Introduction to Lesson (for Teachers)

Language Learning Objectives: Increase reading comprehension through extended reading. Increase writing fluency and accuracy through structured writing tasks.
Applicable TEKS and ELPS are posted in the PAGES section on the right side of the blog.


Technical Requirements & Digital Literacy Skills (for teachers and students): Students must be able to have access to and basic knowledge of operating a computer (keyboarding, mouse use, using word processors)  and using web browsers (accessing a Website, creating and managing an account on a Website); and a basic understanding of what blogs are (how to make new posts, how to make comments on a post).

Target Language: English

Target Level: 9th graders, mainstream class that consists of about 40%-50% high intermediate - advanced English Language Learners.

How to Use the Blog in the Unit:
The students will ideally be in a 3 week unit reading, "The House on Mango Street", by Sandra Cisneros.  Every week, the students will be assigned pages to read.  The students will access the blog and comment on the Reading Comprehension, Language Conventions and Literary Elements, and Writing Activity posts written by the teacher that pertain to the week's assigned pages. This blog demonstrates what the first week's blogs post will look like and also includes objectives, technical requirements, and teacher instructions for each activity.  This blog serves as a supplement to what the students are learning about the book and writing in the classroom.

Grading - There is a rubric posted in the PAGES section on the right side of the blog.

General Instructions for Teacher
Setting Up the Blog and Accounts
1. The teacher will instruct the student on how to create a blogger account so they may access the blog. Student can access Blogger through Google. (Note - if students already have Google accounts, encourage them to create a new account to keep their personal account and school accounts separate.)
2. The teacher will make a list of all of the student's real names and usernames to keep track of who has posted and who hasn't. Also, it may be useful to have students give the teacher their Blogger passwords in case they forget (although there is a forgotten password feature) or lose track with multiple accounts. This should be optional.
3. Commenting on the blog is open to the public so it is important to monitor posts. Student do not need to be made blog authors to comment on the posts. Only teachers should have administrative accounts. Administrative accounts are allowed make posts and edit the blog in various ways.

Accessing/Implementing Activities
4. The  teacher will instruct the students to log on to their Blogger accounts and access the class blog using this URL - http://callfinalproject2011.blogspot.com/
5. The students will read the blog entry which will include directions and instructions on the specific task. Also, remind students to review the RUBRIC of how their comments will be graded.
6. The student will respond to the prompt by posting a comment to the blog post.
7. If further instruction is necessary, it will be available in the posting for an activity.