After sampling our Kids Work page, do you have a favorite piece and/or a favorite genre? Please give specific feedback about what you like. Do you have any questions or comments to make after reading a specific piece? Be sure to let us know!
After sampling our Kids Work page, do you have a favorite piece and/or a favorite genre? Please give specific feedback about what you like. Do you have any questions or comments to make after reading a specific piece? Be sure to let us know!
March 28, 2008 at 12:35 am
Student #6,
I really enjoyed your narrative story “The Bad Storm.” I especially liked your word choice of “tingly,” and “shaky.” I have never experienced a tornado before, but a few weeks ago I thought one was coming towards my house. I felt “tingly,” and “shaky,” too. Thanks for sharing your writing!
Dianna
March 30, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Wow, I’m so very impressed with these children and their writing skills. One of my favorite genres was the narrative portion. One of my favorite narratives was “I Want To Be A Biologist.” I feel that as a future English teacher it is so very important for students to begin writing from an early age. As an after school teacher I see children who struggle to express them selves through their homework writing assignments. writing is such an important skill that will follow each child through their education. More so, I have seen so many students at the college level who are terribly intimidated by writing. I was wondering if you have a philosophy for how you present writing assignments to your students? Also, why do you think students struggle with writing so much later in their educational stepping stones? Do you feel that there is something all educators should keep in mind when creating writing exercises/assignments. I think you are doing a great job with these children. More so, it is exciting to see a teacher so excited about their profession. It is encouraging to future teachers like myself!
March 30, 2008 at 11:09 pm
Number 16, Madison,
I like rhymes also, and Dr. Suess is one of my favorites authors. I enjoyed your podcast, and I think you did a fantastic job.
I wrote a story imitating Dr. Suess’ rhymes. If you would like to read it I can E-mail Ms. Kelly a copy.
Did you enjoy making the podcast? I am in college and we are doing similar assignments. I like doing them because I think they are really fun.
Keep up the good work!
Lance
March 30, 2008 at 11:27 pm
I would like to congratulate your class on all their hard word. These podcasts are fantastic. Each piece shows the individuality of the students, from their choice of introduction music to the selection of the piece of literature they discuss. I especially love how the students get a chance to work with technology while also doing some good, old-fashioned reading. All around, I think this is a great assignment! It reminds me of NPR’s segment called “You Must Read This” that appears on their show All Things Considered. You guys may want to check out their website; they have a few segments that discuss children’s books. Again, this is a wonderful assignment that can work for all levels of students. And to me, there is nothing better, or more rewarding, than getting students excited about reading.
March 31, 2008 at 12:18 am
I am currently studying to be a highschool English teacher at Kennesaw State University and Dr. Crovitz suggested we check this site out. I must say I am incrediblely impressed. The use of technology and the blog is in itself impressive, but more importantly is the fact that an elementary classroom is being challenged. When reading the work of student 13 I was impressed with the level of organization and thought that went into his work. He recognized the point of view represented by the wolf in his version of Little Red Riding Hood and expressed it clearly. He clearly wrote of his love of basketball and understanding of the game. I am glad that there are young minds and motivated teachers at this level who will provide highschool teachers with students already at the highschool level. Thanks for your efforts and tell student 13 good job.
March 31, 2008 at 2:05 am
This comment is for ‘Student 10′ -
I had a lot of fun reading over your narrative pieces and listening to your “Whale Sharks” podcast. You are a very talented writer and story-teller!
In “A Tornado Attack,” you really draw the reader in by including a lot of interesting detail and imagery. Using describing words to tell the reader about your ride home, your chimney, and the setting sun helps to paint a vivid picture for your audience. You also did a fantastic job including a lot of important details. You explained what you did before leaving the hotel, what you did when you got home, and even how your dog felt about seeing people standing on your roof! You also relate to your reader by asking “Have you ever had a tornado in your neighborhood?” It’s good to ask questions in your writing, because it makes the reader think! When you find a way to make that kind of connection with your audience, it helps keep them interested in your story. Great job!
I also really enjoyed your “Whale Sharks” podcast. I recently visited the Georgia Aquarium and got to see a whale shark up close. It was a lot of fun to see them, but your podcast has gotten me interested in learning even more about these animals! You began by stating the name of the book and its author, using the adjectives “great” and “awesome” to describe the work. More importantly, you defended your opinion by quoting an interesting fact from the book and describing what kind of person would be most interested in reading it. I also liked your choice of music for the intro and the outro…just be sure it doesn’t cut off your voice!
