Week 3 Notes- data taken as of Saturday, July 13 Total posts 108

Margaret ******- authored- 8, read- 39 Margaret, I appreciate your insight on rubrics. Guidelines for younger students arent just fewer expectations. You will be seeing them at their developmental stage and looking for language to support them. I do ponder your question, Why do we have grade level writing rubrics?. The range of skill in each classroom is great. I encourage you to research this question, as I will going forward. The use of wordless picture books can be an effective way to experience art that carries a highly engaging message in vivid detail. Even without words, books can sing. Im sure you are familiar with Brian Selznicks books. Not wordless, but his illustrations carry you away. Thank you for sharing the link to a great blog. Ive bookmarked it and will use it frequently. Your responses to your peers are thoughtful and provocative. Thank you for deepening discussions.

Stacey ******- authored- 2, read-17 Stacey, Thank you for sharing the MideNode app. I will look into this as it sounds like a great resource. Mind maps can be inspiring and a great visual cue to develop ideas. Making individual writing goals with each of your students will help them zero in on ideas and narrow down thoughts.

Sean ******- authored- 5, read-51 Sean, it's okay to make mistakes, even for the teacher. Teaching your students humility through example is not just important for their writing skills, but an essential life skill. I like that you strive to make your classroom a safe place to experience humility. Teachers like you are such an invaluable cornerstone of development. Thank you for your contributions. Your responses to classmates are so vivid and interesting. I can see what you are thinking. Im certain your students will enjoy your class. Thank you for deepening discussions.

Marigrace ******- authored- 11, read- 106 Marigrace, Most importantly, ideas should come from what moves us. Your students will appreciate this statement. It stood out to me and will make a difference in my own writing. Thank you for the link to the 21st Century Learner. Its an awesome site with amazing messages. You just never know how or what will move a student and change their life. And most times we never get to see the outcomes. Thank you too, for sharing and responding to classmates. Your thoughtful insights deepen discussions.

Raji ******- authored- 4, read-49 Raji, I know what I have to do to help my students-examples, examples, examples! What a great connection you wrote of with your son. You shared a great experience in the process of brainstorming and overcoming writers block. Making something relatable can make the difference.

Melissa ******- authored- 5, read-36 Melissa, Your examples for generating ideas are so creative and fun. The picture scrapbooks your children create will be treasures as they grow. I can identify with you on limiting screen time. I read once that T.V. puts kids brain waves in a state less active than when they are sleeping. Thank you for sharing your thoughts this week.

Gina *****- authored- 12, read-108 Gina, Thank you for sharing how youve developed a web to create balance of the traits. Your year is organized and well-thought out already. Youve got a great start. Thanks for sharing information on the grit tests. This will be my next bookmark. And your thoughts on pre-writing for a warm up in math class are inspirational. Your contributions to discussions are enlightening and helpful for the class.