xtra normal again

I was trying to use voki to work on my ESL student's writing skills, but she became so obsessed with changing her avatar's hair and clothes that it distracted her from the writing, which was the real purpose. (Quite possible the distraction was also avoidance, since she knew writing was the next step and is a reluctant writer.) I'm wondering if xtra normal would push the writing more, since you naturally want the characters to have a dialogue. Here's a sample that I'm going to show her to introduce her to the web site. (I heart pawz!)

Vokis for paragraph writing

I'm working with some teachers who are using voki to work on the goal of having students write a complete paragraph that sticks to one topic. I modeled brainstorming about my interests, family, and experiences and had students help me choose the most interesting ones to use for my paragraph. They helped me write a first draft of an "About Me" paragraph last week. Next week, I'll show them these final drafts. If we had more time, this would lead really well into digital storytelling. (I had a little difficulty getting my voki to say "La Mega se pega," but I think she got close enough.)

Calameo

Trying out Calameo at the recommendation one of my technology mentors, Karen Brooks. Can see the possibilities for this in terms of publishing student research as well as creative writing. I just wish you could edit it once you upload the document.

Chimamanda Adichie speaks on culture and writing

A friend sent me the link to this speech on TED. It took me a long time to get to it, but was totally worth watching. Food for thought for writers and teachers, especially on how we see our students (the danger for us as teachers of reducing our students and their families to "single stories") as well as how our students see themselves as writers. I became curious about Adichie's writing and checked out Purple Hibiscus: now I'm eager to read more of her work.