or King Tut. This could reach my kids at a different level than just writing info down on a power point.
Afternoon session: Pathfinder: Ideas, Writing, Reading, and Research, Louise Borden
I had no idea that she had written so many fun books. I think I could use some of her books in my social studies class because although her books are fiction they are based in historical events. She mostly talked about how her writing process worked and how the publishing world works for writers and illustrators, but I thought it was interesting. I am not going to write a book, but I hope to buy a few of her books and create lessons for my 6th graders form them.
I attended, "Putting Pen to Paper" with Barbara Crumb and Beverley Wolff in the AM session. In, this workshop we studied using a writer's notebook in the classroom. We started by addressing concerns that teachers may have about using a WN such as, not knowing what to write about, grading, and students who feel 'journaled out'. A lengthy discussion was held in which several suggestions were made including; look for when students are excited to share something and then ask them to journal it, allow drawing, make sure there is a purpose, give opportunities for the students to choose their own topics, and using a participation grade rather than a point grade. Several suggestions were also given for journaling prompts such as; 'wow' words, questions, quotes, statements, exclamations, dialogue, definitions, onomatopoeia, and metaphors. Finally, we were asked to describe writing in terms of something we love. For example, writing is like fishing...
ReplyDeleteI attended the Comics in the Classroom panel with, Sammi Curry, Danica Novgorodoff, and Manny Trembley. We were introduced to Manny's graphic novels, "PX" books one and two about a girl and her panda. Danica wrote, "Refresh, Refresh" a graphic novel about 3 boys whose father's are away in Iraq. Sammi, is a first grade teacher who discussed using graphic novels in the classroom. Manny made the point that he did not intentionally write his graphic novel for use in the classroom. He states that he wrote the book for himself, a book that he would want to read. Danica discussed the use of line quality to draw the reader's eye and censorship of graphic novels. Sammi gave some suggestions on how to use a graphic novel in the classroom and that they are very useful for struggling readers.
During the PM session I attended, Writing Off the Page with, Nance Van Winckel. Nance introduced us to the concept of phot-oems. Nance uses existing objects to write her poetry and art. She shared some of her work with us and then set us to work. Nance had supplied several natural objects for us to work on such as; seed-pods, sticks, and rocks. She also supplied markers, art pens, an old engineering book and glue. We 'wrote' poems using scraps of words from the old engineering book and glued them to our objects or used the markers to write words on the objects.
I would definitely use the concepts from the, "Writing Off the Page" workshop in my classroom. I found that writing on things other than paper was very inspiring and freeing. It would be a fun way to introduce poetry into the classroom and also give students other options for writing than just journaling.
Writing journals would be a struggle for me. I feel that writing should be a free-flowing activity. When I am ask to reflect on things for an assignment I find it difficult. People reflect in different ways and not always immediately following what they are reflecting on. I do see the value of providing a place that is safe for kids to write and giving them prompts to get them to write more often. However, using a journal for this makes writing an impersonal activity and turns me off to writing. I freeze up when I am required to write, I can imagine how my students would feel. I am going to have to do a lot of reflecting on this and figure out how I could use journals in my classroom without turning kids off to writing.
I went to Putting Pen To Paper. I really liked this seminar because I felt that it provided practical uses for implementing a writing notebook and ways to motivate students to write.
ReplyDeleteI also went to Comics in the Classroom. I thought this panel was interesting. I like the idea of using graphic novels in the classroom. I also found it interesting that the artist/authors did not necessarily consciously draw pictures that showed the symbolism that we know. For instance that an open window or door could have a symbolic meaning.
Finally, I went to writing off the page. I found this seminar interesting, but not one I would be quick to use in the classroom. I didn't see how it would help students to improve their writing skills by writing on things other than paper.
The workshops and panel that I went to included,"Putting Pen to Paper","Comics in the Classroom", and "Writing off the Page". I enjoyed all of these very much.
ReplyDeletePutting Pen to Paper was a workshop on getting students writing in writing notebooks. This workshop had many great ideas and people who had learned from their mistakes. They shared many ideas with us that had worked or didn't work for them in the past. I have enjoyed learning about how writing notebooks can benefit the children in a classroom. I really liked the idea of having the children write in the notebooks all year long and as a gift give them to their parents. This way the parents could see how their writing has improved throughout the year. I would use this in my classroom and plan too.
Comics and Cartoons in the Classroom was a very informative panel to listen too. The last few months I have been learning a lot about graphic novels and how they can benefit students. In this panel I learned a lot about how reading comics can help children that get overwhelmed when they see a page of words. This way they have few words but pictures to help tell the story. I think that it is important to give children a choice to read what they would like to. This panel increased my idea of reading freedom for my future classroom.
Writing off the Page was not what I expected, yet it was a fun opportunity. I wanted to get ideas of how to make writing fun by not just writing over and over on paper. I thought that it would link a lot more to the classroom setting than it did. It did give great ideas of how to use everyday materials to give poems character. I would use this in my classroom as an extension for children who got finished with poems before others in their class.
Comment on Jennifer D's post: I agree with your statement on the writing notebooks. I too went away with great ideas of how to implement writing notebooks into the classroom. I also thought the comics and cartoons was interesting. I didn't realize that they leave empty doors or windows for a reason. I haven't realized this whole time reading the graphic novel of Hamlet that other things besides the color of clothing have a deeper meaning. I too had a hard time understanding how writing off the page would be beneficial in helping children with their writing skills. I had fun though experienceing art in away to spice up words.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this Festival! It was my first experience with Get Lit! I am already looking forward to next year’s festival!
