Login or Register for free to create your own customized page of blog posts from your favorite blogs. You can also add blogs by clicking the "Add to MyJacketFlap" links next to the blog name in each post.
Blog Posts by Tag
In the past 7 days
Blog Posts by Date
Click days in this calendar to see posts by day or month
Viewing: Blog Posts Tagged with: homeschoolers, Most Recent at Top [Help]
Results 1 - 9 of 9
How to use this Page
You are viewing the most recent posts tagged with the words: homeschoolers in the JacketFlap blog reader. What is a tag? Think of a tag as a keyword or category label. Tags can both help you find posts on JacketFlap.com as well as provide an easy way for you to "remember" and classify posts for later recall. Try adding a tag yourself by clicking "Add a tag" below a post's header. Scroll down through the list of Recent Posts in the left column and click on a post title that sounds interesting. You can view all posts from a specific blog by clicking the Blog name in the right column, or you can click a 'More Posts from this Blog' link in any individual post.
The Adventures of the Traveling Boots have been on the move and we'd like to send them even further. We are currently taking names for a unique and fun way to get your kids involved.
The Idea? Take this book and travel it as far and wide as we can. Your mission if you choose to accept it...
After you receive the book, each person or family will sign the inside front cover of the book with where you're from and add small gifts ( postcards, pencils, magnets, stickers etc) from your country/state/province. Once this is finished you send the book to the next place on the list (you will be given the name and address of the next "host" to send the book out to). We ask that you then write a brief review of what you and your kids thought of the book. We want to showcase these on Imagination-Cafe Blog for an entire week. Pictures and linkbacks are welcome in your review.
I have one (signed) copy of this delightful book for this "adventure." If you're interested in this project, please email me at [email protected] with "Traveling Book" in the subject line.
Not sure? Take a peek at the trailer of The Adventures of the Traveling Boots.
Thanks for join my blog hop. here I invite you to join my community. http://beonefineday.blogspot.com http://theblogfrog.com/1233755 Thanks in advance. Nan PS.I follow your blog and also on Blogfrog(if you have one).
Whether your school year started weeks ago or only yesterday (as in the Chicago Public School system), we thought this would be a good time to kick off a series of posts featuring back-to-school getting-to-know-you writing activities especially for teachers, librarians, and homeschooling parents. And, as an added incentive to try our Writing Workouts with your students, we're offering a special giveaway contest exclusively for teachers, librarians, and homeschooling groups. (If you're not qualified to enter yourself, please tell all the teachers, librarians, and homeschoolers you know about this great opportunity!)
The prize? Your choice of:
A) a 30-minute Skype author visit from one of the TeachingAuthors OR B) a prize package containing six autographed TeachingAuthor books.
What do you have to do to win? Below, you'll find a Writing Workout on using six-word memoirs as a getting-to-know-you activity. To enter our contest, you need to try the Workout with your students some time in the next few weeks. Then come back and post a comment about the experience to this blog entry by 11 pm (CST) Monday, Oct. 4, 2010. Be sure to also read through to the end of this post for complete entry rules and instructions on how to qualify for a second, bonus entry. (If you've never posted a comment to a blog before and need some help, you can email me via my website.)
About the activity: I first wrote about using six-word memoirs in the classroom a year ago. It's an activity students enjoy that can be adapted for all ages. I tried it over the summer with my writing camp students, and they had so much fun, they didn't want to stop--they wrote one memoir after another! I hope you'll give the following lesson a try and then enter our contest. And if you're not a teacher or librarian, why not write some six-word memoirs for yourself? You can visit the Six-Word Memoirs website for inspiration. The site even provides a box where you can type in your memoir and the computer automatically counts your words!
Writing Workout Getting to Know Me Back-to-School Activity: Writing Six-Word Memoirs
7 Comments on Win a Skype Author Visit with this Back-to-School Writing Activity, last added: 9/11/2010
What a great way to start the year off. I teach 2nd graders and during Writers Workshop we are working on small moments in ones life. We had a slow start, very slow but once they got out of their comfort zone it was a beautiful moment. I even had some teachers join in the fun. Thanks for the challenge and we would love to have you visit our classroom via skype. What a moment that would be to write about. Exciting. My librarian sent the link out to the entire school even though I am already on your blog it was great. contact: [email protected] 2nd grade teacher Six Word Memior by students WOW, I love being at Wesley Panic, my dog is now lost Look at me, I can do it Brother he is my best friend I love my mom and dad
Thanks for the report, and for sharing your student memoirs. I can especially feel the emotion in this one: >>Panic, my dog is now lost<< I hope the dog is now found! Congratulations--you are our first official entry. Other teachers at your school are welcome to enter as well. Good luck! Carmela
Jeanne Marie Grunwell Ford said, on 9/11/2010 8:37:00 AM
These six-word memoirs are awesome! Thank you so much for sharing.
