Final Day!

     Wow! So many talented individuals in so many ways. We learned that there are endless resources out there. No matter what you would like to do. We had some time to search for lessons and then hear about what others are planning on doing with their class. Everyone's story was unique. Thank you for a wonderful week! I am excited to implement all I learned.

Day 4

    Another exciting day of technology. It was a combination of excitement and frustration all in one. Once I finally got the hang of things the end product was rewarding. I am looking forward to seeing everyone's story. The digital world is fascinating and possibilities are endless.
     The afternoon part of our day enabled us to see some of the amazing things teachers are doing with their classess. Truly inspiring. Lesley shared an amazing project than showed how someone else took the same project done several years ago and brought it to the 21st century. Rona shared some amazing videos that are eye openers to what our students are doing and how they feel about what some teachers are or are not doing. I'm looking forward to our last day and feeling inspired to get creative with digital technology.

Day 3

    Posting early morning because I was busy with company last night. :)
      Day 3 of the workshop was intense. We were intensely working on the digital aspects of our projects. It's amazing how tedious technology gets. This was fun I certainly can see where kids will just take off with this.
     We made a 40 sec. daffodil story and then plunged right into our story. It was fun recording our voices. Rona you are right I do not like hearing my voice. Thanks Rona for working so hard at helping us and being so patient with us Mac users. I am looking forward to getting this all put together. First times are always difficult. The more you practice the better you get. See you later.

Day 2

     Today was very productive. First we reviewed the Workshop philosophies and the Key Elements of a successful Writing Workshop Program. I was fortunate to have Lesley and Donna give me feedback on my personal narrative in a fish bowl setting. Thanks for the great ideas.
     It was now Rona's turn and she gave us a little history on digital storytelling and showed us some moving digital stories. Lunchtime :) We discussed how we were going to start getting our graphics for our story. Time to get started on this technology stuff. First, what I thought was great narrative had to be shortened to less than 500 words. I started with about 779 and made it to about 496. Whew! I created a paper story board. basically a plan for all the digital stuff. I learned how to make new folders and put everything in these folders. I found most of my images and once again stuck them in my folder. Feeling quite productive. Coming to an end and getting all my ducks in a row. I am really enjoying my time here. :D

Day 1

     First Day of the writing retreat was great. There's no better way to grow in our profession that with each other. Lesley was wonderful. I love that she shares so many stories about her experiences in the classroom. Our brainstorming activity and the sharing of mentor text gave me new inspiration in my writing assignment. It's amazing how right when you think that you have run out of ideas or that you really don't know what to say Lesley finds a way to help you think deep. I have made it to this blog but I am not sure how. :D
   I'm looking forward to tomorrow, technology is definitely something that gets the best of me. Tomorrow will be an adventure. Thanks for a great day everyone!