Grading Student Blog Posts

The students in Reading Workshop just completed an interdisciplinary project for social studies and language arts.  They had to research about a place they had visited, list five facts, and then write a story about their trip.  In addition, for their blog, they had to write an introduction, find relevant links, and post pictures that supported their writing.

The project was graded using this rubric.

A 

• Follows project guidelines
• Has an introduction that explains the project telling W's (who, what, when, where, why)    
• Interesting/draws in the reader
• Writing has a sense of style
• Provides relative and interesting facts
• Writes a narrative that is detailed, exciting, and complete
• Has numerous links to relevant websites
• Correct PUGS (Punctuation, Usage, Grammar, and Spelling)
• Does not plagiarize

B

• Follows project guidelines
• Has an introduction that explains the project telling W's    
• Provides relative and interesting facts
• Writes a narrative that is detailed and complete
• Has links to relevant websites
• Correct PUGS (Punctuation, Usage, Grammar, and Spelling)
• Does not plagiarize

C 

• Follows guidelines
• Has an introduction that explains the project
• Provides facts
• Writes a narrative that is complete
• Has links to websites
• Two - Four mistakes with PUGS (Punctuation, Usage, Grammar, and Spelling)
• Does not plagiarize

D 

• Does not follow guidelines
• Incomplete introduction
• Provides some facts
• Incomplete narrative
• Errors with PUGS (Punctuation, Usage, Grammar, and Spelling)
• Does not plagiarize

F 

• Plagiarizes
• Little sign of effort
• Did not publish post on blog

Is That Book Exciting?

OK, so you are sitting here in Reading Workshop during SSR (Sustained Silent Reading).  I look up from my book and I see you fidgeting in your chair.  You are squirming like your seat is on fire.  You turn the page without even reading the whole page.  You look around the room, but you can't find anyone to join you in your boredom.  Uh oh, are you like the Queen of Fake Reading?

If your book isn't drawing you in, you need to get a better book.  There are 12,000 books with several thousand titles in the book room.  Find one that you can be a part of and read.  Don't read a book that isn't exciting.

The guy beside you is staring at his book so intensely you think he might stare a hole in the page.  What is going on with him?  Why is he looking at his book like that?  He won't even look your way.  He is pulling the book closer and closer to his face.  He has a death grip on it.

Guess what?  Some books are exciting and he found a great one.  He found a book with action and adventure, that he understands.  He has become a part of his book.  He is living in it and with every twist and turn in the plot, he is drawn more and more into the story.  

What book are you reading?  How does the author draw you into the book?  What makes the book you are reading exciting?

Finish First and You Will Do the Worst

Most everyone has heard the saying, hard work will pay off in the end.  Yesterday, students took the Study Island Benchmark Test, and it was a perfect example.  This test evaluates students reading on a variety of reading skills.  Students that took their time, went back in the passages, and found answers scored well, and mostly passed.  Students that rushed through their work had the lowest scores.

This one assignment is a message to all students about what they can expect this year in Reading Workshop.  Those with a good work ethic, that do their best, will do well.  Those that don't give their best and don't work hard are going to struggle.  And it's not just here.  No matter what students do with their life, hard work will pay off in the end.

The column on the left is minutes spent taking the test.  The columns on the right shows students' total percent and score.  A score of 400 is passing.

Compare those to students that took more time.

Taking more time does not guarantee a passing score, but it made a huge difference.  There was no time limit on this assignment.  So for students that didn't pass, I wonder why they didn't take more time.

The Excitement of a New Book

I am so excited.  We got in some books that we ordered two weeks ago.  And the best part is one of the books is the newest from one of my favorite series.

I just got The Kill Order, the newest book in James Dashner's Maze Runner series.  This is a little different than what you usually find because it is a prequel to the series.  This book will give readers background on what led up to the series.

I can't wait to get started reading.

Here is an audio excerpt from The Maze Runner.

No Wonder These Students Do So Well

Recently I asked students to complete a survey about the importance of reading with a parent or grandparent.   As I looked at some of the comments, I realized why so many students are doing so well in Reading Workshop.  Thank you so much to the parents and grandparents that took the time to talk about reading with their child.

