Want to Amplify Student Voice? Write a Book Together

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/amplify-student-voice-write-book-together-suze-boss

I found this article through my Twitter feed from Edutopia.  I thought it was an interesting way to combine both technology and language arts into one big project.  I teach writing to 7th and 8th graders, and this type of project would allow for all sorts of writing tasks.  I like that the kids are coming up with ways to incorporate technology into the classroom.  I think kids have such a wide technology knowledge-base, so it is good to have them provide ideas on how to incorporate it into the classroom.  I also see this as a great way to show kids that they can do anything they put their minds to.  I have used the Freedom Writer's Diary in the past, which is another book written by a teacher and her students.  It shows the kids that anyone can write a book if they just put forward the effort needed.  I also think sometimes it is more meaningful to kids to read what other kids have accomplished, showing them that it can be done.