New Take on Journaling

I live in South Florida and we certainly felt the weight of this hurricane season.  Our stores, restaurants and even gasoline stations are still not completely re-stocked.  It's sad going into the supermarkets and seeing empty produce and meat shelves.  Most shutters are all down, some people keep them up just in case. Debris is cleaned up and placed in our front yards waiting to be picked up.  School is back in session, people are getting back to their regular routines. But, we're different somehow.   

Interestingly, I was looking forward to getting back to school.  

I couldn't wait to hear all my kids' individual hurricane stories and, honestly, just getting back to my regular routine.  

During the week our schools were closed, I worked at home trying to get myself together so that when I arrived back I wouldn't be disoriented.  I watched lots of YouTube videos and got mountains of inspiration.  Thank you, YouTube teachers.
Here are some of my favorites:

One Fab Teacher
Pocketful of Primary
Real Rap With the Reynolds
The Lettered Classroom

New Take on Journal Writing

Bell work in my class is always either Just Read or Just Write.  
Just Read is a school-wide initiative where students read for 20 uninterrupted minutes in the morning when they arrive at their first-hour class.  That takes care of first period.  
For the following periods, we Just Write.  

Just Write Journals are, of course, composition books.  
One year I had students decorate their composition books. 
It was fun, but it took too much time and money.  
Now we just decorate with stickers earned and headbands.

New Journal Themes

When I first started journals with my kids I would scrounge around for interesting topics.  Students would randomly write ideas centered around any given topic. I always felt there was something missing and this format wasn't much of a benefit.  Yes, it had them writing, but very little effort was required.

Now, we have a new plan.

 Each day of the week has a theme and a task.  
Themes and tasks focus on a particular text structure.  
This year, I have four themes for each day of the week to keep the kids from getting bored with the same theme from week to week.

We don't write on Mondays because we're in the Computer Lab all day completing our computer learning obligations. 
Themes begin on Tuesday.  Tuesday has two themes. The first is:

On Tuesdays, we PLAN OUR WEEK.  
After students write their agenda items and attendance has been taken, we take out our This Week's Work packet and discuss what we are doing for that week, the standards and strategies we will focus on and assignments to be completed and turned in the following Monday.

We also update our Just Write Journal Table of Contents and prepare our headings and pages for the week's journal entries. Each entry has a number, a date, a theme, a topic and a task. We discuss our themes, topics and tasks to make sure everyone understands the vocabulary and expectations.  

Once we have prepared our journal pages, students choose the entry of most interest to them, we put on the timer and students add one entry.  The following days, students begin writing during bell work while I take care of housekeeping duties.  I don't need to explain because we already discussed expectations at Tuesday's Pow-Wow.  If a student was absent, one of my student leaders helps me to fill them in.  If another student is struggling with the task, again, one of my student leaders helps me out. 

Tuesday's Writing Themes:

Type of Writing:  Argumentative 

Topics:  2 opposing ideas (Teacher or Student Choice)

Task:  Choose and defend their position

Type of Writing:  Informative/Explanatory

Topics:  Current Event (World, Community, Family, Personal)

Task:  Answer - Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?

Type of Writing:  List

Topics:  Talent, Skill, Hobby, etc. (Student Choice)

Task:  Ideas that would help a novice learner

Type of Writing:  Problem and Solution

Topics:  Problem (Student or Teacher Choice)             

Task:  Define/describe the problem and offer logical ideas for a positive solution

Type of Writing:  Personal or Imaginary Narrative

Topic:  Humorous or Exaggerated Event

Task:  Tell the story referencing the narrative elements

Type of Writing:  Reflective Summary

Topic:  Growth Mindset

Task:  Read a short story, fable or folktale.  Reflect on how character attitudes begin and change.  Identify with the character and draw conclusions of lessons learned.

Type of Writing:  Cause & Effect

Topics:  Situations, Occurrences, Events, Actions

Task:  Describe the event.  Share what the causes are and what the outcomes are.  Reflect on benefits and consequences.

Type of Writing:  Research

Topic:  An unknown subject or question - Student Choice

Task:  Research information through the internet, books, people and document findings and conclusions

Type of Writing:  List

Topics:  "Currently" - Student Choice

Task:  Write a list of all of the reasons to be thankful 

(This prompt is not limited to November writing.)

