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!
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.
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
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!
I love this kid! Have you seen "A Pep Talk from Kid President?" Adorable. I'm not 100% how this is relevant to teaching, but I'll probably show it to my students at some point. Maybe prior to testing week?
Maybe we'll discuss the line, "What's your 'Space Jam?'" Ha ha.
I also love, "We can cry about it, or we can dance about it." Maybe I'll make it into a classroom sign at some point.
By the way, I just got back from a massive pitching/ organizing session in my classroom today. I still have more I want to do, but I filled my trash cans. It feels so freeing to get rid of things I've had for years and not used.
I'm watching the inauguration and marvelling at the poetry of seeing President Obama sworn in for a second term as he looks out on the crowd, and just beyond, the new MLK Jr monument and hears the beautiful invocation of Myrlie Evers-Williams, wife of civil rights leader Medgar Evers.
...and of course I'm scrolling through Facebook while I watch :) Once again, my buddy Cynthia Lord nails the sentiment of a day like today by sharing this quote from Martin Luther King, Jr.:
Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.
Every stretch, every risk, every new experience changes you. I encourage you all to try something new with me this week in honor of MLK. To take that first step on the staircase, even if you don't see where it leads. To risk reaching out to people and experiences outside your usual comfort zone.
As Cynthia put it, "To make the whole world a little smaller. And your own world a little bigger."
