Sixth Grade Teachers

The sixth graders are wrapping up the first unit in reading class. The great thing is that our conversations about short stories and comprehension are coinciding perfectly with our many discussions about blogging. Each sixth grader is ready to actually WRITE (we know that!), but reading is a huge piece of the blogging puzzle. In our minds, it’s one that is easily overlooked. 

In reading class, the sixth graders have been learning about four types of reading comprehension: literal, inferential, evaluative, and appreciative. Although we have been using short stories in class, students understand that reading for greater comprehension does not happen in isolation…whether they’re reading a newspaper, billboard, novel, or blog, sixth graders are taught how to comprehend on a variety of levels. They are expected to CONNECT with the text and dig deep to find greater meaning.

When students read for literal comprehension, they are able to recall key details (who, what, when, where), sequence events, summarize, and recognize the main idea that is stated in the text. While literal comprehension is important, we hope let our sixth graders in on a little secret: there’s so much more out there – there’s exciting stuff under the surface!

In class, we’ve encouraged students to dig deeper into the meaning of the text by making inferences. Students who ask why and how questions are engaging with the text on another (and more exciting) level.  As they draw conclusions, predict outcomes, identify cause and effect relationships, compare and contrast, and recognize the implicit main idea, they begin to understand the power of words and the influence of authors.

This, we think, is where blogging comes in. Not only do we want them to read blogs with a careful eye, we want them to explore topics (in their posts) that go beyond the surface. They will be influential authors. Their words will have power. Our sixth graders are beginning to understand what Will Richardson calls “The Read/Write Web.”

Last week, the sixth graders were busy exploring a number of blogs. On Thursday, we focused their attention on one topic: water. They explored six to seven blogs, and we asked them to consider a number of questions. In light of the “first post” that is looming on the horizon, their responses to the last question we asked were encouraging. It’s obvious that this group of sixth graders is serious about blogging.

What makes a blog appealing? Unappealing? Why?

“The posts [on this blog] were appealing because they seem organized. They are colorful and full of pictures which make it more interesting. I do think that it’s more convenient to have links so a reader can learn more information.”-Christopher

“I found that the writer of the post didn’t go into great depth on the posts. I disliked this because I feel that this didn’t help newcomers like me grasp the feel of the post quickly. I did like how each post had real-life situations that brought more life to the blog.” – Linzy

“I liked the way the writer expressed herself by using a story instead of just stating the facts.”-Darcy

“I love the pictures! I think that writers not only include pictures, but they include good ones (they make me want to look at them). Also, I love how a few of the posts (but not all of them) begin with quotes.”-Madeline

“This blog appeals to me because I can tell that the blogger understands and cares a lot about the topics they write about. They put a lot of time and effort into this blog.”-Simons

“I didn’t like the fact that the posts were so short. In Mr. K’s blog and Mrs. Tait’s blog the posts were much longer.”-Eric

“I noticed that the posts aren’t all happy all of the time. Posts can open up your eyes to problems and most importantly, how you can help.”-Lizzie

“I find it unappealing that the author hasn’t been keeping up with the blog.”-Brian

“I like the way the writer writes. I like the wording.”-Caroline

“I find the posts appealing because they make you think. I don’t like that some authors start off with a quote because I am the kind of person who likes to get more information first and then reflect on it a little more.”-Wellie

I already see powerful, reflective reading and writing going on.

Way to Go, Trinity School Sixth Graders!!

The past two weeks in the sixth grade hallway have been glorious! It’s not only the new leadership class, or the tablet computers, or even the fabulous team of Mrs. Bauer, Ms. Howard, Mr. Parrish, and Mrs. Steinberg, but it’s something else…

It’s what the sixth grade students are doing.

Connecting. Reflecting. Reading. Writing. Discussing. Blogging.

This year, all sixth grade students will be responsible for maintaining their own blog. The build-up has been intense. Students used inspiration and created a web that showcased their “introductory” knowledge about blogging. All 46 sixth graders tried to answer three questions: What is a blog? What words can be used to describe blogging? What are the subjects of blogs?

Next, students were given a chance to explore two excellent blogs. Tait Davidson, an Atlanta native and friend of Ms. Howard, is a Peace Corps volunteer in Tanzania. Her blog, Tait’s Tanzania Journal, serves as a solid example of the power of reflective writing. Students noticed the deliberate use of photographs to help tell a story and were even able to comment on a few of her posts. For homework, students were invited to peruse Mr. Kjellstrom’s blog, Edubabble for Technolytes.

As of today, all 46 sixth graders have spent a significant amount of time exploring the blogosphere. They have read blogs about soccer, horses, Africa, water, the environment, Harry Potter, lacrosse, science, and Japan. They have commented on posts and thought about the question: What makes an effective post? They seem like they’re ready. They act like they’re willing to take the plunge. It’s definitely going to be a wild ride…