Great book to start the new year off with!  I don't want to ruin the ending for those of you who have not read it yet, but I will say that I teared up the first three times I read it.  It was a great read for the first day, then students drew and described how they felt on the first day of school.  We also introduced making predictions before we read and the narrative elements.


Here are some student samples of how they
 felt about their first day of school. 

Teacher's Lending Literacy Library

Phew! After three weeks of collecting, sorting and cataloging, we are finally finished! Jen D., Annmarie D. and myself spent weeks gathering materials that over the years had found homes all throughout our building. Our school has tons of content materials that are literature based. However, I noticed last year when we were doing a topic of study, the books would be in one place, teacher manuals in another, videos and audios in still another! Then to make matters worse, when we were finished, I'd find more materials that could have been utilized. So, this year, our leadership gave us the 'go ahead' to weed out materials that were 10+ years old and to organize current materials according to topic of study. Although it took three weeks, it was time well spent. This coming year, teachers now have materials organized and a new lounge in which to plan curriculum.

The area is divided into various sections. First there is a case just of teacher references.These include books on differentiated instruction, small group instruction, pedagogy etc.

Next, is our first and second grade sections which boast books, adios, magazines and instant learning centers. We hope to be able to continue adding to this area for years to come.

The main portion of our materials lend themselves to third, fourth and fifth grade science and social studies. They are arranged according to topic of study for each trimester. There is also a section for ELA fiction related materials that either, directly or indirectly, support the content area. Our goal is to reinforce ELA skills through content and to piggyback subjects on one another for added exposure and support.

In addition to our content based/ELA section, we have a leveled reading section. We are very excited to be able to offer all of these materials to our teachers to invoke a stronger and more committed curriculum.

Finally our 'accountability' system...each bin has a list of materials that are housed in that particular bin located in a sleeve card. Teachers simply fill in the 'sign out' card and place it in the pocket chart hanging on the wall. When they return the bin, they simply return the 'sign out' card and store it back in the pocket with the inventory card. KISS (Keep It Simple Sweetie)

Lots of Love for Teacher Appreciation Week

It is now the beginning of May...Teacher Appreciation Week. Now the front foyer to our school is adorned with hearts and flowers for the teachers. Students were able to purchase a heart or flower and send a special message to their favorite teacher for Teacher Appreciation Week. What great comments the students wrote! Now when the students enter the hallway, they are reading messages and the teachers are feeling much appreciated!!! Lots of love on the walls!