Writing Celebrations

How much do I love writing workshop?  The irony is that I really didn't like writing throughout my academic career.  In fact, writing cover letters, essays, blogs, etc. are still challenging for me.  However, this philosophy of allowing students to select their topics rather than assigning a topic is liberating.  The concept that everybody is an author is amazing.  The idea that they can emulate my their favorite authors (ie, Mo Willems) is incredible.  I really do love writers workshop...

Anyway, I was reflecting/reminiscing on past writing celebrations.  Last year, around this time, I had invited the kindergarten teachers to celebrate with us Writing for Readers.  We were showing off our legible writing, stretched out spelling, and neat work.  Each student left his/her writing piece on the desk while we walked around and read each other's pieces, like a gallery.  When the xylophone played a melody, we rotated tables.  Teachers were free to meander as they pleased.  In the end we reflected on what makes a writing piece readable.  So much fun!

Text-to-Self Connections: Sheila Rae the Brave

One of personal favorite comprehension lessons is teaching students to make connections to the text.  Debbie Miller has wonderful lessons in Reading With Meaning.  When I grow up, I would like to be her...sigh...

Anyway, one of my favorite October activities is making connections to Sheila Rae the Brave by Kevin Henkes. 

Supply List

I know that most of you in teacherland have already set up your classrooms, have started off the school year, made your to-do lists...but I just couldn't help but to post this great supply list from Mimi.

It's Not All Flowers and Sausages: Ready, Set, SHOP: Back To School List Del Mundo via kwout

I just discovered her blog, and I really believe she is saying what most teachers are thinking but are afraid to say out loud.  I haven't read her book yet, but it's definitely on my to-do list now.

Helping parents establish routines

I know that Back to School night is coming up and soon after report cards and parent-teacher conferences. Parents often ask for advice regarding how to best support their child at home, and they may want to see handouts or resources. I thought this little chart would be useful for helping establish a homework routine. 

A Purse Full of Cheerios: Back-to-School and Back to Routines via kwout

For more of Sylvia's great ideas, check out A Purse Full of Cheerios.

Setting up the classroom

Because of my new position this year as an academic intervention specialist, I did not have the opportunity to set up a classroom...and I missed doing it a lot.  I am hoping for the chance to go back to the classroom, and this blog is an opportunity to remember what I've done and what I might tweak in the future.

Ahh, the word wall.  According to the literature (for example, here and here), the word wall should be accessible to the students, and the white board is a perfect place because the words can then be magnetized (magnetic tape is one of my many best friends).

Here goes...

After much thought and careful consideration, I'm actually joining the realm of educational blogs, hoping to share some ideas from my classroom experiences, but also to obtain new ideas from all the wonderful, hard-working, and inspirational teachers that are out there, trying to make a difference.  I hope I become worthy to have you as an audience!