Writer's Workshop Lesson Plan

Title of Activity: Writing A Folktale

Reference Section:
Scholastic Inc. (2006-1996). Folktale Writer’s Workshop with Alma Flor Ada and Rafe Martin. Retrieved Sept. 30, 2006, from http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/mff/folktalewshop_index.htm

Grade Level: 4

Subject: Language Arts

Brief Description of Activity:
Students will go to the website and work through the writer’s workshop. The address they will go to is http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/mff/folktalewshop_index.htm. They will work through the 4 steps of, 1. listening to the authors each tell one of their own folktales, 2. brainstorming, 3. writing their own folktale, and then 4. publishing it online. When they have completed each step the students will earn a certificate of achievement signed by Alma Flor Ada.

General Learner Outcome:
• Students will listen, speak, read, write, view, and represent to comprehend and respond personally and critically to oral, print, and other media texts.


Specific Learner Outcomes:
• The student will be able to list the elements of a folktale.
• TSWBAT write a folktale

ICT Outcomes:
C.1.2.1. access and retrieve appropriate information from the Internet by using a specific search path or from given uniform resource locations (URLs)
F.1.2.1. apply terminology appropriate to the technologies being used at this division level
P.6.2.1. select and use the technology appropriate to a given communication situation

Rationale for Computer Integration:
Computers have been integrated into this assignment to allow students to work at their own paces, and to allow them to work with two real authors. They are motivated by the exciting prospect of having their folktales published online, and receiving a certificate signed by the author. Hopefully, the students will be motivated to do their best work. They also get to hear a folktale online, read by it’s author, which makes it more personal.

Learning to Handle Failure

Will I fight or flee? This is the big question that cuts to the depth of my character.
My PS I group had our first presentations yesterday and my part was below the standards I have set for myself, dare I say that I thought I sucked. So, do I beat myself up about it for days afterwards or do I learn from it and go on? Yesterday I coundn't even face this question, but it's amazing what a good nights sleep will do.
I know that teachers experience failures, possibly every day, as they work with many different kids in many different situations. Failure can happen in the planning, time management, classroom management, working with colleagues, or in relating to the students. There are many factors that a teacher cannot control. But my concern is not so much about the failures, but about learning how to handle them in a healthy manner. I need to spend less time in self-deprecation and more time in getting on with the next thing that needs to be done. And maybe this skill develops with time and experience.
I am a fighter though and I will eventually have success at handling failure. I know I need to dwell on the positive and be thankful for every opportunity that comes my way.

Educ 3508

This assignment has introduced me to the world of blogging. It feels good to participate in the 21st- century, and get on board the technology wave. This may be very useful in the classroom, especially for the upper grades. I'm happy to be here.