Character Traits

While reading "My Brother Sam is Dead" with fifth grade students, they filled in the following chart to reveal character traits of the major characters. By using this form, students were asked to think deeply about the characters and discuss how their traits influenced the events in the story. One group filled in a chart on Father, another on Tim, and yet another on Sam. Some students also wanted to do a chart on Mother...a quiet, but pivotal character. At the end of the story we were able to take the charts and compare the characters. Interesting to learn how members of the same family can have similar traits, yet act and behave so differently.

Seven Simple Secrets

I just finished reading the "Seven Simple Secrets: What the BEST Teachers Know and Do!" The authors, Annette Breaux and Todd Whitaker list the seven secrets is a clear concise manner. They include detailed descriptions, examples and poems to really help the reader reflect. A great book for validation or a reminder of the impact we, as teachers, have on our students. Enjoy!

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)

Planting the seed in writing

Here is a writing activity that went very smoothly. Students were given multiple opportunities to read about plants, their parts and how the parts all function together to ensure their survival. Vocabulary was woven into lessons as well as 'dressing' bare bone sentences. Once the theme, idea, and mechanics were heavily implanted, we began our write. We chose to use a basic outline format for the graphic organizer. We implemented the gradual release of responsibility to teach and produce this outline.

Students were then asked to write an expository essay explaining how the various functions of a plant worked together to help it survive. The results were spectacular! Here is a sample of some of the third graders' work.

When students were finished, their writes were assembled into a book, and put into the reading center for all to enjoy.

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!

Rhyming Books

If you haven't heard of Dr. Suess's Learning Library Series, you are in for a treat!

"I'm the Cat in the Hat,

and I think that you need

to come take a look at

this thing called a seed."

This book discusses what grows from seeds and how

they are useful. Students enjoy the rhyming and rhythm of the story. It is so much fun to read these books-even for your reluctant readers. The series has several other content related themes. Be sure to check the out!

"Into the Book"

This website boasts a peppy tune that is difficult to get out of your head once you hear it. The lyrics help students understand the seven reading strategies. You can also print the lyrics and posters to reinforce their understanding. Above is one of the 'posters'. My students loved it!

http://reading.ecb.org/teacher/downloads.html