S-U-M-M-E-R is finally here. Yes, I’ve scheduled a few fun things with the family and I plan to spend plenty of afternoons reading in the hammock (Hillbilly Elegy, you’re up next), but I’m also already planning a big ol’ project for the new school year:
What do you think, teacher friend? What English class bits and pieces would you want included in the project? Due to the limitations of video, I suspect I’ll dig more into skills than specific works of literature, but I’m still not sure. Also, let me live vicariously as I read about your fun-in-the-sun plans. Leave a reply below and let’s have the BEST SUMMER EVER!
I’ve been teaching about as long as you and, as you know, we experienced teachers are called upon to mentor within our departments. It may be newbies straight from college or your friend down the hall who’s struggling with management or rigor. What advice or tips do you have any advice for mentoring teachers?
Thank you!
Traci
Oh yeah, Traci, I regularly walk this path with you. Here are a few ideas that might help: https://youtu.be/XevEjuNbgq8 🙂
Love the idea!
So I’ll be prepping for my IB Literature classes. My goal is to create some flipped lessons as well, particularly for that stuff that needs a bit of review every year (ahem…MLA). I would LOVE to also create some annotating videos to show the students the thought process that goes into it and how I can use that as a tool for digging deeper into a text and recognizing the elements and devices. Perhaps that could be a freestyle Friday activity for you!
Thanks, Ms. Mundy! 😀
GREAT suggestions, PositiveGrit. MLA and annotation. Check. Check.
YES! Take on this monster project!! I love it!!! Seeing good teaching in action would be AWESOME!! One thing I’d really love to see is station activities where students work in smaller groups. Thanks, and good luck with this. Can’t wait to see what you come up with for us! 🙂
Awesome idea! My focus is ways to offset student apathy and their ‘if it’s on Google, why do I need to know it’ attitude. So, any tactic that helps get them engaged and energized is a win in my book.
P.S. My kiddos are starting their 20Time Summer Honors projects and, once again, I’m blown away by their ideas. I’m eager to see what we create (yep, I do it, too!).
Thanks, Shannon! I’m thinking it’s going to be more self-study flipped content than classroom technique, though. Still brainstorming everything. We’ll see how it turns out… 🙂
You do 20Time over the summer, Jenn? I’m intrigued. Report back and let us about some of your favorite projects. 🙂
Yes please! More student-centered activities such as station and escape rooms, question trails, gallery walks, etc. Something to take the load off of the teachers most days and that will pique student interest/engagement along with high-interest content. I agree with more skill building (standards-based) than specific reading pieces too. I particularly want to see more writing activities. I can’t wait for this!! Thanks, Laura.
This project might be crazy for you, but crazy FABULOUS for all of us who follow. Many thanks for the inspiration and content!!
We’ll see, Crystal…I hope so. 🙂
Thanks, damianela11! Great ideas, but I now have no idea how to fold all of that into a YouTube format. Hmm… *mind spinning*
Super stoked to hear about this exciting new project!! I’m all for it and think you are a “huge nugget of awesomeness” … thanks for all your resources and insight into your creative brilliant mind!! Thanks for all you do for us to help make us want to be better … I can’t wait!!! I watch all your videos over and over so think it’s cool to get to see you in action!! I wanna be just like you when I grow up haha … Thanks
Thanks, Heidi! I’m guessing it’ll be more like hearing me in action instead of seeing me, but we’ll see how I can make this work. Love that energy! 🙂
Very exciting! It’s going to be great! I am moving next year – I have taught 8th grade for the past 10 years. Next year, I’m going to the high school to teach freshmen and sophomores. How exciting is that??? I’m looking forward to it! I can’t wait to see you/hear you as you work through this. Lots of good vibes coming your way!
Congrats on your move to join the high school crew, Megan! Good vibes right back at you! 🙂
Perhaps a video on improving commentary/analysis? This is something my students struggle with a TON! 😀
Great suggestion, Heather!
Laura,
I do not think you are crazy! I love the fact that you want to video your classes. I always read your blogs and have used a ton of your material I bought from TPT. I would love to see your classes in action! Go For It!!
Lorie Rude
Thanks so much, Lorie! I’m thinking there will be more hearing than seeing me in action (tech and work contract limitations are a real hurdle I’m trying to figure out), but I’m psyched that you’re psyched. Stay tuned… 🙂
Hi Laura . . . love the energy and if anyone can do this it is you. I am taking some time to relax while I recover from knee surgery to my right knee this time, so I cannot drive. Have a great summer and looking forward to your new project.
Aw, thanks, Kendall, for the note of support. I’m chipping away at the project already, doing a lot of the prep work that should make video production roll smoothly once the year starts. Stay tuned! Something will be uploaded, for sure. I just hope it helps some folks. Enjoy your forced relaxation. I have a feeling my right knee will need some of that attention before too long, too. Getting older is super-awesome, eh? 😉