Our last study group focused on independent reading...so is anybody willing to try anything new? If you are not setting aside time for independent reading in your classes, I will help you set it up. If you have decided to try it, how's it going? What are your students saying about it? How do you feel about it?

Other concerns or questions? What structures/strategies would you like to see more of next semester? What are you still struggling with?

POST YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT OUR NOVEMBER 27th MEETING HERE.

Book Clubs?
Book Pass?
Literature Circles?
How could you use any or all of these in your content area?
How did you feel about having reading time in class?
Are you enjoying your young adult book?

What do you think about the Richard Allington article? What are the implications for having kids read more?

Please post your comments for our November 13 class and reading assignments here.

Although Monday's Study Group time was framed around a social studies lesson, I hope that it provided you with structures/strategies that you would like to use with your students. Let me know if you want me to help you develop an anticipation guide or work through a KWL chart with your students.

It is exciting to see each of you growing and changing as teachers and professionals. Thank you for being supportive of me as I change too.

Please make sure that you post your comments for our October 23 study group session and our assigned readings under comments on this thread. It helps keep our discussions together.

I have to admit, I enjoyed yesterday's class the most so far. It was nice to get a glimpse of the essence of each of your lives. It was interesting to hear "Where You Come From". I was amazed to hear how great first drafts can be. When you feel satisified with your poem, please share it with the significant people in your life. Don't forget, you can include it in your class portfolio. (I would love to make a class book of them too, so that each of us could have copies.)

What do you think about all the brain research and how it relates to learning? Do you think the whole faculty would benefit from hearing the brain research?

P.S. Sorry the survey was a pain.

Please post your comments under this thread for our October 9 class and assigned reading.

Oh, the power of language.
So, what do you think about the power of talk in the classroom?
Does anyone want to try a Socratic Circle?
What about active learning?
What are you thinking?
Please post your comments on our September 25th--Language, Learning and Literacy Study Group Session here...

I am glad that Routman reminded me that my “profession” is noble and significant. When I am with female friends who are lawyers, I feel less intelligent or successful. When I meet new people who are lawyers or doctors, I find myself almost apologetically saying that I am just a teacher. I will try not to do that again. I will try to take her advice and behave with dignity so that I do send a message to colleagues, students and parents that I value what I do.

Janet Allen says that our journeys as teachers are often lonely. Because I am the only Family and Consumer Science teacher at BCHS, I often feel very frustrated because I have no one to share lesson plans and idea with. Allen says to find support in workshops, etc. I have really enjoyed this class and the readings assigned so far. It really helps me to talk to other teachers and to hear their opinions and ideas.

After reading the two assignments, I realized that I often take student complaints as criticism rather than an opportunity to examine my methods. I certainly never thought that, as a teacher, I should become a political activist. I have often thought that “someone” should write a letter to the editor about an issue that affects education in a negative way. I never entertained the thought that “someone” should be ME.

Reading Reflections: Teaching Profession

I am glad that Routman reminded me that my “profession” is noble and significant. When I am with female friends who are lawyers, I feel less intelligent or successful. When I meet new people who are lawyers or doctors, I find myself almost apologetically saying that I am just a teacher. I will try not to do that again. I will try to take her advice and behave with dignity so that I do send a message to colleagues, students and parents that I value what I do.

Janet Allen says that our journeys as teachers are often lonely. Because I am the only Family and Consumer Science teacher at BCHS, I often feel very frustrated because I have no one to share lesson plans and idea with. Allen says to find support in workshops, etc. I have really enjoyed this class and the readings assigned so far. It really helps me to talk to other teachers and to hear their opinions and ideas.
After reading the two assignments, I realized that I often take student complaints as criticism rather than an opportunity to examine my methods. I certainly never thought that, as a teacher, I should become a political activist. I have often thought that “someone” should write a letter to the editor about an issue that affects education in a negative way. I never entertained the thought that “someone” should be ME.

You all really pushed me to think during our September 11th study group time.

Please attach your comments on Living the Professional Life, Teacher as Professional and/or your discoveries, ideas, thoughts on our September 11th class on this comment link so that we can keep all of our thoughts/comments together.

Welcome to our study group blog!