attachments/pictures!

I want to add some resources like the poetry unit I did and the sheet I use for classroom service, but I don't know how to attach things. I'd also like to put up some pictures of my classroom... how do I do that?

Wishlist!

Hey all,

I'm thinking this post (and the ensuing comment thread) could be a place for us to let each other know what we need in terms of resources--our very own mini-craigslist!

Here's what I want/need:

-Anything about teaching poetry, especially reading poetry, not just writing it.
-Lord of the Flies resources
-Any student jobs that have worked out really well in your classroom
-Independent Reading recommendations for 15 year old boys
-Shoes that don't hurt after standing in them all day (hey, thought I'd ask!)

Reply with anything you have for me, or your own wishlist!

Grading rubrics

I'm curious about what every one thinks of the TFA general writing rubric. Do any of you use it? Prof. Hyman, after looking at it, what do you think about it? What is a good way to grade writing?

Our Poor, Neglected Blog.....

I feel our blog's pain. For what, truly, is a blog with almost no posts? A blog in name only. So....WHERE ARE YOU??? YOUR BLOG NEEDS YOUR LOVE AND ATTENTION!!

My room!

Here are some of the more exciting parts of my classroom: (when it's empty, that is--but I'm pretty sure I'm not legally allowed to post pictures of my students doing headstands on the desks on the internet)

This is my pride and joy, and it's responsible for increasing homework turn-in rates to, as you can see from last week, over 80% for most of my classes! I'm lucky enough to have a laminating machine, so I can update the percentages during each class as I check the homework.


(I know it's not rotated correctly, but I'm too tired to figure that out.)









This is the other part of my room that I'm very proud of, and it is also thanks to the laminating machine. It's just a blank two-week calendar, but it's revolutionized my teaching. It forces me to plan ahead, and then once I've got the plan written down for all the students to see, I tend to stick to it. It makes my life SO much easier!












Finally, some quotations from my brilliant students. You can also see the seminar-style table layout!

Accountable Talk Writing

I am currently working on accountable talk in my classroom and I was wondering if anyone knew any good writing assignments to spur conversation or to wrap up good dialogue. I was also wondering if other people could post their accountable talk procedures and rules so we could all benefit from them!

A rose by any other name would be this group

I am officially sponsoring the choose a name search for a blog. If we are to feel connected with this intangible entity we need it to be able to emote to us in a human way. What better way to study personification than to personify the blog? here are my suggestions:

TODD - Teachers are O.D. Descriptive

TWIA - Teaching Writing Is Awesome

WIL - Writing Is Learning

any other ideas?