 Anne Frank: The Diary of  Young Girl transcends the labels of genre. Yes, as the title suggests, it is a diary, but it is also a memoir, a narrative, an argument, an expository journal, an informational text, and much more. Yet, these genres listed are treated as separate and distinct in the reading and writing standards of the Common Core (CCSS). The […]
reading
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy
Making the Most of Book Reports
I require book reports from my students each month. These are projects that are done at home, but could just as easily be done in class. Before school starts I assign a book genre to each month. The crop of kids I have determines the format for the book. This year I happen to have […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy
Encouraging Parental Involvement In Reading
We have a seven hour day at my school. All in all I’d say my second/third grade students spend about four of those hours in some type of reading, whether it be science, geography, social studies, math or directed reading groups. We all know that outside reading is a significant part of growth for the […]
Posted inElementary School, English Language Learners, Literacy, Professional Development, Uncategorized
Teaching Reading: No Magic Wand Required
Teaching children to read seems to be a mystery to everyone except primary school teachers. Someone recently asked: Is it true that it is not necessarily a teacher’s job to teach children to read? Is our job to give them the skills to make them better readers? Does any teacher have the time to teach […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Elementary School, High School, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy, Mathematics, Middle School, Science, Social Studies
Dr. Seuss: It's For Big Kids Too
Theodor Seuss Geisel is known in classrooms, libraries and by elementary age children for his fun and crazy books. There is a special language he developed, perfected and used to engage children in reading. Â From his first book, “And To Think I Saw it on Mulberry Street” to his ever popular “Cat in the Hat” […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Featured, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy
Providing An Anchor In Learning
I have a reference wall in my classroom. It includes phonics rules, checklists, our word wall and one of my newest loves, anchor charts. I introduce my anchor charts during my carpet time for several days, then when I feel like my class is comfortable with whatever concept is being taught, I hang it on […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy
Eight Ways to Teach Spelling to All Learners
For some of us, spelling comes easily. For others, like me, it is wildly apparent that English is derived from a confusing array or sources. While most good spellers are good readers, not all good readers are good spellers. Still, kids need to be held accountable for their spelling. Every fall parents ask about spelling: […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Instruction & Curriculum, Instructional Strategies, Literacy
Literature Circle Roles in New Wrappings
Educators regularly refurbish old ideas with new wrappings.  Take for example, the literature circle. The literature circle has been in education since 1982 when, according to Wikipedia, fifth grade students in Karen Smith’s class, organized themselves loosely into groups, and started to discuss individual novels.  Smith was surprised at the degree of their engagement with the books and the […]