Every year I have my students write their first biography on their PE teacher. He is adored by all of them and so it makes it very easy for them to write a story. This year, I first showed a picture of him (which by the way, was taken by a student last year!) and we did a "Buddy Talk" strategy about all the things he can do, what he has, what he is like. Then we shared our sentences. Students went back to their seats and over a period of a few days, used graphic organizers to get their ideas down and then write the story. Some students had their first lesson in typing a word document. Others hand wrote them. All students drew a picture to go with it. Then, I had the students record themselves reading their stories. For this, we used my new Mac program Garage Band. I then turned it into a podcast for my Master's class homework assignment. The students can't wait to do their next writing project!
The link above will take you to the podcast where you can hear my students read their stories.
Here is one student's picture of their PE teacher.
Here is one student's picture of their PE teacher.
Hi Kathleen, after listening to your podcast of students telling about their PE teacher, this is a great follow-up. I think that getting students involved in writing is an essential tool towards empowering them for success in ELA.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way for younger students to express how they feel about their favorite teacher. Not only do they get to put their thoughts into words, they can hear their stories over and over again. One strategy that I use with my students to help them understand that the sentences that they write are not of high quality is to have them recorded and played back to the she student. Now through pod casting, it is a much simpler process.
ReplyDeleteKathleen,
ReplyDeleteI love your idea to get students writing- very creative. Funny how the PE teachers are so loved, it is the same at my site; he is their favorite. I bet those would make a cute VoiceThread book with all their writing pieces and art work :)
I love your idea. My students also love one of our PE teachers and I am going to borrow your idea for next year. i think they will love it. Thanks for sharing. Every time I see a tea cup I think of you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the nice comments, everyone. Cynthia, let me know how it goes with your students. We are currently working on a story about their music teacher now and will publish their typed stories (some are handwritten) in a class book, but we'll also do the podcast. This time, we'll add some music background if I can get all the students to read louder. I have more students trying to finish so they can read and be recorded! And thanks for thinking of me, Cynthia, when you see a teacup!
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