I think you’re a really talented student and I hope you enjoy writing! By the way, have you ever been to the Georgia Aquarium? If you really like Whale Sharks, you should go see them!
-Justin
March 31, 2008 at 3:03 am
Student 2
The music in the begining sounds professional
I loved your podcast for the book Patch. It is clear that you enjoyed the book and that allowed you to make a great presuasive argument as to why others should read it. I liked that you included “pirate talk” and also told the listeners where they could get the book so they could read it too. You did a great job with this podcast!
March 31, 2008 at 1:56 pm
I enjoyed reading the posts on your website. I especially liked the narrative pieces. It is exciting to see what third graders can do – I am really impressed! The stories about the storms were my favorite as I remember how it felt when I was 8 years old and storms would scare me. I also enjoyed reading about Little Red Riding Hood. I didn’t know about the different versions of the original story. After reading your reviews, I want to read the new one. It is important to be able to express yourself with words and all of you are doing great work. Keep it up!
March 31, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Ms. Kelly,
Thank you so much for posting the childrens work. I really enjoyed reading them and listening to them. I’m very impressed in the children’s writing and what they have accomplished. The works are clearly organized and very easy to follow. For instance, I read the essay on how to be a 3rd grader. I thought it was wonderfully written with an introduction, thesis, body paragraphs, conclusion….I didnt start getting into that until I hit middle school. I think its amazing that these children are starting so early. The essays were expressive and It seemed like the children were very into their works. I’m curious, were they aware they were going to be “published” online. If so, how did that impace the way they wrote? I’m also curious to know if you have a time frame. I would love to be able to see how their work progresses throughout the year.
March 31, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Way to go Ms. Kelly’s class!! I hope you all enjoyed experimenting with podcasts. I think each of you should feel proud of your use of technology to share your reading experiences.
Student #2, I especially liked your voice clarity and tone. You come across very confident and enthusiastic. The music at the beginning has the type of beat that quickly catches the listener’s attention. Your wording at the end of the podcast is also very catchy.
Student #3, I think your choice of music was nice too. I especially liked the way you finish the podcast by not telling the story. This sparked my interest, and could very well cause people to want to read the novel.
March 31, 2008 at 3:46 pm
I am so impressed with these kids because I would have such a hard time with this.
This is to #16
One of my favorite books is Green Eggs and Ham. I love how she says a quote from the book by the character Sam “If I eat it, would you, could you, let me be?” This is one of the best lines in the book and probably one of the funniest. I really enjoyed how she concluded the piece by saying “Breakfast anyone?” Not only is she adorable but she is also showing that knows how to add a great concluding phrase.
Wow! You are a very smart girl! I hope you keep working hard because you seem to be very talented! Great job with learning how to work with Podcast. I hope that you enjoy more of Dr. Seuss’ books because they are wonderful!
March 31, 2008 at 4:25 pm
I really enjoyed the podcasts. One of my favorites was number 5 who talked about My Colored Days by Dr. Suess. I also enjoyed number 4 who was discussing Cam Jansen’s Book. The rock music at the beginning and end added an unique touch for me. I enjoyed how vividly the students spoke about the books. The podcasts all sound very well produced and thought out. They are clear, coherent, and simple. Great job!
March 31, 2008 at 6:20 pm
To student # 12, Mitchell,
I really liked your narrative “All Boys in A Snowstorm at Portage Lake.” I thought you used great words to describe the events that took place in that huge snowstorm. I am a huge hockey fan, so I really liked your reference about ice skating being harder than the pros make it look–that’s true! I also liked your persuasive essay on “The Wolf’s Story.” You summarized the story well, and you used some good facts from the tale to persuade me to read it. To be honest, I think your story, “A Track Star” was most excellent. I love the way you share your experience with running since you were only two years old. I also appreciate the fact that you talk about your main opponent, Jackson, and how he challenges you. You write really well, and you remind me of myself when I was a young writer. Great Work!
March 31, 2008 at 6:43 pm
This comment is for student 11.
This book seems really cute! You made me want to read it.
“Hi, I’m Danielle. And I have a book you might want to read.” This opening is perfectly simple and automatically creates a sense of familiarity. Also, your enunciation throughout the entire podcast was superb — I could understand every single thing you said, but you didn’t seem rehearsed or bored. Also, your use of the word “spectacular” struck me; you seem very confident with speaking.
