Internet Safety & Persuasive Writing

• INTERNET SAFETY

My 5th & 6th graders spent the first 9 weeks reviewing the Internet, including safety, e-mailing, downloads, viruses, texting, etc. Netsmartz.org is a wonderful resource to help introduce/reinforce all types of Internet and technology safety with students of various ages.

• WRITING

Fifth graders are learning business letter format by expressing a concern about our school environment to Mr. Elwood, our principal. This activity not only teaches the formatting they need, but more importantly, teachers them the proper way to write persuasively. Our students need to learn the power of communication, and how when done properly, this power can be put to good use. Our students often are wrapped in their own concerns but rarely are taught to look at things from many different angles. When they lay these issues on paper, it opens up their perspective and allows to them to offer solutions to problems. They are learning how to look at advertising and the techniques advertisers use to draw consumers in. I hope these lifelong skills stick with these students, not only so their writing improves, but more importantly, so they become more educated citizens and consumers.

Sixth graders reviewed the first amendment. We talked at length about the freedoms it protects and looked at examples from other countries where their citizens are not afforded the protections we are in the United States. We discussed cyber-bullying and the legal ramifications of this horrible crime, and now students are writing an Op-Ed on free speech and the Internet. Their topic, "Should speech be restricted on the Internet" has really opened up their minds to what others say, to whom they say it and how it is said. Students must think outside the box in doing keyword searches to support their opinions, and many, for the first time ever, explore why they think a certain way about something. These students have so much to say; they just need to be taught how to properly express themselves. When this happens, people will not only listen to them , but also take what they say seriously. technology can enable this by offering instant communication in the form of blogs, e-mails, board postings and social networking. This generation is at the forefront of a new wave of communication technology. I love being able to facilitate them and lead them into this era.

• My Tech Life

I FINALLY got my Smartboard. I use it in all my music classes and occasionally, drag computer classes down to it. I am mining the web for interactive sites for both my classes and as a resource for teachers. I will post these lists in the future, but right now and swamped trying to create resources. This technology is amazing, and it's ever-evolving nature is even more exciting. Next on my wish list are Ipads for all students. The possibilities are ENDLESS!!!

Until next time, work in the rain!