Welcome to our clan of 7th and 8th graders at Penryn School! So much is happening that I thought a blog might be a great idea to keep all of you up-to-date in what is going on in our world. I know I am not the best at sending out newsletters on a regular basis so I think this may help you get an even better glimpse as to what is going on in your child's Language Arts and History classes.
As writers, we are currently crafting arguments; utilizing tools and strategies that I've gleaned from TCRWP at Columbia University the past two summers. Students set up a note-taking system for researching before establishing a position in an argument, find articles on both sides of an issue, read closely for ideas and evidence, rank evidence in order of importance, create a "Boxes and Bullets" graphic organizer to organize their thoughts, and craft an essay that defines the debate, makes a clear claim and supports the claim not only with reasons, examples and evidence but addresses the counterclaim as well. PHEW! Enough said.
Just today, I applied to attend a week-long advanced session in June and hope to hear back in the next few weeks. Attending professional development keeps me refreshed, informed, and inspired! I get to bring that energy back to school and into the classroom to share with everybody. If you would be interested in making a financial donation that will go to towards the cost of this institute, please send in a check made payable to Penryn PTC in any amount ($10 to $825 - lol! That's the actual cost of the class) ANYTHING helps!