Today I'm braving the snow to travel to DePaul University in Chicago. There, I'll meet with my fellow blogger Esther Hershenhorn and education professors Roxanne Owens and Marie Donovan to discuss our upcoming presentation at the Illinois Reading Council Conference, which will be held in Springfield, Illinois next month. On Thursday, March 18, the two DePaul professors and five of the Teaching Authors (including me) will present "Flabby to Fab-y: Writing Workouts to Shape Up Your Curriculum." If you're attending the conference, I hope you'll join us. We will begin our presentation by discussing the "Top Ten Challenges" for those who teaching writing to children and teens, based on the experience of Professors Owens and Donovan, and on the input our readers provided as part of the contest we offered in January. Here is a summary of the challenges our readers shared:
Lack of sufficient time to teach writing
Difficulty teaching to differences between second-graders and sixth-graders participating in the same writing workshop
Keeping students on task
Teaching students how to give constructive feedback
Challenges helping students, especially non-native speakers, expand their vocabulary
When to emphasize grammar versus focusing on content
Helping students understand that a first draft is just the beginning of the process
Knowing when to begin the critique process
Finding ways to make learning grammar fun
How to eliminate fear of writing, fear of "getting it wrong"
How to balance teaching of different genres
Looking for helpful mini-lessons to teach 1st/2nd graders fiction writing
Having students use their own ideas instead of taking ideas from examples
Helping students with good ideas develop the skills to translate them onto the page
If you didn't get a chance to share last month, it's not too late--we'd still love to know about your greatest challenges when teaching writing to grades 1-12. Please post your comments below.
Don't forget--there's still time to enter for a chance to win an autographed copy of Davy Crockett Gets Hitched by Bobbi Miller. SeeJoAnn'sGuest Teaching Author Interview with Bobbi for details.
If you're looking to win books for a slightly older audience, check out the love-themed giveaway at the Classof2K10 blog. Their entry deadline is midnight on Valentine's Day.
Finally, here's an early Valentine's Day gift for aspiring writers (and those who teach them), courtesy of author Erin Dealey. Her "Writer's Rap" will have you moving to the beat. (Thank you, Alice Pope, for posting the clip on your CWIM blog.) When you're done watching, go out and "hook 'em big"! (If you're an email subscriber and the clip doesn't come through, you can watch it on YouTube here.)
Congratulations to our New Year Resolution Contest Winner:
Irene Latham
Irene's 6-word resolution was:
Celebrate. Create. Inspire. Plot. Enjoy. Finish.
From reading Irene's blog, I see she has much to celebrate this year. Her first children's novel, Leaving Gee's Bend, has just been released by G.P.Putnam. Hurray for you, Irene!
And a big thank you to everyone who posted a resolution. I hope we ALL succeed in following through on them.
Our next contest will be especially for Teachers and Homeschoolers. (If you're not a teacher or homeschooler, please spread the word to someone you know who is.) We'd like you to answer the following question: What is one of the biggest challenges, problems, or questions you have when teaching writing to students in grades 1-12? If we can, we'd like to suggest solutions to some of those problems on this blog later in the year.
The contest will run in conjunction with a new series of posts on the topic of IDEAS, the first of the Six Traits of Writing. (If you aren't familiar with the Six-Traits approach, you can read more about it here.) As part of our discussion of IDEAS, each TeachingAuthor will talk about the idea that inspired one of her published books. Our contest winner will then be given his or her choice of one of those six books as a prize.
So here are the contest details:
To enter, you must be a teacher or homeschooler of students in grades 1-12.
You must post a comment answering the following question: What is one of the biggest challenges, problems, or questions you have when teaching writing to your students?
You must specify the grade level of your students and whether you teach in a school or at home.
You must provide your email address or a link to your own blog so that we can contact you. (U.S. residents only, please.)
Entries must be posted by 11 p.m. Friday, January 29, 2010 (Central Standard Time).
The winner will be announced on Monday, February 1, 2010.
A detailed explanation of our general giveaway guidelines are posted here.
If you have any questions about the contest, you can post them as a comment. Good luck! Carmela
6 Comments on Latest Contest Winner and New Contest for Teachers and Homeschoolers, last added: 1/18/2010
I don't know if I "count" for this or not. I volunteer to lead a writing club at my son's school every week. I have students in 2nd through 6th grade. I taught part time last year, but this year I am only subbing. So, I don't know if that fits or not.
My biggest challenge is that we only meet once a week for about 75 minutes. I routinely have 28 to 30 students. It is difficult to conference with each student, to coach on specific story needs, with that many kids, that small of a time frame, and only one me. Also, there is a big difference between a second grade author and a sixth grade author.
