Hi All,
In response to the email that I sent, and just in case I missed someone on the mailing list, here is the information about BEAR CAMP offered by MSU this summer.
Missouri State is once again offering Bear Camp for K-9 students this summer and is looking for quality instructors like the OWP fellows.
FREEDOM…you pick the topic of the class. Bear Camp is looking for “Innovative, interesting and educational programs.”
FLEXIBLE…you pick the times, and you pick the weeks. 9:15-11:00 or 12:30 to 2:15. There are several different weeks to choose from. You pick the grade level as well.
MONEY…$200.00 for teaching one class for a week, $400.00 for teaching two classes for a week.
DEADLINE…Febrary 15th.
MORE INFO?…see the Missouri State webpage: http://morriscenter.missouristate.edu/campbear/InstructorProposal.htm
If you plan to apply, please let me know. I would like to count this on the OWP's attempts to collaborate with the university. Also, if you need anything (Someone to bounce ideas off of, a brainstorming partner, or any other help) please let me know!! lburdette@spsmail.org
Laura Burdette
Monday, January 21, 2008
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable
My first professional development presentation as a Teacher Consultant with the Ozarks Writing Project was exciting, scary, and refreshing. I presented a shortened version (one hour instead of 90 minutes) of my 2007 SI demonstration on using read alouds to inspire genre writing with students. I offered the demo three times during a Professional Development day with the Willow Springs School District, and the attendance for my session varied from as few as six to as many as 24. The teachers ranged in background from kindergarten to high school computer lab, but all were receptive and cooperative, and claimed to have gleaned at least one thing that will benefit their students from the session they attended with me.
The main question or concern that was asked of attendees was if I found it difficult to obtain copies of the read alouds I needed to do these units with my students. I explained that it did require some of my own investment on eBay or Amazon to find bargain books to supplement my collection, and that if I looked carefully, I could get a copy of a book I wanted for very little money. The most difficult part of the experience was trying to fit all the writing activities and information into what ended up being about 55 minutes, allowing for a few minutes to elaborate on the Ozarks Writing Project Summer Institute and encouraging participants to apply. A few participants did comment on the rapid speed of the presentation, but I provided the full demonstration packet with all of my contact information to all who attended so they knew they could go back and review any aspect of which they felt unsure at their leisure. A librarian in the audience commented as she was gathering her materials to leave that she was thrilled she had attended the session because she was going to use the demo in her library lessons with students, and that meant her plans were done all the way through February!
I felt an overwhelming desire to do well as I represented the Writing Project; more specifically I felt compelled to positively reflect on Casey, as Willow Springs is her home school district—my attendees are her colleagues, so doing my utmost best was the only option I had! Needless to say, I did not sleep much the night before, and the drive home required caffeine and good music to keep me from getting drowsy. I just knew going back to my students the next day would be grueling and I even considered making sub plans to spend the day recovering. Surprisingly, though, I went back to school the next day energized to work with my students again, almost as if sharing my passion with others refueled me in that all-too-familiar mid-year slump. I would gladly and enthusiastically participate in professional development in other schools and school districts; I hope those opportunities can be developed in our TC’s home districts, as well as those districts that are only presently unfamiliar to us. What a thrilling day of becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable!
The main question or concern that was asked of attendees was if I found it difficult to obtain copies of the read alouds I needed to do these units with my students. I explained that it did require some of my own investment on eBay or Amazon to find bargain books to supplement my collection, and that if I looked carefully, I could get a copy of a book I wanted for very little money. The most difficult part of the experience was trying to fit all the writing activities and information into what ended up being about 55 minutes, allowing for a few minutes to elaborate on the Ozarks Writing Project Summer Institute and encouraging participants to apply. A few participants did comment on the rapid speed of the presentation, but I provided the full demonstration packet with all of my contact information to all who attended so they knew they could go back and review any aspect of which they felt unsure at their leisure. A librarian in the audience commented as she was gathering her materials to leave that she was thrilled she had attended the session because she was going to use the demo in her library lessons with students, and that meant her plans were done all the way through February!
I felt an overwhelming desire to do well as I represented the Writing Project; more specifically I felt compelled to positively reflect on Casey, as Willow Springs is her home school district—my attendees are her colleagues, so doing my utmost best was the only option I had! Needless to say, I did not sleep much the night before, and the drive home required caffeine and good music to keep me from getting drowsy. I just knew going back to my students the next day would be grueling and I even considered making sub plans to spend the day recovering. Surprisingly, though, I went back to school the next day energized to work with my students again, almost as if sharing my passion with others refueled me in that all-too-familiar mid-year slump. I would gladly and enthusiastically participate in professional development in other schools and school districts; I hope those opportunities can be developed in our TC’s home districts, as well as those districts that are only presently unfamiliar to us. What a thrilling day of becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable!
Monday, January 07, 2008
The Loss of Students....
Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences go to all of our teacher family at Glendale and Kickapoo High Schools this morning.
Bless you as you grieve yourself and handle the grief of your students and colleagues.
Hang in there Hayley and JoAnn. And now that I think about it, I imagine Barb might have had these students a few years ago also. Prayers for all of you.
Bless you as you grieve yourself and handle the grief of your students and colleagues.
Hang in there Hayley and JoAnn. And now that I think about it, I imagine Barb might have had these students a few years ago also. Prayers for all of you.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Holiday Greetings
Happy Holidays...Happy Holidays...Happy Holidays...Happy Holidays
I hope that the holiday is not overshadowed by last minute shopping, long checkout lines, and grading the projects that you probably intentionally scheduled for the two week grading window.
Instead, I hope that each of you has an opportunity to relish time with family and to reflect on the previous year as you prepare for the next.
oh, and I hope that you get a chance to place a post here and let us know how you're doing...
Laura
I hope that the holiday is not overshadowed by last minute shopping, long checkout lines, and grading the projects that you probably intentionally scheduled for the two week grading window.
Instead, I hope that each of you has an opportunity to relish time with family and to reflect on the previous year as you prepare for the next.
oh, and I hope that you get a chance to place a post here and let us know how you're doing...
Laura
Sunday, December 02, 2007
A library connection
I've scarsely had time to miss my old high school English position...but, when I heard this story I did wish, for just a moment, that I still taught Romeo and Juliet...
There is a picture book called Romeow and Drooliet...it can also be found at www.storylineonline.net where actors read picture books online (so you don't actually have to purchase the book)...it's a cute version that even kept a variation of the chorus reading at the beginning and end, the two families are the Felinis and the Barkers...
I can think of so many lessons that could center around this version...students creating their own modern versions...a discussion of audience and why Drooliet lives...adaptations...analysis of what was deleted and what was retained...good example of a multi-genre (children's book) adaptation...you can probably think of even more.
Laura Burdette
There is a picture book called Romeow and Drooliet...it can also be found at www.storylineonline.net where actors read picture books online (so you don't actually have to purchase the book)...it's a cute version that even kept a variation of the chorus reading at the beginning and end, the two families are the Felinis and the Barkers...
I can think of so many lessons that could center around this version...students creating their own modern versions...a discussion of audience and why Drooliet lives...adaptations...analysis of what was deleted and what was retained...good example of a multi-genre (children's book) adaptation...you can probably think of even more.
Laura Burdette
Monday, November 26, 2007
Is There Anybody Out There?
Check it out.
http:/millerhighschool.blogspot.com
I would appreciate any feedback one may have. I believe there are some interesting things posted. And, we are only getting started!
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