National Novel Writing Month

A friend and collegue of mine sent me a link to the most awesome website that I plan to use next year for National Novel Writing Month.  This link (Click HERE) could be utilized by adults, students, and/or teachers (who want to set up a class competition).  I received the link a week into November, and I really would have needed a a mid-October viewing to set up my class(es) site(s) and to get permission slips out to parents. 

There is so many potential opportunities with this site.  What a concrete way for young writers to monitor their productivity.  It will also challenge me to do some more focused writing vs. short, random writings here and there.  I have added a reminder on my Google calendar to check this out more thoroughly in June (to prepare for the following school year), September (in case . . . who am I kidding . . . BECAUSE I will put June's reminder off to the last minute), and for October so I could complete the necessary paperwork. 

Giving Thanks

Students have lost the art of letter writing in this digital age.  Because this week before break is often filled with interruptions (assemblies, vacations, absences, etc.), I do a mini lesson on gratitude and on letter writing.  The assignment due before break is that students are to write a letter of gratitude to someone in their life who they appreciate.  We brainstorm people including parents, siblings, teachers, office staff, cafeteria workers, clergy, relatives, neighbors, etc.  We spend time talking and journaling about what blessings God has bestowed upon us for placing these people in our lives.  

The most difficult part of this assignment is that students are to pick ONE person in which they will send their gratitude letter.  The second most difficult part--addressing the envelope--which is a blog entry in itself (one which I will write will laughing so I don't cry--wink! wink!).

This year, I think I am going to photo copy these letters.  If the students receive any follow-up, I will have them write about it and attach to the photo copy.  I'm thinking about keeping these in a binder to see how long it will take to get a designated amount of responses (1,001 letters of gratitude?).  

Why This Space & This Blog

Now that my children are older, I have entered/reentered the teaching field (long story).  I teach ninety minutes of English/Language Arts to seventh and eighth graders at a very small, Catholic school.  Technically speaking, this is my second year teaching as far as pay-scales go.  I have experience teaching college (composition, study skills, etc.), supplemental education, private tutoring (secondary English, SAT/ACT prep, etc.), and many years teaching preschool.  I think I am FINALLY where I wanted to be when I graduated from college twenty years ago!  God just had other plans for me.

I started marking sites on Pinterest, have files on the computer, browse through Google Reader and Twitter, have file cabinets (that I am still purging from the teacher before me), etc.  It is information overload, not to mention unorganized.  I am hoping this will be my starting point for organization--ha! ha!  It is a great idea in my head nonetheless.

My intent is to post links, reminders, lesson plans, copies, etc. so I can remember what I want to do, when I want to do it, and where I put all of my "stuff."