literacy links

Fifth grader’s picture book recommendation pre-writing. In our last two weeks of this WIN rotation, fifth graders are taking a break from the test prep version of writing about reading and, instead, focusing on a more purposeful, engaging form of writing about reading: telling their kindergarten buddies about their favorite picture books. They have each…

I love this series from Hey, Kiddo by local author, Jarrett Krosoczka, of Lunch Lady and Star Wars: Jedi Academy fame. I can’t help but think about students who *need* reading and writing as outlets, too. Are we providing them opportunities to express themselves? How can we incorporate more open-ended tasks in our jam-packed, short…

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The holidays? Nah–it’s the BOOK FAIR! There are SO many amazing titles being offered this round; I’m pretty sure my wishlist totals over $200. So many books, so few funds. Here is this week’s roundup of literacy links for some quick inspiration, tips, and refreshment: Toolkit making…

I’m so grateful to be in a district that supplies its teachers with a classroom library. A teacher will always buy specific books that are popular or might interest particular students, but to have a foundation library is such a rare gift. Thank you, Longmeadow Public Schools. Here is this week’s roundup of literacy links…

This past Tuesday, the LPS literacy coaches led teachers in grades 2-5 in a morning of PD on writing about reading, and it was my favorite PD ever! As always, we used the Workshop Model structure, so that teachers had the most time to explore their choice of resources. So after a twenty minute minilesson…

Nancie Atwell at Literacy for All 2018. Note the overhead projector. 😉 There’s nothing quite like meeting an literacy idol. I’ve loved Nancie Atwell’s ideas and school since I read In the Middle as part of my writing methods class in grade school. I’ve practically been counting the days until LFA 2018 since I saw…

Last weekend, six teachers joined me on a whirlwind trip to New York City for a day of learning at Teachers College. The hour-long workshops were jam-packed with ideas and inspiration, some easy to implement immediately and others more big picture inspiration. However, the day started with a somber, but powerful keynote address by children’s…

On Saturday, some LPS teachers are heading to the Teachers College Reading Writing Project’s Saturday Reunion. Central Office GENEROUSLY funded a cushy bus ride for us to go to NYC for a whirlwind, brain-busting day of learning with Lucy Calkins and her staff developers. I can’t wait to get my learn on. Don’t worry–I’ll share…

Y’all know how much I love the Fountas and Pinnell Literacy Continuum! If my office was on fire, this would be the first professional resource I’d rescue. So much support to make my teaching as responsive and strategic as possible. I have big plans to encourage the use of this book, so we just got…

My book talk vs. student book talk There is nothing that gets students reading more than book talks! I used to have students write their book talks out on 5×8 inch index cards, but over the years, I’ve come to realize that I love the natural, off-the-cuff book talks more. They’re more authentic, personal, and…