When I start the school year, one of the first things I tackle with my students is "reading behaviors"--how we function within our reader's workshop so that we maximize our own reading and don't disrupt those around us. We talk about just right books...about stamina...about thinking while we read. From the very first week, we work to build these good habits so that we can get TONS of ... Read the Post
“Me as a Reader”…a reading goal project
Every year I love to help my students really reflect on themselves as readers--and I strive to help them understand that reading is more than just getting the words right...as we start the year I really try to help them understand all the different factors that impact the ability to read and make sense of texts... reading "behaviors" such as book selection and focus accuracy and fluency ... Read the Post
“Me as a Reader”
Those of you who have been following me for some time may recognize this project from last year. I saw a version of it on Julie Ballew's website and adapted it to use with my fourth graders. If you haven't snooped around her site, I highly recommend it! We have been working hard at our reading behaviors and I felt my student were ready to get a little more personal--to take all the ... Read the Post
Summer Reading: The Annual Summer Children’s Lit reading list!
Now that my school year is finished (except for a few days of data retreat next week--don't be too jealous!), it's time to work on my LIST MAKING! I have already made lists of lists...but the one that is the most fun every summer is the... CHILDREN'S BOOKS TO READ list! The list is long...from picture books to some favorite rereads to some new ones. I am always looking to read what ... Read the Post
Monday Made It: Status of the Class and more!
Holy Smokes...it's "Monday Made It" and I have a lonnnnnnnnnng post for you today--see if you can stick with it to the end! Thanks to Fourth Grade Frolics for the link up! So...to get things started, I feel that I need to give the disclaimer that the number one thing I made this week was... A MESS! That's right...I was cleaning in my classroom and cleaning in my office. ... Read the Post
Getting our year of reading started!
For those of you who have followed me for a while, you know that helping students develop a passion and love for reading is a huge part of what I love most about my job. Whether I am doing book talks about new books, or trying to help them learn all the strategies they need to be successful, students hear me talk about books and reading all day long. This year, I have quite a few students ... Read the Post
Monday Made It! Getting Ready for Independent Reading
It's another link up at Monday Made it with 4th Grade Frolics! This week I wasn't sure what "Made It" to address. . . Maybe THIS one . . . Or THIS one . . . As you can tell, it was kind of one of those weeks. I haven't included photos of ALL the things I made and ate in huge quantities because it is just so embarrassing. What I DID decide to share for ... Read the Post