I plan my weekly lessons based on things that a large number of students are struggling with, and we do the best we can. (I blog about our work in the club and my lessons at http://bringonthebooksforteachers.blogspot.com) We are working toward two spring events at the school where the kids are going to be able to show off published pieces. I am aware, every week when I clean up the room and head home, that I could do so much more with each one if I had some more time.
Jaymie, I say you definitely count--you are trying to help train and encourage young authors! Thanks for sharing. By the way, I once taught a summer "young authors' workshop" with students in grades 2-8, so I can definitely relate to some of your challenges.
Like Jaymie, I'm an independent creative writing teacher. I host monthly workshops for free to grades 3-8 on my own. I also teach through a nonprofit enrichment organization (FRoG in Downers Grove,IL) Saturdays in teh fall and winter. And last summer I began a week-long writing studio for the same grades, in my community.
My biggest struggle is keeping the class on track with the little time we have: once the students begin sharing their work, conversations start and off on a tangent they go.
I also struggle with peer feedback. They are all eager to read, but hesitant to offer any feedback to the other readers. I'd love for the students to learn how to give and receive constructive feedback on their writing. ~Mary Jo
Pictures evoke all kinds of thoughts. They can stir up our emotions or make us feel peaceful and calm.
If we can be in the moment, images can take us anywhere we want to go. Sound contradictory? Look at the photo and then close your eyes and let your mind wander...for a moment.
How do you feel? Do you want to reflect on the past or plan for the future? Do the colors in the picture make you feel happy or angry? Enthusiastic or lazy? If you let your mind's eye take over, what is happening? Exactly what are you thinking about right now as you look at the picture?
Our writing activity is simple:
Give this photo a caption.
I'll go first. My caption is: There's always tomorrow.
Your turn. What's your caption for this picture?
Teachers: Good creative writing is based on a combination of wonderful imagination and eventually... technique. Stir up your students' imaginations with this activity. Ask your kids to bring in photos from home or magazines. You bring in some too. Promote words. Champion word play. Have fun with writing!
14 Comments on What Do You See?, last added: 9/24/2009
That was the first thought that came to my mind because the photograph seemed hopeful to me. I'm sure I'll think of more captions as I revisit the picture!
I actually thought my husband took this photo. He's big into sunsets and sunrises. He just told me he DIDN'T take the photo.
Maybe next week I'll use one of his!
In any case, the photo's beautiful and you've come up with captions that are wonderful. Each time I read another comment I think, "YES! That's what the caption should be!"
From lighthearted to serious, even the captions change how I feel about the photo. Interesting and thought provoking for sure...
Tears formed in the artist's eyes as he gazed on the beauty of the setting sun. He knew he could never recreate the magic of this moment on mere canvas.
Yesterday, I heard the sea singing, Today, I saw the sky sing, Tonight, the clouds will sing, And the mountains will join in, as the carrousel of time brings a new song to the new season we just need to listen.
The way the shades of pink overlap and play in the sky reminds me of making tie dye shirts as a little girl, the rays of sun make me think of the Heavens, and the water makes me think of summers spent in Vermont on the lake.
No matter how young or old we are, word play should never end. I do the same writing exercises with aspiring authors that I do with 1st grade children. It's true! Creative talking is the starting point for creative writing.
Life experiences ignite ideas. We've all had a good news experience that had a consequence. A great way to write a story is just by reaching back into our memory. If you've been writing with me for awhile, braindrop!
Think of this as another list. We'll call it our Good News Bad News list. I'll go first:
The good news is that I killed a horsefly that was biting the heck out of Tango yesterday. The bad news is that I got blood all over my hand and new riding shirt.
Your turn! Let's play! Get creative and have fun! I know all you animal lovers out there will have tons of ideas. Bring them on!!!
17 Comments on Playtime! Good News - Bad News, last added: 8/19/2009
Great experience. This will be a nice community for the budding writers. In my writing career, I too have gone through such problems or rather dilemmas, and still going through them. This will surely be a great experience for me too.
The good news is I don't need surgery for my back. The bad news is, today I had to have injections in my back. The good news is I feel a little better. The bad news is now I might not have an excuse not to do housework or look for a job.
The good news is we are getting a new kitchen floor. The bad news is Sasha almost bit the guy who is working on it.
The good news is I love doing these fun things on Jans blog. The bad news is I am afraid if I am ever lucky enough to meet Jan that Sasha will bite her.
The good news is that my son-in-law will not need knee surgery. The bad news is that he has Lyme disease! The good news is that antibiotics will keep it at bay. (And that's a good-bad-good wrap)
The good news is… I got all the horehound burrs brushed out of Sadie The bad news is... Somebody opened the door and she’s full of them again!
