Kiel - Refine Paper 1

Reflection 1

Casey Kiel

Gwinnett County: ESOL Endorsement Program

Methods

08 March 2013

Refine:

            The section on exploring written language functions brought some ideas that I already use, such as, posting rules or directions and a schedule.  However, it also had some ways of exploring writing that I hadn’t thought of or just haven’t tried.  I liked the idea of the question box.  I could see that being set up in my investigation station.  While exploring nonfiction books on our science and social studies units they could enter any wonderings they have.  The idea of the post office is one that I have thought of before, but am concerned about the management.  I think I may try a mailbox just between myself and each student.  I already have about four students who bring me a note every other day.  They would love it if I found a way to write them back more than once in a blue moon. 

This chapter also suggested “dialogue journals”.  One of my co-workers at school, has started something similar to this called blogging journals.  She has four journals with different topic labels (sports, travel, family, and fun).  Students can write their own entry and or respond to a friend.   

There were several helpful hints in the book by Zainuddin, as well.  The first suggestion, which I need to follow, is to post technology vocabulary in a kid friendly way near the devices.  In addition, I hope to try videotaping students performing in reader’s theater, very soon.  This will be available to view for rainy day recess, rewards, or perhaps for early finishers.  There were a couple of websites I want to bring to my media specialist.  She and I often team teach research lessons, and I am always looking for new ways for students to present their research.  This book offered some websites that look like fun ways to create slides.  Finally, I want to learn more about e-pals.  Perhaps, we can become e-mail buddies with another class across the country or maybe even another country.  I envision us beginning writing by reading or writing our e-pals one or two times a week. 

I look forward to trying out these new ideas and exploring the many websites our books had to offer.