Blogging Update

May 28, 2006 at 6:01 am | In Uncategorized | Comments Off

Students have been enthusiastic about this new way of writing their Reading and Viewing Journal.  In fact, many students are writing more than they would using pen and paper!  I would like to encourage parents and other relatives to explore their blogs and offer constructive comments.

Other blog entries I have asked the students to do include reflecting on the PNG presentation by Mr Jeffreys, some creative 50 word short stories, and soon I will be asking them to reflect on the current assignment.

The blogging is a great way to include more self reflection into my teaching and learning program.  It is providing time for the students to stop and think about what they are doing, which sounds simple, but is often something we don’t give time for.  My own blogging is helping me reflect more on my teaching practice, which can only be a good thing!

Picture Book or Short Story

May 28, 2006 at 5:55 am | In Uncategorized | Comments Off

Students are currently working on a creative writing assessment.  They must write either a short story or create a picture book.  The students can decide on the topic of the story and the age of the audience.  They were also asked to think carefully about the purpose of their writing.  Some students are writing picture books for young children which teach them about simple concepts, such as numbers and the alphabet.  Other students are writing short stories about quite serious adolescent issues, such as teen depression and suicide.

The range of writing demonstrates the positive nature of outcomes-based education.  It encourages teachers to open up tasks and focus on the outcome to be achieved, rather than on everyone creating the same end product.  All the students will hopefully develop their understanding of narrative structure, as well as increase their ability to use descriptive language.

Once the stories and picture books are completed, I hope to arrange a display in our school library so that other members of the school community can enjoy them.

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