August 24, 2010 - day 2

Fifth period seemed to go a little slower.  We only began writing.  I did feel that I got to know that group of girls a little better than the A day girls.  Maybe I'm just getting back into the swing of things.  Class flavor - really felt I gave the class more time to share.  Some how I seemed better able to connect this morning.
Sixth period was a chatty group.  We did get to the point where we wrote off of the what surprised you about the specific details you brainstormed.  Class flavor - one of those random groups.  As they introduced themselves there was a lot of talk about food.?!
And seventh period got to write off what they had circled.  They were very focused as writers.  As a group they were active writers.  And as for flavor I like this group.  They may be the write personality to teach to a sixth time.  They were definitely the most engaged writers.  Guess we'll see how it goes on Thursday.

August 23, 2010 - 1st day of school

What was accomplished today - I met with my first three classes today.  First period was a bit shorter due to a late start.  More time spent with STARwalk.  Covered agenda; began to write using Murray lesson - brainstorm specific details about a person or place or event.  First period we only had time to write and I shared.  Second period we wrote, I shared and asked them to circle something that surprised them.  About five of them shared what they had circled.  A few were insightful, a few general.  An insightful sharing - my brother notices things about me I hadn't realized about myself.  Third period we wrote, I shared and the girls circled something that surprised them.  A few of the girls needed clarification about what I meant by something that surprised them.  Guess I need to be more explicit.  Do I need to be more explicit after lunch?
Class flavor - First period seemed to be readers.  Second period seemed to have some writers.  Third period need to be more explicit may be a good early observation for the post lunch class.  Summer reading projects were turned in by first and second period classes.  None were turned in during third period.  Could this be a reflection of students' motivation?
Wednesday we will pick up on writing assignment and begin the work of readers.