When asked, why do you believe reading is important, answers included:

• Andrea D.--Reading is an important part of life. At first, we learn to read. Then, we read to learn. Reading is the key to all learning.
• Laura C.--Reading takes you places you may never have the opportunity to visit. . . With reading, you control the graphics and scenery. You get to create your own version of the story in your mind.
• Heather E.--Reading gives you "life long learning," meaning you can learn new things every day of your life. 
• Diana F.--there is a whole world of ideas and information there for us to discover. Sometimes reading can make you laugh, cry, and experience all kinds of emotions. Reading is awesome.
• Susan P.--Reading is the foundation of learning.
• Tonya W.--I believe reading is important because, for a very long time now, people have taken the time to think things through and deliverer their thoughts on paper.
• Jennifer T.--reading improves your vocabulary, your writing ability, and your communication skills.
• Kim E.--It broadens the mind and helps educate in all areas of learning.
• Beth M.--Reading is the basis for most aspects of daily living. From reading weather and news reports, to road signs and menus, reading is a necessity in society.

When asked, how has reading helped you be successful in your life, answers included:

• Sandy E.--Being a fluent reader afforded me the opportunity to be my high school graduating class valedictorian. This led to scholarships and grants to help pay for my college education. Reading has allowed me to be a life-long learner and successful in my career.
• Andrea D.--All successful writers will tell you that in order to write well, you need to read. At the age of 40, I went back to school to become a medical assistant. If I didn't know how to read, I wouldn't have been able to complete the assignments in order to graduate.
• Laura C.--Without reading I would not have the job I have. I am an Engineer at Kenworth. My job requires me to be able to read...Not only has reading helped me get a college degree as well as a good job it also has helped me to relax. I love to read just for fun. A good book is like therapy.
• Stephanie S.--Reading has helped me be successful for a lot of things. I couldn't own a business if I didn't know how to read.
• Cheryl R.--Reading has helped me in my job because I have to read daily work instructions and be able to follow those instructions.
• Teresa L.--Reading is a way for communication in my work and I continually learn by reading. Reading enhances my career as a nurse to educate myself and others. It enables me provide excellent care to my patients.
• Lisa B.--It constantly gives me direction in life. On the flip side it has given me a portal of imaginations as entertainment.

Thanks to all the parents for their amazing responses.  Check out all of the responses HERE.

Image from http://www.gameshowstogo.com/SurveySaysCollegeDownloads.html

Student and Parent Reading Survey

Students, please complete this survey with the help of a parent or grandparent.

You can see responses HERE

I Think You're Reading Too Fast

It was during SSR and I started watching her read.  This girl had chosen one of the best books in the book room.  She was reading Awakening, book 1 in Robin Wasserman's Chasing Yesterday series.  At first I thought she must really be enjoying it.  She was buzzing through the pages.

Then I really started watching.  She wasn't getting anything.  All the action and adventure was lost to her.  The fear and loneliness of main character might as well have not been there.  She never gave a thought about the fact that she could be in the book.  

The main character in this series is a young girl that faces an incredible challenge.  The books are filled with scenes that bring the reader into the book.  But this reader is reading too fast.  Her brain isn't keeping up with the pages.  

The reader isn't stopping to 

THINK

WONDER

REVIEW

GUESS

PREDICT

THINK

PICTURE

COMPARE

DECIDE

THINK

ASK

WISH

GO BACK

QUESTION

RELATE

THINK

When you think about it, she's not really reading.  But she sure can turn the pages fast.  Is this post about you?  Could it be?

Image from http://www.unfinishedman.com/why-you-shouldnt-read-a-book-just-to-finish-it/

If You're Going to Write, Write Right

As published writers, there is no excuse for mistakes.  Sister Salad points out the reason most of us take writing correctly so seriously.   This video, "Yo Comments Are Wack!" points out the disastrous commenting seen on the web and in a humorous way explains why writing well matters.

A Student's Good First Blog Post

Students in Reading Workshop have begun blogging as part of their language arts class.  The first assignment was to write about the main character in the book they are reading.  Students all choose their own books based on their interests and ability.

Megan set the standard with her first post.  You can follow her work throughout the year on her blog, Megan's Thoughts.

Study Island & Student of the Day

Each day a Study Island Student of the Day is chosen from each class in Reading Workshop. The winners receive an award certificate, a piece of candy,

     AND THEY GET THE CHAIR FOR THE DAY!  

All students want the chance to spend the day in luxury.  And learning online is a great way to achieve this.

Students work daily in Reading Workshop with the online learning program from Study Island. This program is based on the Ohio State Standards. It has lessons that help teach each topic and remediates when students do not pass a topic. Students can do sessions anywhere they have internet access.

