Brats

On Wed. I watched Brat Camp for the first time. Granted I missed the first episode, which may have contained vital information, but I found it rather dull. The "brats" complained, whined and acted like most teenagers when confronted with those who force them to do something they don't want. Whoopee! I'm sure that when these kids are all hopped up drugs or something, they're something to behold... and I'm thrilled they are getting help, but doesn't make for good TV. I may watch another episode just see if it gets any better.

I finished reading Why Workshop today. I took about 8 pages of notes and got many, many ideas from the essays inside. Basically, the book is a bunch of essays written by teachers using the reading/writing workshop method in their classrooms. The information they give is priceless. The last third of the book is devoted to talking about experiences with students who refuse, are unmotivated, or live to drive you and everyone else bonkers. The main reason I liked this book was the actual hands on, "how-to" examination of creating a workshop atmosphere in your classroom where students aren't the perfect scholars that Atwell describes.

Also included are handouts to help students, sample course plans and ideas on grading or rubrics. You won't be sorry you picked it up.