The good news is we finally got the new waterline pipe in The bad news is the fittings aren’t fitting and so we still don’t have water!
The good news is I see Maya made it over here to join the fun! The bad news is, I haven't had time to write anything for her wonderful Writing Room Blog recently.
I could play with words all night, but I really shouldn't. This one will be quick and easy. Ask anyone you know to join us. There are no age limits here. We can keep wallowing in the love of language and the joy of writing till the cows come home! Anyone know when that will be?
Here you go! Finish this sentence:
It was as dark as ____________.
Here's my answer: It was as dark as chocolate.
Your turn! Have fun! We're going to have a list of descriptions that we can refer back to over and over again. Just think, when you get ready to write your novel (or your next blog post) you'll have all kinds of descriptions flowing through your mind and onto your paper or computer screen! You'll be painting pictures with your words.
16 Comments on Are You Ready for More?, last added: 8/7/2009
It was dark as the inside of a sleeping bag you've pulled tightly over your head because you heard something outside your tent while camping in the mountains!
It was dark as a black velvet blindfold across your eyes.
It was as dark as a stormy, moonless night just after a lightening bolt has struck, sizzled, and disappeared.
Oh, by the way... I'd gotten several of your exercises behind, but just working through them the past hour or so has been such a blessing! It has brought peacefulness into my heart and mind, and made me feel like when I was fairly young and lived in the wonderful, world of childhood! Thank you so much!
You are so welcome. Writing takes me to other places too...often back to my childhood. Thank you so much for writing with me and us.
My freelance is slow right now, but my writing contiues to flow. It's because I'm not sitting here writing alone...it's because I'm writing with you and everyone else.
It was as dark as being in the middle of the ocean on a cloudy night with no moon or stars.
or, it was as dark as the bottom of the deep well that swallowed up my pet frog.
or, it was as dark as could be when we entered the high school gym to put up our election posters for class president. Then a flashlight came on and we heard, "Don't move, Police!"
Dark just isn't dark anymore. Now darkenss has taken on a whole new picture for our mind's eye. One minute I can see a darkness like the kind that was in the bottom of the well that took Craig's poor pet frog. That kind of darkness is more than dark. It is thick and dank.
The next minute I am surrounded by a darkness that is like the forest behind my house at midnight. (Gaelikka) That's a familiar darkness to me. I always imagine nighttime animals out for their prey.
Words take me places. They paint pictures for me. You are all painting pictures with your words...amazing pictures.
If you have time, go back up and read the list. Every single comment describes darkness in a different way. A different picture is painted. Words are awesome! So are you.
If you're new to my blog and don't know who Tweedles is, please check out the comments to the last post and then go visit her blog. She's fun and creative!
Tweedles game me an idea for our next word game. All I want you to do is answer two questions.
1. What can a gentle breeze blow?
2. What can a strong wind blow?
Here are my answers:
1. tissue
2. a filled-to-the-brim flower pot C R A S H !
Everyone can play this fun word game. Usually the easiest answers are the ones that come to your mind first. It will help to look at the other comments, because they'll stir up more memories than you can imagine.
Your turn! What can a gentle breeze blow? What can a strong wind blow? Think fast!
As usual, feel free to come back again. Bring your kids!
20 Comments on New Word Game...Thanks to Tweedles!, last added: 8/6/2009
OH, SANDY... THAT is such a marvelous job of contrasts and painted word pictures! I TOTALLY LOVED this! Life and death!!! So many subtleties in this contrast.
I love reading everyone's posts, too, Jan! Thanks for giving us this opportunity to share like this!
Believe it or not, I use the same writing exercises with adults that I use with kids. Creativity is creativity and writing is just an extension of that. It doesn't make a difference whether I'm presenting at a writing conference for published or aspiring authors, doing author-in-school visits, or sharing my ideas at an teacher in-service...the same activities ignite sparks of creativity.
I think every now and then, weekends would be a good time to share. Sometimes it's easier to share in the form of an answer, so I'll ask questions.
1. Is there any special writing exercise that really makes you more creative?
2. Does paying attention to your five senses help you to write?
3. Do my activities help you?
4. Would you like to see different kinds of activities? If so, what kind?
5. Do you have an activity that you'd be willing to let me share here on my blog?
6? What did you write last week?
Feel free to answer any or all of my questions!
2 Comments on Idea Exchange!, last added: 4/11/2009
.jpeg?picon=2474)
Thanks for join my blog hop.
here I invite you to join my community.
http://beonefineday.blogspot.com
http://theblogfrog.com/1233755
Thanks in advance.
Nan
PS.I follow your blog and also on Blogfrog(if you have one).