First day of actual research

Today, I had the students turn in signed consent letters. They also filled out a survey with responses to their feelings about journal writing or blog writing depending on what class they are in (1st period will respond through pen and paper journals and 2nd period will respond through this blog). In an effort to give the students background information on the 1st writing prompt, we discussed historical events that were happening in the 1960s when John Kennedy was president. We then talked about events happening in our country currently. I played a segment of Kennedy's inaugural address and a clip of President Obama's inaugural address. The students had to write about how the speeches were similar and what feelings both the speeches stirred up within them. Overall, I thought the assignment went very well. Some of Mrs. Green's 1st period students even read what they wrote. They brought up points that I had not thought of or discussed. The classroom writing teacher informed me that their writing has improved so much over the course of the year.

All about blogs

I am begining my research with Mrs. Green's 1st and 2nd period classes. On Thursday, we will have our students create an account and begin typing their response to writing prompts. They may also post comments on other students writing entries, but all comments must be approved by Mrs. Johnson before they will be published to the blog. Let me know if you have any questions.

Twilight

Whew! I have never seen books fly off a shelf as fast as Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series! Students who do not ever read have been coming in during lunch to finish chapters of her book. I have decided over Thanksgiving break I will give the books a try. If there half as good as the students are telling me they are, I'm in for a treat!