Mar.11-Old tool great tricks

Today was an amazing example of critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration-whoo! For our study of Sound and the Fury I thought I might make the kids do a blog, an online reading journal and provide them with guidance along the way. The objective, of course, was certainly literary analysis, however, if you really have read this book, the first objective is to get them to keep reading. Most readers give up because of the difficulty of following the first chapter, let alone the rest of the work, written from the perspective of a severely mentally handicapped character. On top of that the narration is stream of consciousness and not in linear time. The challenge? can technology help? Well, surprise, not only did it help with motivation with the reading, there was a lot of extra learning perks along the way. First, Blogspot was blocked at our school so they couldn't see my blog with all the assignment directions:solution, I displayed mine through the teacher server. Second, they couldn't view their own blogs but they could still post so that worked. One student figured out that she could post the URL for her blog under the Edmodo assignment in comments so everyone will easily see each others'. Great opportunity for me to teach about protecting their online presence. Also, securing their blogs, managing comments etc. What I really loved though, was the excitement in the room. They couldn't wait for other people to read their work. "Can I be funny?"yes, use your own voice. Although today was just a refelection on their research of Faulkner, I can't wait to really see their reading reflections. I have "high hopes". Particularly because we all took a pledge, no spark notes for this one.-we'll see. I said they could talk to me anytime they're confused, even email. I am their resident expert. Wish me luck.