When I was in the classroom, I implemented two different types of reading small groups during my reading block: guided reading and strategy groups. Here is the main purpose for each: Guided ReadingTo teach students reading comprehension skills and strategies in general. These are leveled groups with 4-6 students per group. In this small community, students are reading in the same range and share similar reading traits. Many students stay in
Some public school teachers avoid anything to do with religion in the classroom. Some schools and districts even forbid celebrating holidays associated with a single religion. The reality is that sometimes it’s easier to avoid a subject rather than deal with questions and criticism from parents or administrations. But avoidance can be extremely difficult during religious holidays. Worse yet, avoidance deprives children of the opportunity to form a comprehensive understanding
While falling around the same time as Christmas and Hanukkah, being celebrated December 26 – January 1, Kwanzaa is different in that it is not a religious holiday at all. Instead, it is a celebration of life that some African Americans (mostly from the United States) celebrate each year. Kwanzaa was established in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga to observe African culture and motivate and encourage African Americans. The name
Using Prompts to Build Independence and Critical Thinking Whether you use Common Core or other state-specific standards, one of the main objectives is to teach children to think and respond critically. As a teacher, one of my main goals was to lead my students toward independence. In order to develop both critical thinking skills and promote independence, I used a strategy where students worked toward leading classroom discussions focused on
Living in Florida, I often don’t realize it is fall. It seems like all the Halloween and fall décor is up way too early, then I realize it is actually October! Seasons just aren’t the same here. Fall was one of my favorite seasons when I lived in New England. I miss the crisp weather, the vibrant leaves, and apple picking. The book Autumn Across America by Seymour Simon gives
Teaching Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead As parents are putting together costumes and children are picking out pumpkins in preparation for Halloween (and let’s be honest, teachers are stocking up on coffee), there is another holiday right around the corner – Dia de los Muertos. Dia de los Muertos translates to “Day of the Dead”. It is a traditional Mexican celebration. Here are a few interesting
In case you can’t tell I’m in the mood for fall and Halloween books. When I was in the classroom, fall was our time for teaching narrative writing. I was always looking for fun ways to incorporate seasonal literature into my lessons in meaningful ways. This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. If you order from one of my links, Amazon gives me a small percentage of the sale at no
Happy October! As the weather is cooling off, you are probably beginning to pull out fall decorations and think about how to integrate the fun seasonal spirit of Halloween into your lessons. The book Which Witch is Witch? By Judi Barrett is a cute story you can incorporate into your October lessons that teaches the difference between the homophones which and witch. It is a comical rhyming story your kids will
I like to have students have a bag of books they keep at their seats at all times. This cuts down on wasted time. Students have a selection of books they can grab at any downtime, which cuts down on constant library browsing. This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. If you order from one of my links, Amazon gives me a small percentage of the sale at no extra expense
In my previous post I discussed the importance of independent daily reading; however, it is important that if students are independently reading for a chunk of their reading block, they are actually reading! We all know what “pretend” reading looks like. You are teaching your small groups, and you hear the noise volume gradually increase to a level that becomes disruptive. You remind your students that they shouldn’t be talking.
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