Blogging Takes Off.

Interestingly, I find my creative writing students blogging on their own. I don't have to assign anything. I have seen blogs about music, about sports, about the new movie Twilight, and even about the simple yet elegant drink-the Arnold Palmer.

I am still dealing with some of the same problems/issues that could be avoided by simply taking the time to proofread. Although it might just be a novelty at the moment, at least they are writing. At some point or another, if they keep on blogging, someone from outside our classroom will comment on their writing. I hope they see the significance of it all.

Here is a blog from an ex-student of mine: http://www.fearlesssifting.com/

Sweater Vest are the Best..A Friday Rant

Yeah, I wear sweater vests. As a teacher, I have made it part of my uniform. SOME of my students are understanding and accepting...others not so much.

The sweater vest is an article of clothing that keeps the core of the person warm, while offering mobility of the arms. It has transcended the ages. What more can one ask? It “goes” with anything. It can be worn with a tie. It can be worn with jeans. It can be emblazoned with a team logo. It makes a statement of confidence.

Respect the sweater vest. Why? Simply stated, it is the perfect combination of sweater…and vest.

I, who represent sweater vest connoisseurs, would like to acknowledge the many famous and well-respected men who have proudly worn the sweater vest, including Coach Jim Tressel. We who are in the know will continue to sport this utilitarian, yet stylish, piece of clothing.

In fact, many well known manufacturers of men’s fine clothing continue to create modern versions of the sweater vest including: Ralph Lauren, Express for Men, L.L. Bean, Banana Republic, Guess, and J. Crew. As stated above, many famous and well respected men of real-life and fiction have worn the sweater vest making it a cultural icon. These confident gentlemen include: Mr. Brad Pitt, Mr. Tiger Woods, Mr. Sean Connery, Mr. Kanye West, and Mr. Harry Potter (to whom a club here at Northview dedicates itself, nay, worships). Accordingly, one must not forget the many distinguished gentlemen teachers who walk the hallowed halls of my high school, including the principal, and many other schools across the country. These wearers of the vest of sweater are the role models for future generations. There are those students who respect this sacred clothing, yet do not don this metaphorical armor because they fear the ridicule by those who are ignorant of the power—and yes, these students, the believers, ARE out there. Have no more fear!

So, for the well-being of the community, and even the world, I say we gather together to celebrate THE sweater vest. I propose that Thursdays should be Sweater Vest Thursdays. A day SHOULD be dedicated to the sweater vest. I propose that students, parents, teachers, administrators, and everyone who understands band together to join the ranks of the confident, the free (free-armed at least). Join those who choose to remain stylish based on the past, continue to be stylish in the present, and will remain stylish in the future.

For all who read this: please—respect the sweater vest.

Looking for writing prompts? Check out the blog: The One Minute Writer.

Great concept, and so true. Why not take one minute to write every day?

Simple Battles

As a teacher, I often wonder why, after the many years of training I know my students have, I fight the same battles regarding their writing. These battles specifically are the capitalization of "I", the difference between "its" and "it's", and the "there", "their", and "they're" debacle. I know these students have been given the training on these simple examples, so who can tell me why? I wrote my Master thesis on motivationg students to write through blogging, I have set rules, so what gives?

Should I just blame texting? Or, Myspace? I think not. I'm trying to give my students an understanding that writing should be a representation of their best abilities. I think many of my students understand that they should jump through the hoops for their teachers, but beyond the classroom walls is often a different story. It must not be cool to write carefully.

I should say that many students do put forth their best efforts regularly. The smaller percentage I'm writing about know better, but just don't put in the time.

Here is an excerpt from Permission to Forget by Lee Jenkins.

I work on.