Secret Pal Strikes Again!

So...I have a fabulous secret pal...She is perfectly poetic (her notes are thoughtful and full of alliterative language)...and she has absolutely artistic handwriting...and she seems to know exactly what I like. But...most of all, I love the surprise of getting a thoughtful something when I'm not expecting it. Thanks, secret pal.

This past week we had a writing marathon, and I absolutely LOVED the sharing part. Of course, we didn't evaluate our words in any way, so I'm taking this opportunity to say that my group ...and the experience...was delightful and inspiring.

Some of you asked about Peter Elbow's map of writing, so I thought I'd upload it here for your use, if you are interested. It spells out the importance of providing a variety of experiences for our students.

I also have a link to the National Writing Project's review of the New Orleans writing marathon. This provides examples from that first marathon, and a clear picture of the experience.

So...kind thoughts to you all...especially my Secret Pal!

Barb

Young at Heart

During last night's edition of Night Line, an interview with a choir director absolutely mesmerized me. He had worked for years with a group of senior citizens who loved rock and roll, alternative and contemporary music. I thought... What a great idea! They had video footage, and sure enough, when I looked it up on YouTube, there they were. So...this version of "Fix You" (by Coldplay) is my inspiration for the day. I love the song, but somehow the lyrics took on a new meaning in this performance. The interview revealed that three weeks earlier, the soloist's partner (it was meant to be a duet) died, but the performance went on...

Here's a link to a movie trailer about the group.

So...I was thinking...Wouldn't it be interesting to actually study the lyrics, then watch the original video version of this tune (with the lyrics in front of you), and then watch the Young at Heart version of the same song (again with the lyrics in front of you)? I think my students would have had a great discussion (some interesting blogging) about how the lyrics took on new meaning, depending on which version they watched.

...And I think that if I were still in my own classroom, I would have been excited to teach this lesson (I'm a nerd), especially when we studied Romeo and Juliet. Think of the possibilities....What would these lyrics have meant to Romeo? Juliet? Paris? Lord Capulet? Lady Capulet? etc., etc., etc...

Finally found it!!

I don't know how I did it but I finally found our blogger site. I am such a computer genius...it is actually frightening. I hope those of you who were having flooding problems are "back to normal". Wow, what a week that was. When I figure out how to put pictures on this site I will post a picture of our new rescue dog "Judy" (Boston Terrier). she is cute but still hasn't quite figured out that the yard is where we do our business!!!

DooDoo
AKA Jennifer

On the Road Again...

I've been down this week...really down with the stomach flu. I don't get sick very gracefully. Since I never get sick, when I do, I think I'm dying. Anyway, I've not commmunicated with anyone, and I'm sorry I missed Kim when she was in town (I saw I missed a call). This afternoon was my first to finally feel human...

I was going to play with Photo Shop and see if I could superimpose my face on Willie's, but then I thought...Gosh, I'm starting to look kind of like him anyway.

You might see this picture on the blog and get it...Hey, there's Barb...

Well, I'm stalling...I must finish up end-of-the-month reports and expenses!

Adios,
Barb