Wow!
What a weekend!
Thank you so much for all of the fellows, friends, and MSU folks for joining us for the reception with two special guests from the National Office.
We were so lucky to have these guests. Not only for their tremendous feedback and suggestions, but also because of their own amazing work.
Dr. Sandmann is a professor from the Kent State University and director of the Kent State Writing Project. Her work with authors of adolescent literature was phenominal and I learned so much from talking with her about our new site and her work. She is the author of several books...if you get a chance punch her name into Amazon...(go ahead...I'll let the dog out while you look............pretty impressive, huh?)
Dr. Linebarger, also visited with us. She is a third grade teacher and in-service director of the Northern California Writing Project. She authored "Tensing Up: From Fluency to Flair" http://www.nwp.org/cs/public/print/resource/190 As inservice coordinator, she gave us many great ideas!
I hope that you had a chance to chat with both of these amazing women during the reception at Missouri State University!!!
Have a great week at school!
Laura Burdette
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Thursday, January 31, 2008
New Site Visitors
Oh, wow, I just checked my email and saw that Springfield Public Schools is cancelled for Friday!!! Yes! (picture me leaping off the couch, fist raised in the air, nearly toppling the laptop). Snow days remind me of skipping assemblies in high school, adrenalin pumping as we dodged the security guard, the motor of my Ford Mercury (that easily held seven people) clearing out the infrequently used cylinders as we raced to the lake to soak up the sun through a firm barrier of SPF15. Ah, I love snowdays and don't care if we have to make them up later.
Hopefully Friday's sun will clear the streets so that everyone can travel safely to Saturday's meeting.
I'm looking forward to exchanging stories and hearing how everyone's year is going. See you there!!
Laura
Hopefully Friday's sun will clear the streets so that everyone can travel safely to Saturday's meeting.
I'm looking forward to exchanging stories and hearing how everyone's year is going. See you there!!
Laura
Saturday, January 26, 2008
St. Louis and Beyond
Greetings all! A new semester, a new . . .
Hayley, it was great seeing you at Panera's. Then, the next day, I saw Michael and Julia at Target. We all three discussed whether being in Target at 9:30 in the morning or being home cleaning house was the more worthwhile endeavor. I still have not decided.
Liz, congrats on your first successful Teacher Consultant gig. I thought of your demonstration last Thursday. I had assigned my students to have in hand, for the Tuesday before, their copy of Coming of Age in Mississippi. We are just beginning this autobiography. Well, we did not have school on Tuesday. And as my original instructions did not include Thursday, guess what. The upshot was that too many did not have a copy of their books. One suggested that I read aloud. And I did. Imagine a classroom of nineteen teenagers, fifteen of them male, four or five of them well over six feet and 200 pounds, sprawled quietly on the floor listening to Anne Moody's words that recount her earliest memories. A really cool experience for all of us. When another class protested that they had not been read to, I told them that when we start part two I will read to them also.
I also used the collaborative poem this week, in two different classes. One group, AP juniors, is studying poetry (Laura, I have incorporated some of the info you gave us this summer into their readings/understandings of the poems). The other group, AP seniors, will begin their multigenre projects soon, so I am introducing them to the idea, squeezing their creative juices. Both classes really enjoyed the exercise. My having to reformulate on a white board with dry erase markers is a bit of a stretch, but hey! I'm plucky!
Larry and I attended the NWP scoring conference in St. Louis. Quite an interesting two days. I am pretty sure that my experience in scoring student essays grew, but I am absolutely certain that my waist line grew even more!!! Larry was not even sure, at one point, that he would be able to eat dinner. Good thing he decided he could squeeze a bit more in as the meal was delicious (Oscar's Cafe by UMSL for anyone going to St. Louis).
The scoring scale we used was based somewhat on the 6 +1 writing traits model. But NWP has decided that this particular model is too reader based and fails to adequately address and thus assist the student writer within her or his process or product. So, NWP reformulated the six traits. As I have never used the original, I could not distinguish a difference. I did like the calibrations. And I did like the reading and scoring, first holistically and then analytically -- trait by trait. Sometimes the two meshed; other times they did not.
Our brains, Larry's and mine and those of the twenty three other teachers present, underwent calibration (NWP's term, not mine) on Friday and recalibration on Sat. a.m. Then we read middle schools essays from 9:00 to 1:30. A very unique experience for me as I am not a middle school teacher. But the NWP scale is very specific. I just had to, on occasion, remind myself that these writers were not high school or beyond. I did enjoy reading the essays -- most of them anyway. Reading the thoughts of these young writers was, in many ways, awesome. Thomas, I can see why you like teaching this age group (although I won't be joining you any time soon. I do not have the patience -- or energy.).
