The Writing Workshop: A Valuable Tool for Differentiation and Formative Assessment

I am constantly looking for ways to get students excited about writing.  I follow a program that the school wants the teachers to use on a weekly basis.  I like the program and I can see growth in their writing abilities, although I would like to add some additional ideas on how to get my class excited about writing.

It just might be this class, this year, but they complain every time I assign their weekly paragraph.  I do not think that the assignment is challenging, it is simply requiring the students to write.  That right there is a task in itself.  So I love when I get good article to read and pull ideas from.  I would suggest it to others, it is a good read and may help your students like reading a little more.

Pennsylvania woman charged in deaths of infants

Of all the news-feeds that I have read through so far, this was greatly disturbing.  As soon as I started to read the article I started to shake my head in disbelief that someone would be capable of harming an infant - let alone 5!  I have to admit, I didn't finish reading it as it was ultimately depressing and saddening to read such an event took place.  Although nothing can be done to bring those children back into this world, it is my hope that the mother receives the mental care she needs and serves time in jail.

Annual SAAC Holiday Food Drive to be Held October 24

I was reading through the CMU newsfeed and this article caught my eye.  The holidays are not far away and with that comes the season of giving.  I try to donate items to the less fortunate throughout the year, but especially during the holidays.  When I see the signs for food drives I can not help but want to help and participate.  I think this is a great way to give back to the community and to remember how blessed and fortunate I am.

The Fish May Be Biting but the Ice is Thinning

I was reading through my new feeds today and an article on Pure Michigan Travel caught my eye.  One I didn't think there was ice on the water and two, winter is coming!  I love fall weather I wish it would stay :) There are so many things I like about fall and the idea of winter is not appealing to me.  But that is one of the beautiful things about Michigan, the wonder four seasons.  Although I do not ice fish, I would image those that do are counting the days until the "ice is not thinning".

What can schools do to increase interest in science, technology, engineering, and math?

When I was reading through EDUTOPIA today, I was immediately drawn to the following title, "What can schools do to increase interest in science, technology, engineering, and math?"  I think if this was a question that had one specific answer, a lot of time and questions would be eliminated in education.  My first initial thought is - conquer one subject at a time.  As if this questions has not been evaluated before one should look at just one subject to start.  If a teacher is trying to increase interest in science, see what works and does not work.  From that, one an approach the next subject such as technology. 

I think the bottom line is that schools are trying to improve their curriculum and gaining the interest of students in general.  Each year a teacher learns - each year a student learns - each year the school learns.  After the end of a year or lesson, one should evaluate the strong points and continue to strive for the best. 

This question can not be answered from one point of view.   It takes time and expertise. 

Netflix Streaming Accounts for 20% of Peak Internet Traffic

While I was reading through my RSS feeds tonight, the following caught my attention.  I was amazed to see and read that "Netflix Streaming Accounts for 20% of Peak Internet Traffic". I never would have assumed that the following would be true.  At first the number seemed large to me but the more I thought about it, the number is small.  I do not have a Netflix account but I am aware of how it works.  It is my understanding that those who have it, love it and are constantly ordering more movies.  Once a movie is finished, I am sure that another movie is wanted and thus searched for on the internet.  The article was interesting and for all those Netflix subscribers, it is a good read.


Enjoy, 
Amanda Kosin 

EDU 653

Hi everyone,

I am posting my first blog tonight.  Although I have used this before, I am trying to process all the other new tasks that lie ahead for us this semester.  Aside from this, there are many new programs that I have not used yet.  I look forward to working with everyone this semester and helping one another out.

Tomorrow is Friday and that is my favorite day of the week!!

Amanda Kosin