Tuesday, September 30, 2008

It's Alphabiography time again....

Eighth graders are working on their alpha autobiographies now.  This a great writing assignment that allows me to get to know my students even better.   Basically, students are creating a ten page packet of one-page essays about themselves.   They began by brainstorming events of their lives and things that make them who they are.  When they are done brainstorming, they will select ten events, and assign a letter of the alphabet.  (For example:  S=soccer)  Students will work on this project during class time and can use Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Imovie or some other (approved) media.
For students who are uncomfortable sharing information about themselves, there is also the choice to complete an alphabiography about a hero, or other person.   
Please email me at jlindsay@ashfordct.org with questions.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Gradefix.com

If you have any concerns about organizing yourself this year, consider gradefix.   I don't know much about it, but it seems like it might be a good source for some.   
www.gradefix.com

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Nice to meet you!

Last night was open house, and I really enjoyed meeting so many families.  It is always fun to get to talk with people and share what we will do over the course of the next few months.   My eighth graders enjoyed having their families guess the entries on the "Who am I?" board, and I was delighted to see lots of Ashford grads return to say "hello!"

Please keep in touch over the year, and let me know if I can answer any questions for you!

Nice to meet you!

Friday, September 5, 2008

Welcome back!

A new year has begun here at Ashford and I am very excited!   I have a great group of students this year-- full of energy and excitement.  (Some even laugh at my silly jokes!)  We have been using technology in our classroom through a grammar webquest.   My Master's classes are not starting for a few weeks, which has given me a nice, and much needed, break.  
One change that I have made this year involves the journal prompts.  Students will now be submitting them via email-- a great way to save paper and incorporate technology.   I'd like to do more with email and discussion boards-- we'll see I can put that into place.
I'm looking forward to lots of learning and fun times in room 36!