English Companion Ning Group

A classic painting from English Romantic artist that has been used for many book covers. Most recently encountered on cover and as guiding metaphor in Gaddis's "The Landscape of History" (very interesting book). Plan to use this first day of class to generate discussion in AP Lit about painting, literature, art, and their lives.

Excellent article from Teachers College Review. Here is passage from abstract that captures the focus: "But what exactly is "teaching thinking"? Do the many theories and programs of teaching thinking speak of the same "thinking," "good thinking," and "teaching thinking"? I claim here that there is actually not one approach to "teaching thinking" but three-three approaches to teaching thinking that compete with each other for control of the field. A conceptual mapping of the approaches to teaching thinking will, I hope, enable further theoretical development of this field and its more effective application in teaching."

So important to consider the role of brain-based instruction and such faculties as creativity and imagination at this point. This USA Today article sums up some of those issues and concerns and names the books, especially Pink's Whole New Mind, that teachers need to know about and incorporate the ideas of into their teaching.

Tips and lesson plans for using This I Believe- type essays in the classroom.

Blog from last year's 6th grade Language Arts class, includes descriptions of projects/activities and student reflection on activities. Lots of information about using Web 2.0 technology in the LA classroom.

A resource of free images for use by educators and students without permission.

Teresa Bunner's blog

Kohn makes some interesting points in this piece from 2006. This would be a great article for a discussion, or a diigo annotation session.

Ideas for using technology to increase student interest/engagement

What do you guys think about this list? Admittedly I've only read one - "On The Road" by Kerouac - but a few of the others are on my "to-read" list.

Flickr is almost certainly the best online photo management and sharing application in the world. Show off your favorite photos and videos to the world, securely and privately show content to your friends and family, or blog the photos and videos you take