This will be my first year teaching Language Arts, however I did teach Applied Communications for six years.  App. Comm. was basically a writing course in which I taught the basic elements of an essay.  In this course I hope to incorporate Writer's Workshop by teaching mini lessons on essay elements and then allow students an opportunity to apply what they've learned in their own writing.  I'd really like to see some technology integration, by having students write a blog.  This will allow students to write with an audience in mind and for the purpose of publishing their writing.  Students will also be able to read their peers' blogs and respond to their writing.