One of the best things about daily journal writing is that it can take so many forms. Teachers can use journal writing to meet specific goals, or the purpose can be wide open. Some teachers check journal writing and work on polishing skills; others use journals as the one "uncorrected" form of writing that students produce. Some teachers provide prompts to help students begin their writing; others leave decisions about the direction and flow of student journals up to the students. Education World talked with teachers who use daily journal writing in their classrooms. Included: Writing motivators that work from teachers who use them!
Teachers at Westwood Elementary School in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, found the perfect reward for their students, who read 4,500 books last October! They organized a Literature Day. Then they did the whole thing over again at night -- so they could include families! Included: Activity ideas and tips for organizing your own literature event!
So you want to do a classroom project on-line? Don't even think about hitting that send button until you read this article! Author and educator Judi Harris has strong opinions about what it takes to create a valuable on-line project. Included: Ten tips for completing telecollaborative projects successfully and a link to a story that shares ten telecollaborative projects that might get Harris's stamp of approval!
Education World asked the "sophomores" who faced -- and survived -- that dreaded first year to reflect on their successes and failures. First-year teachers, here is their best advice for getting through it. A story worth reading - for any teacher at any stage in his or her career!
1999 Teacher of the Year Andy Baumgartner knows how to relate to young children. An enthusiastic educator with 23 years of experience, he is only the second kindergarten teacher to be selected in the award's 48-year history. Baumgartner credits the influence of his family and his own experiences as a parent with helping him to become a successful educator. Education World writer Cara Bafile offers an exclusive interview with the 1999 Teacher of the Year!
