Saturday, April 11, 2009

Reflections


I'm back. I figure that I haven't blogged in a month and quite frankly it's been a relief. I have been finding that the weekly posts have been consuming huge amounts of my time and I have started the resent the time it has been taking. I need sleep, I need fresh air, I need to keep house, cook, exercise, visit my children, read, do homework ... Spending hours on the computer to write weekly is not an option at this point. So I have decided to ease up and only write when the mood takes me.
I have learned a whole lot from writing this blog. The most important is that I can write and I think that I can call myself a writer of sorts. Secondly, writing this blog has confirmed to me that writing is hard work. It's no wonder our students resist writing - to do it well requires effort and time. Thirdly, writing is thinking. If we need students to be good thinkers, problem-solvers and creators, then I think that writing is one of the most important things we need to focus on to help students be successful in the 21st century.
So I leave you today with an interesting link to a Kyle Mawer's wiki that uses gaming to help ELL students read and write - I'm thinking that the lesson may also work with applied level and locally developed level classes as well. One of the games has a complete lesson that integrates writing with the game. It's called Grow Cube. I played it just for fun, but I can certatinly see how it can be used as a writing lesson.
Have fun!

14 comments:

Elona Hartjes said...

Sometimes we just need a break. I've been blogging almost three years now and as much as I love it, sometimes I feel I need a break so I take one and try not to feel guilty- although why I should feel guilty is beyond me.

I do enjoy reading your blog. Gives me food for thought. Thanks.

Sharon Seslija said...

Thank you for your kind words of support Elona. I enjoy reading your blog - it helps me stay connected to what goes on in the classrooms. My role has become somewhat managerial and I miss working with students. You keep me connected.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for you insightful blog. I wrok for the Media Awareness Network, a Canadian non-profit organization that has been pioneering the development of media and digital literacy programs since its incorporation in 1996. I would be interested in sending you some information about our initiatives. Could you please contact me at apaquet@media-awareness.ca.

Say Jay said...

Hello!

Great blog. I wear two hats - one belongs to my English Major Teacher Candidate persona - so I love your resources.

The other is as a part-time publicist for Palimpsest Press, Kingsville. May I get in touch with you through www.palimpsestpress.ca? Just touching base re: Arnot McCallum and BookFest Windsor school readings.
Many thanks & have a great week!

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Hi,
I myself love blogging, but it will turn bore sometimes when I constantly do that. You need some change at that time. I personally like your blog; you have shared good insights and experiences. Thanks for sharing.

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I do enjoy reading your blog. Gives me food for thought. Thanks.



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