Type of Writing:  Personal Narrative

Topic:  A memory or flashback

Task:  Re-tell the story using narrative elements

Type of Writing:  Informative/Explanatory

Topic:  Universal Ideas, Trends, Social Media, Pop Culture

Task:  Share how these ideas have influenced their personal lives or the lives of others

Type of Writing:  Persuasive/Argumentative

Topic:  Personal or Public Opinion (Teacher/Student Choice)

Task:  Choose personal preference. Argue against counterclaim.  Make recommendations.

Free Day - No Writing

Type of Writing:  End of Week Exit Ticket

Topic:  Week of Learning

Task:  What I learned?  What is still confusing? Ideas for teacher, rate the teacher, recommendations, etc.

Type of Writing:  Personal - Informative

Topic:  Personal Feelings, Opinions, Concerns, Shout-Outs

Task:  Share personal feelings and or thoughts

Then, of course, who doesn't love Fun Friday?  

Type of Writing:  Writing for Fun

Fun Topics:  Our Faves! 

Music, Sports, Food, Places, Games, etc.

Fun Task:  Draw a poster, Draw Doodles, Lettering, Scrapbooking, etc.

Fun Place:  Outside under a tree, 

by the school track, 

in the school courtyard,  

in the dark with flashlights, 

with music in the background, 

in alternative seating,

etc.

Hoping you were able to get some new ideas for your journaling format.  If you have more ideas, please share.  

I Wish . . .

____________________________________

____________________________________

I wish I could say this past week was amazing,
I planned creative lessons 

my kids were engaging
in content and reading, planning and writing,

growing and learning, exploring and thriving.

This is my passion, this is my goal,

this is my dream, I want them to grow.

But, some weeks are awkward,

In spite of the plans,

Unwelcome surprises,

Last minute demands.

One thing and another,

Charging with speed,

I drop everything,

and attend every need.

The good news is, next week is coming,

I'm hoping, expecting, believing and praying.

I'll teach, motivate, correct and mentor, 

Ignite, invite, inspire and capture

Their attention, their hearts, 

their drive and their minds,

And give it another real good try.

It will be amazing!

____________________________________

Middle School Rules

Most times people find out I'm a middle school teacher, I'm almost always given both a surprised and sympathetic look. Most people think that teaching middle school takes a very special kind of person. To tell you the truth, they're probably right.  

I never, ever thought I'd be a middle school teacher. I started at the elementary level.  That was my comfort zone. Older kids? Never! Until I had my own kids.  I learned that middle schoolers are people, too. When it was my daughter's turn to go to 6th grade, an opportunity opened up at the school she'd be attending. They were becoming an ESOL center and were hiring a Teacher/Department Chair to launch the new program. So, with much fear and trembling I applied, interviewed and was hired.  

On my very first hall duty experience, a fight broke out between two eighth grade boys right in front of me. One of my biggest fears of transitioning to middle school was the likelihood of finding myself in a situation that might be dangerous or overwhelming.

 To my relief, reinforcements were at my side within seconds and de-escalated the situation. Fourteen years later, I'm still in middle school. I was surprised to find out more than anyone else that I actually was one of those special kind of people.

Sometimes I get the thought, "Would you consider going back to elementary?" Other times, "How about trying high-school?"  Maybe one day at some point I may consider one or the other, but today I'm happy in middle school.  

I've always thought that each grade level requires a certain personality type.  I think this is true for middle school, as well.  If you're the nuturing type then 6th grade is your nitch.  If you're a life skills coach-like person, then seventh grade might be for you.  And, if you're a person who prefers more  independent students, most likely to lead themselves, then 8th grade is where you might want to be.  There's something for everyone in middle school.  For me, I teach all three levels.  I get to be nuturer, a life coach and prepare leaders.  

I think middle school rules are the same rules for any grade level. Teaching is both rewarding and challenging regardless of the students' ages. There are kids who meet all the specs for their grade level, those who don't and those who exceed on every level.  The most important rule for any level, grade, subject area, or school is that we must be certain that we are called to be teachers.  How will we know?  Regardless of the challenges we face each and every year, we still enjoy our jobs.  When that is fully known and secured within ourselves then we can overcome any obstacle or struggle that may come our way. 

Therefore, to all teachers, and especially middle school teachers, you are a special kind of breed in an amazing way.  You are appreciated.

This Week's Reflections: Week 1

My First Week ~ School Year 2016

Imagine starting middle school in a country where you don't understand, read or write the language.  You have six to seven classes a day, and every class gets increasingly confusing as each minute passes.  Your mind is hungry to hear someone, anyone that speaks your language.  Finally, you find someone that understands you, that sounds like you.  So, you grab onto him or her as if your very survival is dependent on their every word.  