Students scores count towards their grade in Reading Workshop.  It is important that students pay attention to their score as they are completing a 20 question session.  If they are close to the next higher grade, doing a couple of extra questions correctly can really help their grade.

85 - 100 = A

75 - 84.9 = B

65 - 74.9 = C

55 - 64.9 = D 

Congratulations to today's Study Island Students of the Day:  Olivia, Sam, Holden, and Dylan.

Dylan Pays it Forward

A couple of days ago I wrote about Maddie helping Dylan.  Even now, it still seems like a terrific event.  Then yesterday, I got another surprise.  As we worked to set up student blogs, Dylan paid it forward.  Lizzy was struggling with the pace to set up her blog until Dylan took over.

Through every step and each direction, he set up his blog and then guided Lizzy to success.  Now I am sure he had no thought of repaying a kindness someone showed him.  He was just trying to help a classmate because he is a good guy that cares for others.

As we end the second week of the school year, I am so impressed by the kindness and caring of the Salt Creek students.  I can't wait to see who will be the next to step up.

Kindness Counts

He was walking down the hall to his next class.  Papers were sticking out everywhere, books were stacked every which way, and his pencils stuck out like swords.  He was a walking mess of school supplies just waiting on a wreck.

He bumped into a classmate and some of his stuff scattered to the floor.  A girl noticed, not knowing I was watching.  She left her circle of friends to help him.  She picked up what he dropped, tucked it into his pile, and helped him on his way.

I am not really sure what makes an eleven year old girl act with such maturity and kindness, but it sure makes a teacher feel proud when one of his students acts like that.  It also serves as a reminder of just how caring some kids treat their peers.

Too often we hear the other side of today's kids with all the media focus on bullying, but the fact is, kids are what makes a school great.  And in my second week at a different school, a girl made me proud to be a part of Salt Creek Intermediate School.  

Image from http://www.school-clipart.com

The Old Man with the Cane

I was standing at the cash register at the Village Cafe as an old man with a cane slowly walked up to the front door.  Just as he started in, a young woman started out.  They saw each other at the same time and both quickly stopped.  The young woman backed up, and motioned for him to come in.  

Although it was a struggle for him, the old man's response was immediate.  He eased backwards, held the door, and told the young woman to come through.  His response was one built through a lifetime of good manners and showing respect.  

To some, in today's world, his actions may be considered old fashioned.  Some might even suggest he needs to get with the times--women are equal to men.  To those of us with older parents and/or grandparents, we might think he needs to be a little willing to accept help.

But to this old man, his response was the only one possible.  He did what was right.  And he did it because he always treats people with respect.  In just a few seconds, his actions showed the kind of person he is.  He didn't think about it.  He acted the way he always does.

What about you Salt Creek students?  Do you do what is right?  In your new school, with new classmates, do you treat others with respect?  Do you think of others first?  Or are you thinking just of yourself?  

As the new school year starts, please take a minute and think about yourself.  What kind of person do you want to be?  Is that how people see you?  Why or why not?

Image from http://alwaysonwatch2.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html

A New Home

After 16 years at Laurelville, I am in a new school.  I am excited about this opportunity as Logan Elm Local School District opens a new school (although still in an old building), Salt Creek Intermediate School.  The realignment of the district should help students' needs be better served by putting all fifth and sixth grade students in one location.  

I am fortunate to be teamed with an excellent group of teachers, Colleen Webb, Susanne Hardin, and Lorrie Huysman.  We will have about 100 students in the 4 classes.  Students will rotate through the classes with one of hour of instruction for each of the subjects, social studies, math, science, and language arts.

Reading Workshop will still operate the same with lots of technology integrated into students' daily learning.  Students will still be writing on their blogs, and use Study Island, the online learning program.  The books from the Laurelville book room have been moved and students will have many choices with a lot of great books.

Admittedly there is a bit of sadness as the end of my time comes at Laurelville.  The students, parents, and staff have made it a great place to be.  But with change there is always the chance for growth and I am anxious to dive into the new school year and all of the fun and adventure in the upcoming year.

Writing a Memoir

The next project in Reading Workshop will be to write a memoir.  Although somewhat like an autobiography, a memoir is slightly different.  It focuses on an event or personal experience and frequently shares a life lesson or special meaning caused by the event.

The first step to writing a memoir involves making some decisions.

What event sticks out as life changing, or memorable to you?
Who was involved?

Where did this take place?

