Handouts and Resources for Classes
From MySpace to OurSpaceFrom MySpace to OurSpace
Technology Learning Fair 2008Technology Learning Fair 2008
Improving Writing With TechImproving Writing With Tech
Podcasting with a PurposePodcasting with a Purpose
Syndicated EducationSyndicated Education
Internet 101Internet 101
Student Computers in ClassroomStudent Computers in Classroom
Mission BISD Camp PhotosMission BISD Camp Photos
Excel 2007 BasicsExcel 2007 Basics
Google AppsGoogle Apps
Convert Your HCK2 to FC 9.0Convert Your HCK2 to FC 9.0
Make Your Website Work For YouMake Your Website Work For You
Web 2.0: What is it Web 2.0: What is it
Blog This!Blog This!
 
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Improving Writing With Technology

This class' resources have been divided into the 6 +1 Traits, Genres of Writing, and Misc. resources. If you have a resource you would like to add, please email it to me at kestes@burlesonisd.net. All contributions and suggestions are welcome.


Improving Writing with Technology  6 + 1 Traits
 
Ideas - A clear, focused content packed with details
 
Voice - Writing that is active and engaging for the reader (a specific audience)
  • Using your voice to give your writing voice - use audacity to record your writing and help you hear the voice in a work
  • Play examples of speeches and audio books that demonstrate clear voice
  • Students write a piece and then record their own (or mix it up and record someone elses)
  • Students then review the works and critique with a rubric
  • Literary Theatre/Reader's Theatre
 
Word Choice - Choosing the right word or words to convey a message, idea, or feeling
  • Dead word funerals
  • photo story or video http://youtube.com/watch?v=kQODcdUtmH4
  •  Students choose the words that cannot be used in their writing or in class while speaking, write eulogies, put tombstones on the walls as reminders
 
Sentence Fluency - Sentences are clear, concise, and various lengths
Organization - The order makes sense, including strong transitions words and a clear beginning, middle, and ending
Conventions - Proper usage of grammar, punctuation, and spelling
 
Presentation - Neatness, appealling to the reader's eye
  •  Create your own literary magazine on your teacher website
  • Invite parents, teachers, fellow students to come read your work
 
All Traits -
 
Types of Writing
 
Narrative
  • http://hrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/marshs/movies/index.htm - March Movie Madness. 8th grade students write scripts that can be chosen to later be turned into short films. Students must base all short stories to demonstrate the plot diagram. (you could specify any content)
  • Reader's Theatre

Persuasive
Comparative
How-To
  • Photostories and video on How-To subjects (written by one group - recorded by another)
Research
  • Netrekker
Poetry
  • Song Lyrics
  • Research them for figurative language (metaphor, simile, personification, allusions, poetic devices)
  • I Am Poetry
  • Share your favorites
  • Encourage kids to read their favorites to the class
  • Record their readings
  • Turn it into a poetry SLAM, a beatnik coffee cafe
  • Have your students record other teachers and administrators sharing their favorite poems
  • http://www.favoritepoem.org/
  • Interactive SMART Lessons
  • Father's Day Poems
  • Easter Poems

Editing
  • Google Docs
  • SMART tools
  • Document Cameras
  • Gaggle.net

 Feedback and Peer Review
  •  Gaggle.net or Think.com
  • blogging
  • post student work and ask other classes to critique and comment

 
Learning is Fun


 
Professional Development & Teacher Tools
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