Foreshadowing, it seems like a common enough concept to an adult, but search the term up on Safari and read over the definition you find. I pre-loaded this large unit early in the year as we read Hatchet and Number The Stars. Once something occurred that actually was foreshadowing and it came to be in the novel, … Continue reading
Retelling important events is essential in reading comprehension from kindergarten. As students progress to advanced grades, they need to be able to identify different important plot points including: the initial conflict, climax, and resolution. An engaging way to do this is through the incorporation of iPads. During our Hatchet unit students combined multiple apps, app … Continue reading
Anyone a huge fan of a children’s novel in which a dog does NOT die? Count me in. Especially if that book touches on heart issues and allows students to engage in conversations on internal and external conflict. If you haven’t read Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate Dicamillo with your class, it is a fantastic … Continue reading
We have all had students behind on decoding skills: one month behind, two, three, twelve, twenty. But what do we do when parents struggle with decoding words? How can we serve children and grow their confidence and fluency when they go home to parents who can’t read the spelling lists either? They say apples don’t … Continue reading
I’ve encouraged students to use many apps in the past as word processors. For the first time ever, I now understand how powerful and easy Pages is to use on the iPad. For years I’ve created things on Pages with my MacBook. Pages has been a great tool for me, but I was reluctant to allow students … Continue reading
Differentiation in a classroom is the most powerful thing a teacher can do for students. When new textbooks are adopted, one can usually find a “differentiation section” in which the series explains how to adapt curriculum to the students in your classroom. While this can be helpful, to get the best results, a teacher has … Continue reading
““With a heavy heart, I turned and walked away. I knew that as long as I lived I’d never forget the two little graves and the sacred red fern.” Wilson Rawls; Where The Red Fern Grows Growing up as a reader some books you enjoy, some you hate, and some resonate in your heart and stay … Continue reading
When I was a little girl and I got upset about something tragic, (ya know Full House ending, thinking Ursula was going to marry the prince in Little Mermaid) I would cry. My parents would use reverse psychology on me by saying in a silly voice, “Don’t you smile,” and I would get over whatever “tragic” … Continue reading
There is nothing more ritualistic in my life than a cup of coffee in the morning. Without consuming this life giving liquid on the way to school, I do not know how I would make it through a day. If I forget it, my day is some how off-kilter. On special occasions, or anytime my family … Continue reading
” It’s the teacher that makes the difference, not the classroom.” -Michael Morpurgo When I walked into my classroom for the first time four years ago I was terrified. I put on a determined and confidant facade, but at times I had less hours in the day to prepare for the next and a lack of … Continue reading
