A Casual Evernote Experiment...

I introduced Evernote to my Junior advisory as a handy organizational tool. We had the iPad cart for the period so we set up accounts and played around with it a little. I showed a few ways of how I use it and explained why I liked it. I was curious how (or if) they would start using the app for their schoolwork. I will update this post as the reports/reactions come in...  

First Report In! 11/19 
In the hallway during study hall...
"Ms. Kennett - I've been using that app thing you showed us in advisory. It works great." -Allie
This is why Allie says she uses it:
     + still access notes when I don't have my stuff
     + wrote down homework in there
     + find myself more organized
Allie uses Evernote only on her phone, she access to the wifi at our school. Note: we didn't even have Advisory today and Allie caught me in the hallway and told me about it.

Advisory One Week Later... 
Maggie says she doesn't really want to use on her phone - "I feel like it's too small. On the iPad it's easier to see the visuals. I don't want to zoom in on all my notes and stuff. I don't want to type on my phone either - I feel like I can be more organized if I type it on the iPad."

Jess - "I feel like if I had an iPad it would be easier to use. I use Google Drive right now - on that app it's hard to type because you can't turn it sideways"

Brian - "It's confusing, and I don't have an iPad. Too much technology gives me a headache"

Kristen - shrug

Jason - "No - not interested, sorry"

Overall, it seems like it was good experience to expose them to Evernote, but without a personal purpose, this tool will stay in the toolbox until called upon. 

F Period : The Power of Choice : Which will you choose?

After you created statements about power, I took them and matched them to the choice book that connects the best. Skim through the images below, and choose which book you'd like to read.

We will return to these power statements through the books and as we finish them - you might write a few provoking ones in your notes so you can collect quotations through the text.

A Period : Power : Which Choice will you Make?

After you created statements about power, I took them and matched them to the choice book that connects the best. Skim through the images below, and choose which book you'd like to read.

We will return to these power statements through the books and as we finish them - you might write a few provoking ones in your notes so you can collect quotations through the text.

Term 2: Power in World Literature

This term, we will translate our investigation of power in Macbeth into an interrogation of power in texts from around our lives and around the world.

One goal of mine for a few years has been to fulfill a classroom writing goal of 1000 Words a Week. With a benchmark like this, I would be able to encourage multiple types of writing, from analysis, reflection, response, poetry, creative, etc. in low-risk ways and value it as formative assessment.

Below is my brainstorm from this morning, the evolution of my questioning about power (lower left), and my provocation to my students I'll put on the board tomorrow.

To consider:
- what to read alongside this writing goal
- workflow for checking on writing
- flexibility of benchmark for different students
- general topics of Term 3 & 4 to give balance to the year

Potential reading list (10th grade)
- Fahrenheit 451
- Things Fall Apart
- Lord of the Flies

Potential Workflow
- blue examination books (I give)
- student notebooks / journals (they buy)
- google docs (shared folder)
- Evernote (shared notebook)
Check once a week? M/W/F with 10 students at a time?


As a busy teacher (albeit sometimes too busy), I must say that these four day weeks are as important to my mental and physical health as they are to my creative classroom.

With that said, this is a special four day week I refuse to allow companies and sale promotions to co-opt. My leisure today is a gift from many, including veterans who have sacrificed for my freedom. Thank you.

Blog Examples

We talked in class about blogs, their purpose, and what they look like. Some of you said you don't read many, so I thought I would compile some examples of blogs that I read and enjoy.

Read at least three different posts across these blogs and tell three classmates and me 1) what you read, 2) what you thought, and 3) what you learned about blogs/blogging.

Brain Pickings - a variety of art, ponderings, the Beatles, some poetry, books, etc.
For the Love of Learning - clear and argumentative voice for change in school (he's from Canada)
A Stick in the Mud - a teacher who writes quickly about classroom happenings (and is a great doodler)
EdTechResearcher - Justin's most recent post is 'if you come across an iPad, smash it'
Grammar Girl - completely nerdy but very fun
David Zirin - focuses on sports and racism

Note the economy with words, how different each 'voice' is (think about how this translates to your own UHE blog), and how each post captures a single idea/has a single argument.

Dystopian Lit - Contact Info

Fill out the form below. It will 'disappear' when you have submitted it. Make sure you spell your email correctly. 

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Dystopian Lit : Friday Tasks

First, take this survey. Enter the survey code S2013505. It is very important that you take the survey seriously - it is part of a yearlong process of 'self-study' that the school is doing to determine strengths and areas for improvement.

1) Finish your paper. Add to the title 'FINAL.' Make sure it is shared with me at kkennett@teacher.plymouth.k12.ma.us
     Staple your packet in this order
        Notes: if your rough draft 'in' google docs, indicate it on a separate piece of paper. Make my life as easy as possible - it helps your grade.

2) Create a new blank Google Docs SPREADSHEET. Share it with me with both kkennett@teacher.plymouth.k12.ma.us AND katrina.kennett@gmail.com
Title it - First Last : Dystopian Lit : Rubrics

3) Work on your Book Trailer project (even though you don't have iPads - there IS prep work for you to do, like making sure you have all your quotations, connections to the real world, song suggestions - make a storyboard, slides for your project, etc.)

4) IF YOU ARE GOOFING OFF, Mr. Izzo will kick you off the computer and will leave me a note (and yes, there will be consequences for your immaturity...)