I’m new to Twitter. I have avoided it for years thinking that I didn’t need another social platform. However, this year I have been employing Twitter to develop my own professional practice. Turns out it is an excellent way to communicate and engage with teaching and other relevant professionals who wish to push themselves and their students beyond the realm of a traditional classroom and of subject “English” (which is my still major passion.) I now have more academic papers to read, connections to make and discussions to be involved in than ever before and it’s inspiring!
Reflecting on what I have read over the last two months I have been thinking about the place technology plays in the classrooms of CCSC. I have been introduced to and am using new ways our students can learn to equip them for 21st century occupations and further study. Our aim is for students to immerse themselves in the “best of both worlds.” However, there is no point in using technology just for the sake of using technology. This may seem obvious but over the years and in other educational contexts I have seen exactly this many times. At CCSC we think about how the technology we use will expand our students thinking.
On the other hand, reading widely and deeply remains the most effective way students can improve literacy in all areas. To that end, in Stage 4, we have introduced Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) for 15 minutes every day. I am thrilled as a teacher to see that the majority of students look forward to this and get quite upset when they have to miss it for some reason. Most students have brought in a book that they have selected. For those who for any reason can not do this, we have a selection of books on our bookshelf available.
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