Read along questions to The Book Whisperer

Thinking of Teaching with Mrs. Lyons has posted an interview with Donalyn Miller with answers to the questions below.  Many other blogs have connected with her blog answering the same questions, so I figured I would join in fun.  I can't wait for the book club to begin!  Check out her blog for more information and giveaways!

 

1) What is your favourite book (or series) from childhood?

Little House on the Prairie.  I would read those books over and over and over...

2) What is your favourite book (or series) now?

It's very difficult to select one book, but the first thing that popped into my mind was the Shopaholic books...

3) What is your opinion of e-readers?

I appreciate the existing technology and how it makes life easier, especially when traveling.  However, I will always love meandering through a book store and flipping through books.

4) Finish this sentence: "On Sundays I like to..."

Relax, read some blogs, watch a movie, catch up with friends...

5) Describe yourself in 5 words!

Silly funny crazy teacher lady

6) Hardcover or paperback? Why?

I buy paperback to save some money, but if I really want the book, and it's only available in hard cover, I buy it.

7) Coffee or Tea?

Tea :)

Reading logs for the summer

In my district, the teachers and students are still moving along.  So I've been super busy with my files and end-of-year reports.  Of course I've been procrastinating finishing my files because I've been trying to compile some kind of summer resource for my students (hee hee).  This summer resource is very simple:  mostly reading response activities and problem-solving, since my third and fourth graders struggle with comprehension and word problems.  I wrote a little letter explaining that THIS IS NOT HOMEWORK but a continuation of skills developed throughout the year that can be used AS NEEDED.  Along with this very small packet I wanted to give them a reading log.  So, because I'm new to third and fourth grade, I wanted to see how different teachers created their reading logs (I already know that Beth Newingham has some great resources).  So I Googled "reading logs third grade."  That opened a can of worms...

I scanned the first page of results and these titles jumped off the screen: 

Stop Homework » “I Hate Reading Logs,” says FedUp Mom

Reading logs killed the bibliophile | Woulda Coulda Shoulda 

In the news...

I'm sure you've already read about this or heard about it:  a Mexican teacher keeps her kindergarten class calm while gunfire is taking place a block away.  Check out the news video here.  I am so touched by this woman's courage; I think to myself, wow, it's absolutely amazing that she was able to stay so calm under such dire circumstances.