KHPS - Thing 5

Both lessons I would use from Thinkfinity include student interactive resources from Read Write Think.  The first is a persuasive writing map that helps students plan out a persuasive writing essay.  I actually use this already this year, and it really helped the students organize their thoughts.

Persuasive Writing Map

The second student interactive that I would use is a business letter/friendly letter maker.  This program guides you through all the steps in a business letter, and even allows you to print when you're done.  Business letters are so specific that this interactive allows students to easily abide by the correct format.

Business Letter/Friendly Letter Format

Student Websites and Blogs

I have begun a project with my class involving developing their own website.  I have found them to be highly motivated thus far.  I have scripted out exactly what pages they need, as well as how many blogs.  My class is blogging weekly on two things:  First, they all set a goal for themselves, so they blog on how the goal is coming along.  Second, they reflect on something they have learned throughout the week.  Thus far, the students are doing a really good job, and as I mentioned before, they are very engaged.  I intend to use these websites as an e-portfolio during spring conferences.  I currently use weebly for my student sites.  It isn't free, but it is relatively cheap (I think it's $40 per year).  There are, however, several free student blogging sites.  Edublog and Kidblog are two free sites for blogging.