Thursday 16 May 2013

Writing for Real

Writing is all about communication, and can have a variety of purposes. Are you writing to update your friends on what you are doing?  Are you writing to entertain?  Are you writing to apply for a job and make yourself stand out from others?

When we give students the opportunity to write for a REAL audience, we are teaching them that their writing matters, and we are opening up the world to them.

Write Across the Middle is a blog site that allows student writers to submit work they have done, and is in turn 'published' on their website.  The exciting part is others can comment on the writing on the website (after it is approved by a moderator)! 

Check out http://writeacrossthemiddle.wordpress.com/, leave a comment or submit a piece of your writing!

Tuesday 30 April 2013

Kindness Boomerang

A short time ago, my wife shared a video clip with me from an organization called Life Vest Inside.  This group was started as a way to spread and share kindness through simple acts, with the idea being that the benefits from such acts can be passed along, person to person, and maybe even come back to you. 
I have always believed in the power of kindess that builds empathy and caring citizens. 
Click on the link below and let me know what you think...can simple acts make a difference?

Kindness Boomerang Video

Sunday 28 April 2013

Technology in the Classroom

Students today are increasingly exposed to technology as a way of learning and communicating.  Schools make use of technology such as computers for researching and writing, Smartboards for teachers to display and interact with information, along with others. However, could we be making more use of digital technology to engage our students (and even our parents)?
Should blogging, instant messaging, and shared document files be a part of daily learning?

Let me know what you think!

New Blog for Students, Staff, Parents!

This blog is for students, staff, parents...well, anyone that is interested in education and life at
Summitview Middle School!  Please feel free to leave comments.  All comments will be approved by me (the moderator) before they go live.

Thanks for being a part of our community!