Ms. Nancy Online

A number of parents have asked for suggestions for family or personal reading, so this is the place where you can get suggestions, either from me or someone in this group. In addition, if the students are all reading the same book at the same time, perhaps we can discuss issues that come up online. Last year the 3rd-5th speech/reading class got fired up about reading and talking about what we read. I will try to suggest books that lend themselves to a project or further research that might be suitable for an oral presentation at the project fair in the spring.

My hope for this experiment in learning is that it will be beneficial for parents and students and that it will draw our community of learners together. As I learn more about this medium, I intend to post items that I think you can incorporate into your curriculum. Obviously, what you use is up to you, but I would love feedback about what is valuable.

The other major reason I thought this forum would be helpful is that it would allow students to have a bigger audience for their writings. Since writing (and reading) is such a social activity, this place will be open for students to post their writings for comment. Scary? Absolutely! Having others read what you write brings writing up a notch. However, I don’t want this to be a place where any negative experience can happen to your child. All families will receive online safety instructions which I trust you will review with your children. In the world we live in, this is just like teaching them to wear a bike helmut or how to cross the street. While I will review all the posts before they are published, feel free to look over your child’s shoulder. Just like my classroom, this must be a safe environment where everyone feels free to speak.

All of you have my phone number and email address. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I want to help you make this year a successful, fun-filled experience for you and your child!