Erin+Swanson's+Work+Page

Erin Swanson Teaching background: HS English Internship experience: Elementary Area of expertise: Eating

2/14/12 Rebrief:

1. Reading and writing - of any sort - will make students better readers and writers. 2. The reading process is interactive but works in phases. 3. Students need to write every day and receive feedback from their instructors and peers in a non-threatening environment.

Activity:


 * Saint Edwin**

lights. stage. dance Our recital steps fluttered into the auditorium. I donned lipstick, patent shoes, and a ribboned glittered headpiece. The spotlight smiles as we rehearse our steps and taps. Applause. Day over; my moment turns black. heat. moths. finished. My darkened past on a scratchy phonograph.


 * MLK Freewrite**

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a day to celebrate the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr. Many communities hold remembrances that take a variety of forms - parades, speeches, etc. It is intended to be a day of service; non-profit organizations often publish opportunities for people to volunteer their time to help others. I have never participated in service activities on this particular day, but this is something I would like to do in the future. I also think that rather than remember the work of this great man on just one day, or during just one month, as a educator - and just as a person who cares deeply about issues of justice - I need to incorporate the lessons he teaches about love, equality, compassion, and hope throughout the entire year.


 * MLK Website Annotation**

http://mlkday.gov/ This website, designed and managed by the Corporation for National and Community Service, provides information about the origins and purpose of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. It also includes a "Find a Project" function where potential volunteers can search for Day of Service projects in their community, sign up for email updates about local projects, and/or post an MLK Day Search Widget on their website. For organizations and individuals interested in starting Day of Service projects in their communities, the site offers planning guides and a venue to register projects and recruit volunteers.


 * 5 Key Components of Writer's Workshop**

Student choice about topic/genre Active revision (constant feedback b/t peers and teacher) Author's craft as basis for instruction (through minilessons and conferences) Publication beyond classroom walls Broad visions of assessment that include process and product

Work in tandem with conferring, minilessons, running records, and writing portfolios.