Good job!
March 31, 2008 at 9:17 pm
This is for student #7
I really liked your podcast about hammerhead sharks. I could tell that you really enjoyed reading this book. You also provided your listeners with a lot of interesting facts that many people probably don’t know about hammerhead sharks. For instance, I didn’t know that hammerhead sharks can swim 900ft below water. That is amazing! But hopefully they stay way down there so they won’t scare the swimmers at the beach with their “blade-like” teeth! Overall, you have a great way of describing cool characterstics about hammerhead sharks, and your information really got me interested. Thanks again for the recommendation! And keep reading cool books, Clayton
March 31, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Dear Madison/#16,
I really enjoyed listening to your podcast on Dr. Suess’ Green Eggs and Ham! I am a student at Kennesaw State University and I’m taking a class that teaches all about the use of technology in the classroom. We’ve learned about wikispaces (a page on Wikipedia), blogs and podcasts. My teacher has us doing very similar assignments to what Ms. Kelly has your class doing. Have you heard of a wiki before? Was doing the podcast difficult?
To me, the best part of all of Dr. Suess’ books is the fact that they rhyme. The rhyming seems to make them more fun to read. I love the fact that you discovered Green Eggs and Ham when you were younger (smile) and still enjoy it now! Keep on reading and keep up the great work in school! Fabulous podcast, Madison!!
April 2, 2008 at 1:11 am
By Julian Smart:
For Student # 7 Clayton Lee Jones. You are very descriptive and enthusiastic about one of your favorite passions which is baseball. I read your short story titled “Life in Baseball” and was brought back to my childhood days as a young youth playing basketball and soccer. You never know how much you love a sport until you get older because some of the same things that you used to do with your best friend, I also did the same. It is no other feeling like playing against one or some of your best friends in a sporting arena because you have to bring out the best of your competitiveness in order to win and talk the most trash afterwards.
Your podcast on the Hammerhead Shark’s was another humorous and entertaining example of using technology at its best. Keep up the good work because sky is the limit for you my boy!
April 2, 2008 at 11:56 am
Thank you kelly for complimenting my pdcast I did put alot of work into making that podcast and writting it.
April 2, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Dear Dianna,
I am glad that you enjoyed my my story the Bad Storm. I had a tornado come towards my house when I was outside! I did get in safe and sound.
My teacher tells us to be very descriptive when we write stories. That is how I came up with the words “tingly” and “shaky”.
Love,
Student #6, Abbie
April 2, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Dear kkenne18,
Thanks for your the comment. I bet you like rock music. Maybe even mysteries. I am still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. Either a mucision or a detective. Do you want to be any of those?
Sincerely,
Curtis, number 4
April 2, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Dear Lexy,
Thank you for you coment. I thought it was sweet. My parents also liked your coment they were inpressed that someone form anouther school would blogg to us at Arnold Mill.Pluss my parents wanted to know were you go to school.
April 2, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Dear Donna,
Thank you for giving me a well done statment. I olso like number 3`s podcast. Thanks.
your responder,
Julean
April 2, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Dear Wes,
Thanks for the coment on those writings. One question is do you run track. You are the only one that blogged to me, that is why I am asking you that.
#12 Mitchell
April 2, 2008 at 12:33 pm
To:Lance
from:Madison16
Yes, I would like to see your story. Yes, podcasting is very fun. We taught our bookbuddies.
Hope to hear from you again,
Madison16
April 2, 2008 at 12:39 pm
To: Jessica
From: Madison
I want to say thank you for writing me. I think that’s my favorite part to.
Your Friend,
Madison16
P.S. I hope you write back to me soon.
April 2, 2008 at 12:48 pm
To: Lesli
From: Madison16
Yes, I have heard of wiki. No, Podcasting was very simple. We even taught the kindergartners.
Your friend,
Madison16
P.S. I hope you write back soon.
April 3, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Hi Abbie (student #6),
What kind of writing are you working on now? What is your favorite so far?
I’m working on a multi-genre collection for my ethnic literature class. It sounds fancy but it really is a lot of fun. Was it difficult to do the podcast? I am just learning how to do a podcast in my college technology class. You are so far ahead of me! I’m impressed. Keep up the great work!
