NewsQuest

Reflections, Thoughts, and Holiday Wishes

I love working at this school with these children. I think J. H. House is one of the best kept secrets in the educational community. The faculty and staff are always hard at work shaping an exemplary curriculum approach in an ever-changing information age. J.H. House is known for its well-behaved, appreciative students who are developing each year as global thinkers for tomorrow. I am glad I can continue to contribute in a small way to this wonderful school.

The students have continued to shape their school blogs. They are learning how to navigate, join each other's blog, and post outside of class. I see improvement in their writing skills. Writing is becoming clearer, more focused and they are definitely inproving their vocabulary. Their responses to those whom have written them is much better. They are learning how to respond in a way that invites further thought and discussion.

Getting responses to their writing is the best part, according to the students. This last session they had time to respond to everyone who had written them. Then they joined each other's web logs and responded to each other. They were very thoughtful in their responses to their peers and we had a really good discussion on how each of the web sites were alike and different.

We still have some technology "ups & downs" that we are working through. Flexibility and patience are two traits they are really developing. You would be proud of your children. I am!

I want to wish all of you a wonderful holiday season and if you have a little spare time click on the buttons to the left and take a look at the excellent work the students are doing. Please feel free to post your thoughts and reflections on this whole project. We would welcome it! Any thoughts, ideas, suggestions, etc. would be appreciated. I will be bringing directions and information about the leadership event at Georgia State in January at the first session after the holiday.

Again, "Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year ! "

Students Continue Learning About Their Weblogs

Last week students created news items for their new blogs. First, they wrote about themselves and their weblogs for the Who Are You? link. They gave detailed explanations for visitors to their site on how to join, log in, and send feedback. We did experience some problems on a couple of the student's sites. Sometimes we are not able to log out easily and we definitely learning to make a copy of what we try to post (just in case the post does not take). We are working through these minor glitches. The students are learning to be flexible and patient. Good skills for those of us who work with technology, right?

Students brainstormed about the qualities a good leader should possess. They listed their thoughts on a new post. Then we went on to discuss the future of technology. There was a very interesting article in the Atlanta Journal Kids News section. Their homework was to write about their ideas of what the future holds in regard to technology. I can't wait to read them.

We reviewed skills needed to navigate, post, and design their weblogs. All agreed that having your own weblog is really special.

Then I told them that leaders in Georgia would be viewing their work at a special event coming up in January. They were delighted to be invited to the Georgia State Leadership Appreciation night scheduled for January, 2003. Permission slips were sent to parents.

Tomorrow is going to be fun students - I look forward to seeing you!