Jacquie's Classroom

                                      Writing can be a daunting task to students. However, if you teach students to brainstorm first, writing becomes much easier. I start my lesson on writing by standing in front of the class and asking students to give me a topic. For example, a student might suggest fast food. Draw a circle on the board with the word fast food. Have the students give ideas about fast food that you write on the board using a spider or web diagram. Next, ask the students for another idea. This time create a list on the board. Again, demonstrate to the students that within a few minutes you have many great ideas. My students are always surprised at how quickly they can come up with ideas as a class while brainstorming. At this point, circle three of the ideas.  This time create an outline using the topic and three of the ideas. Demonstrate to the students how to c...

“I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.”. ― Marilyn Monroe . This past year has been challenging to say the least. For everyone not just me. I was working a job that I loved, teaching ESL at Vincennes University. I had taught at VU for many years and thought I would teach there until I retired.    It had always been my dream to live in Vincennes and to teach at VU. A few years ago, our grandchildren came to live with us. We have since adopted. Our middle child is autistic and needs services throughout the day. We a have a baby needs services too for NAS.   When Covid hit, the providers had to shut down. Suddenly, I was teaching virtually. Covid had turned my world upside down!   Who would have ever beli...