Your KSU friend,
Dianna
April 3, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Dear awesome, talented, smart Madison!
I am so excited to hear from you! How did you like working with the kindergartners? I have a daughter who is in kindergarten. I always liked teaching the younger students when I was in school. It made me feel special to be able to help someone else. That could be part of why I have always wanted to be a teacher.
I am studying to be a high school Language Arts teacher. What is your favorite subject in school? I have some homework that I need to get done so I’ll be able to relax over the weekend. Do your teachers give you homework over the weekend? I hope to hear from you again soon.
Your super extra cool email friend ~ Lesli (lol)
April 3, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Dear Student 6 (Abbie),
Wow! I am so impressed with your writing, with your choices of books, and with your podcasts. When I heard your podcast about Angel Child, Dragon child, I wanted to read the book right away! I also want to read Red Riding Hood because I have never read the fairytale where the wolf starts to work for the grandmother.
I also really liked your narrative about the storm. One time I was really scared during a storm, too. The storm that came over my neighborhood pelted my skylights with hailstones that were as big as baseballs!
I hope you have enjoyed all the reading and writing you have done for your class. You are a very talented writer, and I hope when I am a teacher that I get students who are as smart and creative as you.
April 4, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Dear Jules,
I am glad that you are intrested in my writing, and my podcast. Our teacher tells us to work hard on our work. I enjoy writing stories and making podcasts.
I want to be an author when I grow up. I wrote a story called Molly’s Best Christmas Ever. It is my favorite story I have written. I am working on a story called The Mouse and The Raccoon. It might sound pretty weird but it is actually coming a long really well.
Love,
Abbie
April 4, 2008 at 1:21 pm
To:Lesli
From:Madison16
Hi, yes I love working with kindergarden. But, they move aroung a lot.
My favorite subjuct is Math because are theacher puts us in a challenge.
No, we do not get homework on the weekend. Unless It is over a break. We are going to be doing a projuct over spring break and taking pictures oh were we go.
Your friend,
Madison16
P.S. Write back soon . Bey
April 4, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Dear Rockinrobbin,
I’m working on two stories at the moment. One I am almost done with. It is called The Mouse and The Raccoon. I have one I just started on called Jalop, the boy who couldn’t stop talking. They are both coming along well.
My favorite story so far is a story I have already finished called Molly’s Best Christmas Ever. It is a very good story.
I want to become an author when I grow up. I think it is so much fun to think about all of the amazing adventures a book can take you to.
Love,
Abbie (student #6)
April 4, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Dear Lesli,
I dont no now if your bloging to me or Madison 16. But if your bloging to me heres my blog to you. I would love to have a little sister but insted I have a 11 year old brother. I hope you enjoy having a little sister. I hope your doing good in school. If your wondering how i’m doing in school i’m doing great. I think bloging is fun. What do you think about it? My favroite subject is math. I want to be a teacher when I grow up. Were are you going to spring break? I was going to Hawii but the flights are full so were going to this beach my mom and dad went to before they had me and my brother. You now whats cool we get to fly free because my mom works on the plane so on breaks we go somewere mostly every time.
Sincerily,
Madison 5
April 4, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Mitchell,
I do not run track, but I think track runners are awesome because it is such an intense sport. However, I do play soccer, which requires a lot of running, so I can appreciate track stars, like you.
Thanks,
Wes
April 4, 2008 at 11:53 pm
Dear Student #11,
I really enjoyed your paper about economics and buying a Webkinz pig! My cousin who is in fifth grade just introduced me to Webkinz over winter break — her Webkinz is a pony with blond hair. In your paper, I like how you blend economics terms with your real life experience of trying to decide what to do with 100 dollars. I’m a college student at Kennesaw, and we talk about “writing real” in our classes, which pretty much means to make sure we connect what we’re writing with our lives and to always write from the heart. You are already doing in elementary school what we are trying to do in college!
I also think it was nice of you to buy your brother a toy! I have a younger brother too; he’s two years younger than I am. Just like you wrote about your brother in your storm story, my brother used to be terrified of storms as well. Whenever it stormed, he made my mom go around the house and close all the blinds on the windows, because he thought the lightning couldn’t get him if it couldn’t “see” him!
Your Hooray for Diffendorfer Day podcast was awesome! I’ve never heard of the book before but your podcast made me want to read it! Which one do you like better, making podcasts or writing stories? Do you have any advice for people who have never done podcasts before? Thanks for sharing your fantastic school assignments online!
