Monday, February 18, 2013

Happy (belated) Valentine's Day

On Valentine's Day ATP and I did a fun writing activity with our students using conversation hearts.  I apologize for forgetting to take a picture of a student sample, but here is my recreation.

 
It's a fun and creative way to express love for family members on Valentine's Day.  And even my "non-writers" enjoy the challenge of trying to work in as many conversation heart phrases as possible.
 
Note: For our students we used this free printable from Teachers Pay Teachers.  Enjoy!

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Well, Hello


Sorry I have been MIA over the past few weeks.  I will make it up to you soon!

A few fun things have been going on at school lately that I will be sharing.  One of which was my birthday.  My students and coworkers were so good to me! I think my afternoon group sang to me four times in the course of our class.  It really warmed my heart when one student wrote me a card saying, "You were born to be a teacher."  Aw.  And another wrote an interesting interpretation of our slogan "Kiss your brain," "Kiss your brian!"  Ha ha.

Kids are the best.


Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Persuasion is All Around

We're in the midst of our persuasive writing unit.  I've been trying to convince my students that this is one of the most common types of writing we encounter.  Tonight for homework they're looking for an example of persuasive writing.

What did I come home to in my mailbox??  At least half a dozen examples of letters convincing me to open a new credit card, sign up for health screenings, or buy new sweaters (and my new Anthro member card, a-thankyouverymuch).

 
Tomorrow we're going to look through the students' examples to help us learn about 'Persuasive Strategies.'  (Check out Read Write Think for the original sheet for students.)
 
I decided to also find some commercial examples to help solidify student understanding of a few of the concepts.  Here are the winners that I will share tomorrow.  Any you would suggest adding? 
 
 
Logos- using logic, numbers, facts and data to support your argument
 
 
Sprint, 2009
 
 
 
Pathos- appealing to your audience's emotions
 
Hallmark, 2013
 
Volkswagen, 2012
 
 
 
Ethos- making yourself seem trustworthy and believable
 
Nationwide, 2012
 
 
 
Kairos- building a sense of urgency for your cause
 
Target, 2011
 
 
Big Names- experts and important people that support your side of the argument
 
Mike Huckabee for President: Chuck Norris Approved, 2008
 
 
 
Research- using studies and information to make your argument seem more convincing
 
 
Clinique, 2012

Friday, February 1, 2013

Lazer Kraze

Last night we had fun celebrating good behavior with a group of our students. It was high-energy and we all had a great time. Thanks, ATP #2 for planning!