Every year I specifically pray for strength the first week of school. It has been predictable since my very first week and my first ESOL class.  Fear, frustration, and hope all mixed into one experience, 

the first week of school in a new country.  

My heart breaks; 

my mind gets tired;

my voice disappears. 

And, regardless of how carefully I choose my shoes, 

by the end of the week, my legs refuse to move.

By January, my kids will own the school.  

By January, they will have been immersed in our academic customs and they will thrive.  

By June, they'll already want to know, 

"How long do I have to stay in ESOL?"

And, in two years, they won't even have time to visit my hallway.  

However, before we get there, we must resolve 

to work through the struggle.  

Your struggle may not be the same, but you certainly have one.  Whatever it may be, remember, 

we did it before, we'll do it again.  

A Week To Remember

Can I have a witness?

Some weeks are just C-R-A-Z-Y!

Usually these crazy weeks involve testing,
and schedule changes,
and uncooperative computers,
and misplaced important papers,
and congestion.

But in the eye of the storm 

the sun still shines,

 and we can see some pretty,

 amazing things ~

Unexpected "Wows"

This week went by faster than a speeding freight train.

A lot has happened in a short period of time.

There was plenty to worry about, and much to cry about.

However, in the midst of the storms, a few precious "wow" moments sneaked up on me.  

This Week's Wows

Celebrating small moments that make a huge difference.  

This Week's Wows

Here's to the last two weeks!

In the #4 slot . . .

I had a lovely time with a few of my colleagues hanging out at our school's Barnes & Noble Night.  (I should have taken a pic . . .)  I also bought two books.  One was recommended by one of the blogs I clicked on when I participated in the October Currently, As the Classroom Turns.  I also saw it again on a Pinterest pin by Miss Radka's Rhapsody. After reading about "Wonder" by R.J.Palacio in both blogs, I decided to buy the 365 Days of Wonder by R.J.Palacio.  I plan to use some of his precepts as journal reflections.  I also bought Shel Silverstein's "Falling Up".  

I also plan to use some of his poetry as journal reflections this year, as well.  Our first enjoyment was the little poem, "Safe?".  We discussed the vocabulary, the play on words, multiple and deeper meanings.  Even a poem as simple as "Safe?" can be "rigorous" for an ELL.  I've got my work cut out for me this year.  

In the 3rd slot . . .

This past Monday was a Teacher Work Day.

I wish I had a T.W.D. every week.  

In the 2nd slot . . .

My students took their second reading inventory. I had several students raise their lexiles by over 100 points in just nine weeks! Woah! I think it may be due to the Reading Plus program.  The students who have been using it regularly, more than I require, were the ones who noticed more gains.  

And, my #1 "Wow" . . .

My #1 wow for this week was really from last weekend. I spent a lovely time at a Women's Retreat with my mom and sister. The weather was great, so was the company, and the camp was peaceful and pleasant.
Just what the doctor ordered. . .

As the days fly by, literally, I am compelled to look for beauty and blessings, even in the midst of craziness.  If there's one thing I am sure of, now more than ever, is that life goes by way too quickly.  May we find something to celebrate each and every day and take advantage of the opportunities to enjoy the journey.  

I pray you all have a lovely, safe, and memorable weekend.

God Bless, 

This Week's Wows

Each week comes with its own challenges and hardships. We never really know what the next week will bring. If we're not looking, the difficulties can shadow our "wow" moments. Well, not this week!

Here are my "wow" moments for this week :)

I almost jumped out of my skin during 5th hour today.
During a game of Jeopardy, one of mybeginning ELL's was able to steal a point away from the other team by answering this question correctly:

"Which Word Attack word means an agreement made by a group of people?" No one remembered, she did!!!!!  The answer, "consensus". 

My sister is recovering from her partial knee replacement surgery more quickly than the doctor had anticipated.  

We couldn't be happier.  

I watched the marathan episodes of Jen Hatmaker's house renovation.  All I could say after each episode was "WOW!"  If you're into decorating and remodeling, 

this is a must see!

Click on her picture to visit her blog and links to the show's information and air times.

And, my #1 WOW moment for this week is being able to get home early after weeks of getting home after 6pm.  

Wishing everyone a fabulous weekend!
Happy Fall Break to many to all of you who will be on fall break this coming week.
No fall break on my end, but still very grateful.