–LeeAnn aka L.A.
April 7, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Dear Andrew (#18),
I thought that your narrative story about penguins was neat! I love how you begin the story with a sense of urgency with your mom telling you to hurry and pack. Is that a true story? Was it a stuffed animal or a real one?
I think penguins are so cute! I want one as a best animal friend. I can tell that you are into penguins becasue of your podcast. Thanks for sharing your talent.
Great job on all of your writing! Way to go!
April 7, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Hey Julean (#2),
I read your piece on “My Own Pet Cat” and listened to your podcast on “Sophie’s Masterpiece.” I really think it’s great that you have an interest in animals. I too have always wanted to be a veterinarian. I think you’re very detailed in your writing; you did an excellent job of describing the responsibilities of taking care of a cat. Cats can be hard work, but it sounds like you’re a very responsible pet owner. In “Sophie’s Masterpiece” you did an awesome job of describing Sophie’s journey. I especially like that you didn’t give away the stories moral or its end. I definitely want to know what happens next. Keep up the good work.
April 9, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Madison’s Many Colors Days review was great. I too love that book! Keep up the good work!
April 9, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Wow! All of the podcasts are really great. I love the music selections and how it fades out as we hear the students voices and fades back in as they conclude. I have a specific message for one student in particular.
Student 11,
I am a huge Dr. Suess fan. I really liked your podcast on Hurray for Diffendorfer Day. I haven’t read that book in a while and want to go back and read it now. I think it’s really cool that they learn things like smiling, laughing, yelling, and listening at Diffendorfer school. Sounds like a fun school huh?. From looking at your class blog it looks like you go to a school that does some pretty cool things too. Keep up the good work.
April 16, 2008 at 12:57 am
Dear World,
If you want to read a really good piece go to #17 and read the key to friendship. Respond a blog to #17.
April 16, 2008 at 1:36 am
Dear #17
I really liked your animoto of your spring break. I especially loved the music. I bet it is lots of fun learning to make those and putting them all together. Did it take very long to learn how to do those?
April 16, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Dear Mom (Stacey),
I am glad you enjoyed my animoto video. It was alot of fun choosing the music. It was hard to choose these marvouls pictures out of my other pictures. In the prosess of making an animoto video it tok alot of waiting and on the first try I got it. I only had to be told 1 time to learn how to do these videos.
April 16, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Dear leeannslytherin,
Thanks for the coment my family will be so impressed that people from other schools blog to us. I love to write storys. I am working on one write now. It is called The Dog and I’ve been working sence the begening of the year. My advice to people who have never done a podcast is you should practice. If you don’t like what you said you can do it agin. Pluss you need to speek loud and clear but not to that you are yelling. Please write back.
April 21, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Dear Student # 4, I loved your persusive writing about Art at the Mill. Your description of Derek Spivey’s music & art was extremly interesting. It made me feel like I was actually there. My favorite comment was ” Another reason is that they are not small they are humongous, and I like humongous.” I also liked your writing on how to play football. It was very detailed and showed your passion for the game. I bet you even play football in the house sometimes! Keep up the good work!
April 26, 2008 at 12:54 am
Dear Student #17,
Abby recommended your writing and I have to say that
I was really impressed with your writing about friendship. You must be a good friend to share your secrets and PB&J. Your final thoughts about keeping a friend were very interesting. You are a deep thinker!
I enjoyed your writing.
Thanks,
Dianna
May 21, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Hello Mrs. Kelly’s students:
I received your wonderful letters, and have made sure they got into the boxes for our soldiers. Thank you so very much for taking the time to write. You all did a great job, and I know they will be very much appreciated! Our committee collected enough goodies to send 25 boxes overseas this year. We collected everything from Frisbee’s to foot powder. I’m hoping that some response letters find their way back to you guys, you had some great questions! Thank you again.
Regards,
Pam Smith
Harris Corporation
Campus Activity Committee
May 28, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Dear Class,
My name is Tim, I am a Sergeant in the U.S. Army, currently stationed in Tikrit, Iraq. Today I received a care package containing your letters. I passed your letters around to the soldiers under me and we all took turns reading them aloud. We all had a great time reading your letters, Myself and the rest of my Platoon would like to thank you for brightening our day and showing your support.
Regards
Tim Estes