Have you ever noticed that you tend to read the same genre(s) over and over? How can you get your students to choose different types of books if you are not exposing them to different types of books?! It is important for students to experience a variety of texts during the school year. When students are exposed to a variety of genres they have different reading experiences. This will help them find texts that they enjoy reading and therefore read … [Read more...]
Make The Most of Your Mornings
I have heard many teachers say “What should the kids be doing when they come in during the mornings?" For me, my kids needed reading, so that is what we do. I know each teacher does things differently, but don’t waste the time that the students are filtering in. I always use this time. The kids are fresh and if you set up good routines at the start of the year, they will be able to jump right in! Stephanie and I like to do a “Makers’ … [Read more...]
Creating Readers
My next few posts are going to focus on some great ways that you can create more reading opportunites in your classroom. We all have been in the position where students are struggling with reading and we don’t want any students to slip through the cracks or to squeak by. In this series I will share with you a variety of ways that I have infused reading into my teaching in ways that help my students get excited about reading and make targeted growth … [Read more...]
Teacher Tip: Use Your Book Order Fliers for Instruction Too
Here is your weekly Teacher Tip: Use your book order fliers for more than book orders! If you don't already do a classroom book order, I highly recommend doing so. If you already do book orders, you an use the paper fliers for SO MANY THINGS! Here are some ideas: -sort of nonfiction vs fiction -sort realism vs fantasy -make a reading wishlist - circle books already read (and made book reviews) -book crafts -Venn Diagrams -anything … [Read more...]
Reading Notebooks
Do you use a reading notebook? I like to use a reading notebook to help students keep everthing together. I started using one years ago and continued to add to it as the years have passed. At the start of the year, students put their names on and decorate their notebooks. We spend the first few weeks of school setting up our notebooks and making some reading goals. Then we get into the year-long process of filling the Reading Notebook. The thing that … [Read more...]
Teacher Tip: Keeping Your Library Organized
Use Clothespins to Keep Your Classroom Library Organized Here is your weekly Teacher Tip: This one is for setting up your classroom library. Everyone wants their kids to read as much as they can, but this can make your library a big mess of books really quick! I don't know about you, but on a Friday afternoon on my way out of my classroom, the last thing I want to do is spend any time reorganizing the book baskets in my library. This past year, with the Covid … [Read more...]
