Talking about being heard

I have had a lot on my mind lately. One of the things I have been thinking about is our group. First, I want to thank you for your honesty during our class discussions. I did hear you loud and clear! I just want you to know that your efforts are most appreciated! I have been struggling with just how to write up our conversations. See writing can also be hard for a teacher. It is worth the struggle though, especially when we're talking about students like you.

I heard you say that you don't think your opinions will count. I hope you heard your teacher. She stressed the importance of trying and not giving up. She gave an excellent example with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I also understand that writing has not been your favorite subject. I even think I understand why.

Blogging is writing but a different type of writing for you. You are really putting forth some good effort. You are "Getting Heard." I know the audience is small now but you need to give it time. I really believe that as we continue learning from and with each other we will figure out ways to make your learning more relevant and exciting for you.

I know you look forward to the blogging days. I will do everything I can to make this blogging experience a good one for you. At the same time, I expect you to be mature and continue trying your best. That is a must. A lot of what is important to you right doesn't have a lot to do with school. You may be focused on  wearing the right kind of clothes, hanging out with your friends, and just figuring out what is important to you.You may be focused on other things. You could tell that story and maybe you would want to blog about things important to you.  I hope you believe me when I say that there are a lot of teachers around who want school to matter for you and who want it to be relevant for you. Your help is needed. When you start blogging and learning for yourself, you may begin to appreciate learning and yes, even writing or blogging on a whole different level.

I think writing is discovering. I have been trying to figure out just what to say and I decided to let writing help me. I'm trying to express what I have been thinking. I haven't got it all figured out yet. I'm counting on your help!

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving! Just think, Christmas is right around the corner! Now that's a nice thought! Can't wait to see you in the morning!

Comments

[Mrs. B]

I would like to first thank Anne for bringing what I see as a wonderfully engaging program to my class. She has brought a great opportunity to my students along with an abundance of patience, flexibility, understanding, and enthusiasm-the total package! (smile)

In reflection, this has been a wonderful experience for my students.

BENEFITS:

-- It was very engaging for my students.

-- It has really allowed them to practice their writing skills in a more practical setting.

--Many of my students(as with most) DID NOT LIKE WRITING, however, that has changed as a credit to webloging.

--Their overall writing skills have improved.

--It has given them a voice, in which they felt was not heard.

--Socially, they have practice patience, appropriate use of written language, and diplomacy when responding to others.

--Overall, they were ALWAYS excited about weblogging.

DRAWBACKS:

There really were not many drawbacks to use of weblogging with my students.

--The biggest challenge was difficulty finding time to collaborate with Anne. Often we found ourselves collaborating as we taught. Next round, we plan to set aside a prescheduled time to collaborate.

--Again, TIME-- (too bad we can't buy it in stores!)I perpetually function on a busy schedule so I plan to make more time to blog.

I am looking forward to "round 2!"

Thanks so much! And Special Thanks to Mrs.Tincher for her assistant in the classroom!

Mrs. B

[alberto]

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