This summer I took a technology course at the University of Southern Maine. The course was designed to give teachers technology tools to use in the classroom to help teach all subjects. I learned so much and am so excited to put these tools to use in the classroom this year.
I have created this blog in the hope that it will inspire kids to want to write more. Too often kids work so hard on their writing only to have their teacher and a few classmates be their only audience. This blog gives us the opportunity to post writing such as reader’s responses, book reviews, personal memoirs and editorials. Family members such as grandparents in Florida, a dad stationed in Afghanistan, or a working mom at her desk at a bank in Portland can read the work and post comments on it. Kids in other schools in Maine and across the country can read our work and post comments as well. Our writing will expand beyond the walls of Woodside School and into the world at large.
When you have time, explore the blog a little bit. Its creation and design is a work in progress for me, but the main writing you will see throughout the year here will be kids’ writing. When school starts I will send home forms asking for your permission to post kids’ writing and their photographs. First names only will be used throughout the year and no child’s work or photo will be published without your written permission. We welcome you into this roomful of writers, readers, and bloggers. Please join us on our adventure!
8 responses so far ↓
1
michael
// Oct 21, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Ms. Browne,
I love your blog. I love that you’ve grown yourself and your skills to offer your students real opportunity to find an audience for their writing, and a way to connect with the wide world.
Imagine kids being able to produce something that has the potential to generate interaction with potentially anyone, anywhere.
Your classroom has no walls.
How wonderful is that?
2
Kerry Nappi
// Oct 22, 2008 at 12:36 am
HI Mary Beth and Class,
I was a teacher with your teacher, and now I live and work in Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. I have never blogged before, but my 12-year-old son is really into technology and knows way more than I do about it all! I also have a daughter who is 8 and loves living overseas.
I like hearing about your favorite books and share some favorite authors with you. Have you read The Penderwicks? The Willoughbys? THose are our new favorite, plus the Rick Riordan series.
What kind of math do you do? My class will be doing an investigation of pumpkins, inside and out, next week – actual pumpkinologists!
Have a good time on your blog! And if you want to exchange letters with my students or children, we can do it online!
Kerry
3
Sharon Ross
// Oct 22, 2008 at 10:07 am
Hi MaryBeth,
This is so great! I’ve enjoyed reading some of the posts already and am looking forward to reading more. What a great idea to help get your students excited about writing.
Sharon
4
Tricia O'Sullivan
// Oct 24, 2008 at 9:52 am
Hi Miss Browne and Class!!
I’m Miss Browne’s sister and i LOVE this blog! I wish I was in 5th grade again and could be in your class! I love reading your writing samples. Keep writing AND reading!!! Aunt Treaty
5
Chris Lajoie
// Oct 24, 2008 at 10:50 am
I’m proud to work with Mrs. Browne and to experience all this great writing.
When I was in 5th grade, I loved sports books by Matt Christopher. Has anyone read one of his books?
6
Ms. French
// Oct 29, 2008 at 2:31 pm
This is great, Mrs. Browne! What an opportunity for publishing to a potentially limitless audience. I’m sure it is inspiring to your students and to all of us who read their work..
7
Emma's Mom, Sarah
// Nov 12, 2008 at 5:06 pm
What a great idea – I love it! Thank you for enriching my daughter’s life. She loves you and loves school and we want that feeling to last forever!
P.S. Can I go back to 5th grade, too?
8
Emma
// Nov 13, 2008 at 5:57 pm
hi mrs.Browne, I think this is a good idea I’m haveing FUN!I didd’ent even know hannas story was called dragons desent. see you in class
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