reading / writing / speaking / listening / language
We will focus this year on how to develop your literacy and thinking skills: how to read, write, speak, listen, and use language more effectively.
Please use this website as a resource during our studies together (see the menu across the top of this page). I will also post materials and resources in Google Classroom. |
Mrs. Boyden'sExperience
This is my eighth year teaching 8th grade language arts at Mount Vernon Middle School. When I went off to Augustana College as an undergraduate student, I wanted to be an F.B.I. agent, but I decided to major in English and Philosophy with a minor in Spanish instead. After figuring out that teaching was my passion, I got my Master of Arts in Teaching in English Education from the University of Iowa. If I could afford it, I would probably go to school for the rest of my life.
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SOme AdviceOn Reading
“There’s nothing better for you – not broccoli, not an apple a day, not aerobic exercise. In terms of the whole rest of your life, in terms of making you smart in all ways, there’s nothing better. Top-ranking scientists and mathematicians are people who read. Top-ranking historians and researchers are people who read. Reading is like money in the bank in terms of the rest of your life, but it also helps you escape from the rest of your life and live experiences you can only dream of. Most important, along with writing, reading is the best way I know to find out who you are, what you care about, and what kind of person you want to become.”
~Nancie Atwell |
Finally, someRandom Info
I believe in the words of my father: "If you don't fall down, you're not trying hard enough" and "Can't is different than won't." I am a Chicago Bulls, Cubs, and Bears fan, in that order. I love watching sports, and you can find me at many MV games. I have recently fallen in love with science fiction, and have always loved a good mystery. I have a crooked finger: 8th grade basketball. You should have seen the ball.... I like making photo slideshows. My goal is often to make somebody cry; that's how you know it was a good one. I absolutely LOVE my family and can't get enough of my two kiddos, who are one and three years old.
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I am constantly striving to be a better teacher.
Sometimes I stay up late at night reading books about teaching literacy and fostering lifelong learners. My husband makes fun of me for it. My favorite mentors at the moment: Linda Rief, Penny Kittle, Jeff Anderson, Kelly Gallagher, and Mike Schmoker.
The books linked to the right are my latest professional development reads. |
Professional Development |
Updated for the 2017-18 School Year.
Images on this site are self-created or are royalty-free photos from iclipart.com.