Well, I need to scoot along here. Hope all goes well for everyone. Look forward to seeing those of you who plan on attending the open house. If I remember, I'll bring some of my collaborative poems.
Have a great one (whatever that ONE might be), Susan
Hayley, it was great seeing you at Panera's. Then, the next day, I saw Michael and Julia at Target. We all three discussed whether being in Target at 9:30 in the morning or being home cleaning house was the more worthwhile endeavor. I still have not decided.
Liz, congrats on your first successful Teacher Consultant gig. I thought of your demonstration last Thursday. I had assigned my students to have in hand, for the Tuesday before, their copy of Coming of Age in Mississippi. We are just beginning this autobiography. Well, we did not have school on Tuesday. And as my original instructions did not include Thursday, guess what. The upshot was that too many did not have a copy of their books. One suggested that I read aloud. And I did. Imagine a classroom of nineteen teenagers, fifteen of them male, four or five of them well over six feet and 200 pounds, sprawled quietly on the floor listening to Anne Moody's words that recount her earliest memories. A really cool experience for all of us. When another class protested that they had not been read to, I told them that when we start part two I will read to them also.
I also used the collaborative poem this week, in two different classes. One group, AP juniors, is studying poetry (Laura, I have incorporated some of the info you gave us this summer into their readings/understandings of the poems). The other group, AP seniors, will begin their multigenre projects soon, so I am introducing them to the idea, squeezing their creative juices. Both classes really enjoyed the exercise. My having to reformulate on a white board with dry erase markers is a bit of a stretch, but hey! I'm plucky!
Larry and I attended the NWP scoring conference in St. Louis. Quite an interesting two days. I am pretty sure that my experience in scoring student essays grew, but I am absolutely certain that my waist line grew even more!!! Larry was not even sure, at one point, that he would be able to eat dinner. Good thing he decided he could squeeze a bit more in as the meal was delicious (Oscar's Cafe by UMSL for anyone going to St. Louis).
The scoring scale we used was based somewhat on the 6 +1 writing traits model. But NWP has decided that this particular model is too reader based and fails to adequately address and thus assist the student writer within her or his process or product. So, NWP reformulated the six traits. As I have never used the original, I could not distinguish a difference. I did like the calibrations. And I did like the reading and scoring, first holistically and then analytically -- trait by trait. Sometimes the two meshed; other times they did not.
Our brains, Larry's and mine and those of the twenty three other teachers present, underwent calibration (NWP's term, not mine) on Friday and recalibration on Sat. a.m. Then we read middle schools essays from 9:00 to 1:30. A very unique experience for me as I am not a middle school teacher. But the NWP scale is very specific. I just had to, on occasion, remind myself that these writers were not high school or beyond. I did enjoy reading the essays -- most of them anyway. Reading the thoughts of these young writers was, in many ways, awesome. Thomas, I can see why you like teaching this age group (although I won't be joining you any time soon. I do not have the patience -- or energy.).
Well, I need to scoot along here. Hope all goes well for everyone. Look forward to seeing those of you who plan on attending the open house. If I remember, I'll bring some of my collaborative poems.
Have a great one (whatever that ONE might be), Susan
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Ozarks Writing Project Winter Newsletter
I just wanted to take the time to say how much I enjoyed reading the Ozarks Writing Project Winter Newsletter. Kudos to those who put it together! It looks fantastic! It feels really nice to be able to read about about a bunch of happenin' people that I feel connected to. The thing I appreciate the most about the newsletter is how it helped me see somewhat, the bigger picture of how huge this NWP business really is. I followed some of the links and it began to dawn on me the opportunities to professionally develop seem limitless.
I ran into Thomas tonight at a class where we write our final seminar papers for our master's degrees. It turns out both of us have applied for a two week seminar on Holocaust education at Columbia University taking place this summer. It would be a blast to attend that event together. I can imagine Thomas and I coming back and doing a presentation together. He could cover role-playing journaling, and I could present multigenre projects. Oops! I'm getting ahead myself. We need to get accepted first. Keep your fingers crossed!
Thanks again for the outstanding newsletter.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Youth Camp for Summer
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
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
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!
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