Friday, November 2, 2012

Independent learning in Langauge Arts

I write this as a follow-up to my previous post about our Language Arts class and their goal to change the world through writing.

Right now, they are all working independently.  Here's what they're doing.

-One is reading The Last Child in the Woods on GoogleBooks.
-Another is looking up celebrities that were bullied.
-The animal-lovers are conducting informational interviews over the phone. (They just made a blog -- check it out!)
-A pair is writing a skit to perform for children in local hospitals.
-Several are sending out surveys to their classmates to gauge knowledge and interest.
-The designer is learning how to actually make clothes (instead of just dream about them).
-My language learner is tutoring others on LiveMocha to understand how language is acquired.
-One is making a blog about the human heart.
-Two are engaged in a hot debate about what to do next.
-My peacenik is researching Gandhi.

Man, are they focused! They don't even have instructions. I just asked them to have a specific goal for today and to come back to me in an hour to describe their progress to the class. I am one lucky duck to have kids so dedicated and interested!

3 comments:

  1. Hey HollyAnne,

    I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say how much I am enjoying it. Great ideas, great pictures, and I know how tough it can be to continue to blog while keeping up with all the stuff at school - so I commend you. Thanks for sharing!

    Best,

    Amulya

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    Replies
    1. Amulya!
      What a great surprise to see you here. The kids still speak of you fondly.
      And thanks for your support -- the blogging definitely happens in spurts, but it is something I try to keep up with.
      If you'd like to get in touch with the students, I'd be happy to pass it along and I'm sure they'd love to hear from you.
      Thanks for commenting!
      Best,
      HollyAnne

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    2. Please send all of the students my regards - I think of my year at Chinquapin every day and reflect so fondly upon the time I got to spend with the students and all the opportunities I had. I really enjoyed your 'opportunities as a first year teacher' post and it really is a special place and I'm glad you've found that too (although I could have also done without the driving of the short bus...).

      I smile a big smile every time I see an update of a student or read anything about Chinquapin - so I was psyched to see this blog and especially the award that Victoria won. Best of luck with the year and your teaching goals - sounds like so far, so good!

      Regards,

      Amulya

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