First Day Fun

The first day can be disorientating for students.  They struggle to navigate the hallways, decipher the mysterious inner workings of their combination locks, and keep track of the varying demands of five new teachers.  In an effort to make a human connection on the first day, I play Three Truths and a Lie with my students.  The game is simple.  I present four statements about myself.  Three are true; one is a fib.  It's a great way to get to know the teacher and have a little fun on the first day.  To play along, watch the video below.  Can you spot the lie?  When you think you know, ask your son or daughter.  They'll let you know if you're right.

http://youtu.be/dYPWPXbXaD4

Poetic Forms Workshop

We're in our second week of our poetry unit.  Thus far, we've learned how to create haiku, limericks, and free verse poetry.  Currently, we're working on writing a poem to give as a gift.  The benefit of giving poetry as a gift is that the students have a real audience for their poetry.  This week we'll be engaged in a number of projects.  First, we'll be working on putting together a poetry book.  Next, kids will have an opportunity to enter a poetry contest here.  Finally, we'll be getting ready to perform in a Beatnik Cafe, where students will find a poem they love, memorize it, and then recite it in front of the class.

Class Blog

Everyday exciting things are happening in Mr. Lawlor's Language Arts class.  My hope is that this blog will be a repository for text, pictures, and video related to my classroom lessons.  As often as possible, I'd like the blog posts to be created by students.