ReplyDeleteI attended the Putting Pen to Paper (Writer’s Notebook) workshop with Barbara Crumb, and Writing off the Page with Nance Van Winckel. Additionally, I attended the panel, From Novel to Graphic Novel with Danica Novgorodoff and Benjamin Percy.
I found all three packed with valuable and inspiring information.
In the Putting Pen to Paper workshop, I learned that even Tots could use a writer’s notebook. What a concept! I plan to use a writing journal with my students in the future. It was great to get clarification on the how to and whys behind a writer’s journal. The instructors were great and answered all my questions.
I found the Writing off the Page workshop very interesting. I had fun taking bits of my favorite quotes and placing them on objects. I am happy with my finished projects, and inspired by Nancy Van Winckel’s artistry. What a talented woman!
I enjoyed the panel from Novel to Graphic Novel. I feel challenged to use graphic novels in my future classroom. I am still not sure which books would be beneficial for second graders. I will have to do more research on the subject. I found it very interesting though.
Ashley commented on the Writing off the Page workshop. I was also, surprised by this workshop. I came prepared with items to write on but didn't expect that it would be so crafty. I agree with you this would make a great extension activity.It was wonderful to see the creations produced by those attending, too!
ReplyDeleteWriters’ Notebooks: Everything you wanted to know…and more
ReplyDeleteI couldn’t have been more inspired to write! This workshop presented by primary-grade teacher, Beverly Wolff, and secondary teacher, Barbara Crumb, allowed us to openly discuss and respond in writing to various dilemmas that journals present, how important journals are in the writing process, and how to implement journals throughout the curriculum. This class allowed us to give written responses and included time for us to journal our metaphorical thoughts about writing. Beverly introduced the concept of picking out a WOW-word from your writing, and both Beverly and Barbara gave ideas for improving the first sentence of your writing. This class was so valuable and provided simple and useful ideas.
Panel Discussion: Comics in the Classroom
This discussion was so interesting! First, I really hadn’t given comics much credit as being worthy of good literature, but after understanding comics from the writer’s perspective, I have much more respect for them- so much that I plan to implement a lesson based on a graphic novel. What really set the wheels in motion for me was when teacher of the Athol elementary school, Sammy, spoke about the response from her first and sixth-grade classes. Students who had difficulty reading by way of words could easily participate by way of graphic analysis. Her students then started to see how the picture could communicate through symbolism and the medium in which the comic was created: feel of the page and the quality of illustration.
Writing Off the Page
We literately wrote off the usual white, lined piece of notebook paper we are so accustom to using. Instead, we used rocks, bark, leaves, pods, commercial items, and old garden gloves as a medium to communicate text that expressed meaning to us. This was a stretch for me but made me realize how one word can have such focus and meaning. Teaching this type of poetry/art could be fun because there is no right or wrong way; however, Nanc did continuously walk around the classroom to observe and encourage.
Ashley commented on how comics/graphic novels aid students who may be overwhelmed by an entire page of words to read the few scattered bubbles instead. As Sammy Curry commented on her observation, I made a direct connection to the first workshop, "Putting Pen to Paper," when it was suggested that students who have difficulty writing because they are faced with a large white sheet of paper. Someone in the class then suggested that a few boxes of increasing size be used to help students graduate from writing in one small box to the next larger box if they felt inclined to do so. It seems when tasks are broken out into manageable amounts, we can handle them easier, so why wouldn't it be any different for our students!
ReplyDeleteBeth Artner April 18, 2011
ReplyDeleteTeach Writ K-12 NIWP 404
Teacher: Emily Duvall
Morning session:
Putting Pen to Paper: Barbra Crumb and Beverley Wolff.
I have not had my students do any journal writing as a math teacher, but I see that it could be a great tool to get to know how the kids are feeling about life in general. It could be used as a review at the end of the period each day. Barbra said to have a purpose for journal writing. I could have my students write a short journal on “What I learned today”, or journal on “Explaining to my peers how to do a math problem. I think it would be a challenge to get my kids to want to write anything about math. If I start the first month with simple topics like what do I like about school, or how do I feel about my math ability, I think that I could easy into journaling that could help the kids review their math daily and get them ready for upcoming tests. I have to say that I learned a lot in this class. My notebook is full of notes to use for future teaching.
Lunch Panel
Comics and Cartoons in the Classroom? Curry, Novgorodoff, and Trembley
I never really liked comic strips, but I know that my students love them. They tell me storylines every day about a comic strip or two, so I thought this would be a good panel for me to encourage myself to incorporate comics into my lessons somehow. The panel turned out to be very interesting and again I filled my own notebook with notes again. I think that I could make a social studies lesson on making comic strips that describe ancient history for my 6th grade social studies class. Instead of having the kids always on the computer doing power points for their projects they could make a comic strip to tell the story of Cleopatra or King Tut. This could reach my kids at a different level than just writing info down on a power point.
Afternoon session:
Pathfinder: Ideas, Writing, Reading, and Research, Louise Borden
I had no idea that she had written so many fun books. I think I could use some of her books in my social studies class because although her books are fiction they are based in historical events. She mostly talked about how her writing process worked and how the publishing world works for writers and illustrators, but I thought it was interesting. I am not going to write a book, but I hope to buy a few of her books and create lessons for my 6th graders form them.