When did this take place?

What happened?

What problems did you face?

How did the problem get solved?

What moral or lesson did you learn?

Start Here

1.  List the people involved including yourself and the character traits that impacted the incident.

2.  Describe the setting.  Where and when does the story take place.  How does the setting impact the story?

3.  Describe the problems or conflicts?  What minor problems built tension leading to the climax?  How did you react when faced with the main problem/conflict?

4. What crisis occurred? Was there a point when you weren't sure about the outcome?

5. How did you solve the problem?  What positive attributes like courage, creativity, or intelligence do you possess which helped you succeed/survive?

6.  Finish with style.  What lesson did you learn?  How will the reader connect and learn from the moral?

And now, WRITE!

Writing a D.A.R.E. Essay

After several weeks in DARE class, students have to write an essay about the class.  Students are instructed by Deputy Dale Thomas from the Pickaway County Sheriff Department.  Deputy Thomas has taught students about resisting drugs and peer pressure for the last 15 years.  Deputy Thomas does a super job helping students learn valuable life skills, in a fun and interactive way.

The essay is a time for students to think about what they have learned in D.A.R.E.  The essay should include how students feel about the program, what they learned that will help them be drug free, and why it is important to make good choices.

The format should include:

1.  Introduction tells what knowledge and skills students have learned;
2.  Body with details about the class and why it is important;
3.  Conclusion that summarizes the essay and includes a pledge statement.

The D.A.R.E. book is a great resource to help remember important facts and information.

You Are A Success Story

Students in Reading Workshop have made amazing progress this year.  You should feel good about your success!  What has made you successful?

Free Advise or Advice

Here is some free advice--take a little time to check your spelling.  In the previous post, I used the wrong word, leading students to use the wrong word.  Needless to say, not exactly a shining moment for a teacher but at least it was a teachable moment.

As stated on Zozanga English Forum:

Advice & Advise

The words advice and advise are often mixed up, which is quite understandable since they have similar spellings and meanings.

'Advice' is a noun: you can give someone a 'piece of advice'. For example, let me give you some advice about travelling in China.

'Advise' is a verb: He advised me to always keep my passport on me when I was in China. His advice was very useful.

Image from http://www.erikaliodice.com/career-advice-i-wish-someone-had-given-me/

Are You Ready to be Tested?

In Reading Workshop, students have read passages, wrote and rewrote answers, and been "practiced up" into submission.   They dream at night of "back in the day" when language arts was about reading and writing, thinking and discussing.  Their dreams are of a time before legislators decided schools and their students should be controlled by torture/testing. 

Students have been working hard, preparing for the Ohio Achievement Assessment and they are surviving.  Not only are they surviving, but they are getting smarter.  They are reading critically, and attacking questions to find the point.  They are shredding selections to find those details that earn all 4 points on  an extended response question.  Best of all is they are learning words, and they are much better than the words they learned on the back of the bus in third grade.

Good job students!  Tuesday is the day and your success on the test will make me smile.

Here's a chance to help your peers, Reading Workshop students.  What advise advice do you have to help your classmates on the reading test?

This post had been edited.  See Free Advise or Advice for details.

Image from http://atalante.co/fitness/motivation/persistence-determination-hard-work/

Why You Need to Use Your Strategies

She told the teacher giving her the practice test, "I don't need to look back.  I know the answer."  And maybe she did.  I will know today when we start to score the Ohio Reading Achievement Assessment practice tests.  She might have gotten a perfect score, but probably not.

The OAA doesn't test how smart you are.  It doesn't test your reading.  It doesn't show if you are a good student or not.  It doesn't show if I am a good teacher or not.  The OAA shows how well students can use test taking strategies.  That's pretty much it.  When the whole achievement test process is over, basically the student, the teacher, the school, and the district will be judged on how well students used test taking strategies.

Don't get me wrong, being a good reader and writer helps, but without using test taking skills, it won't get you a good score.  Why else would a lot of teachers drill and kill all year using achievement test passages and questions?  They want to get you "practiced up" so you can score well.

So back to this student.  Do you think she scored well?  If she didn't use the most basic strategy of going back in the passage to find/verify her answer, then I have to wonder what other strategies she ignored.  And knowing this is a test of students' ability to use test strategies, I know she could score higher than she did if she had used all of the strategies she knows.  

What about you Reading Workshop students?  What strategies did you use?   How did it work out for you?

Image from http://school.discoveryeducation.com