Most Important Activity

Isn't it wonderful that the activity that research says is "THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT activity for creating the motivation and background knowledge essential to success in reading" is simply reading aloud to children?   (Anderson, Heibert, et. al.)  And, ironically, I think it's also the easiest and most pleasurable part of the school day!  Do you? 

Conference

If you live within easy traveling distance of North Charleston, SC, there's a mini-conference sponsored by SCIRA on Saturday, November 13.  For a mere $30, you'll have your choice of 21 fabulous sessions, breakfast and lunch, exhibits with book sales (think Christmas!), and doorprizes!  The conference ends at 2 p.m....so you can still enjoy much of your Saturday with family!  Register quickly with the form at SCIRA.org.  See you there! 

Most Important Activity

Isn't it wonderful that what research calls "the single most important activity for creating the motivation and background knowledge essential to success in reading" is simply reading aloud to children? (Anderson, Hiebert, et.al.) And, ironically,it's perhaps one of the easiest most pleasurable parts of the school day!  Be sure to make time for it! 

Alternative SpellingTest

Spelling tests aren't inherently bad!  What's bad is giving students a list of words to memorize for Friday's test and just calling out the list!  If you test, test quickly and smartly and teach smart as well.  Of course, I could have a far better picture of students' true ability from looking at their rough draft writing and not taking any of my students time out from instruction.  Here's a link to an article worth reading which includes an alternative test---a rubric that might give you some good ideas.   http://www.dldcec.org/pdf/teaching_how-tos/spelling_tests.pdf

Great Read-Aloud!

I've got a great new elementary read-aloud to share-----Bad Boys by Margie Palatini (Bedhead) and Henry Cole.  Students will love the colorful, funny illustrations of these two wolves who are up to no good.  There's a cute "refrain" in the text that goes, "Oh, yeah!  We're bad, we're bad.  We're really, really bad." The kids love to chime in on that!  Hope you can find this one and share it with your students. 

book

I've just gotten The Tale of Despereaux, The Graphic Novel by Matt Smith and David Tilton, based, of course, on Kate DiCamillo's book and the movie.  The pages read like a comic book with wonderful illustrations.  Graphic novels have become quite popular, and I believe they're particularly good for boys and for struggling readers.  Thought you might want this one for your classroom! 

SAT

I'll have to give NBC's Today Show credit for this great tip.  Some altruistic young man created a web site to tutor students for the SAT for FREE.  Yes, I said FREE!  Check it out at www.ineedapencil.com and pass it along to any middle and high school teachers you think might need to recommend it.