Bobbie

4/1/2011 -Reflecting back on the year, can you name an idea/question/ strategy we discussed that you would like to explore further in the future? I am interested in finding out more about use of a "magnet" word as a strategy for increasing literacy. Overall, I am interested in the general exploration of different strategies for increasing literacy. I want to find more ways to have more students assessing the textbook and its resources. I would like to explore the concept of "reader's workshop" and building up reader stamina and how to sustain that so we have more and better readers at the high school level

-In what ways would you like to keep the conversation about literacy in the content areas going either with this group, HVWP, or in your own school community? I am excited to have been accepted into the HVWP Summer Institute and am looking forward to further conversations and explorations there. I hope to present at a math conference next year regarding strategies for increasing literacy in the content area. I also would be interested in strategies to help other math teachers explore different ways to increase literacy.

- What recommendations can you make to us about improving the group/experience next year? I thought the experience was valuable and we explored a number of different concepts. I enjoyed the conversations with the other members. My suggestions for improvement: (1) increased participation and attendance so more ideas/strategies can be discussed--I was hoping to leave the study group with ideas from other teachers that I could begin using in the classroom (2) Fridays are a difficult day for teachers to commit to; a different day would likely increase attendance (Wed or Thurs)--personally, I am tired at the end of the week and Friday is one of the few days I get to spend time with my family

3/4/2011 Crib Sheet: Assessing Multimedia Projects

Multimedia Projects in the content area (math) classroom: Powerpoint presentation on math history or mathematicians or math-related careers; creation of CD; creation of movie about something related to math; skit, performance, or presentation; student generated review assignment that could incorporate technology; creation of a cartoon or newspaper article to express/explain a mathematical concept; use of a wiki for student discussion based on a particular topic.

2/4/2011 Shanahan article:

Some frightening although not surprising stats regarding student literacy at the high school level. My colleagues and I frequently discuss possible reasons for student reading and writing difficulties. How do we (teachers) get students to read outside of the school day especially if they are not "readers?"

12/3/2010

I knew students encountered many words each year but I was surprised to see the number estimated to be 10,000 or more

Information about students who do not read very often having a vocab deficit reinforced some of my own thinking. Texting and "shortcut" words also seems to have an effect on student vocabulary, student writing, what is appropriate for inclusion in written work (especially graded/handed in written work).

Math Vignette: I thought it was nice to see a specific example of how to include literacy strategies into my content area. Most sources simply say that literacy should be taught in the content areas, but no definitive strategies are offered. I do teach students mean, median, mode, and range so as I read, I was considering how I may be able to include this in my lesson. I was thinking of ways to modify it if necessary for my students.