Daily vocabulary lessons!

Scholastic says they're really excited about the release of my newest series this summer, and I am too! Fun, fast interactive daily lessons that teach language concepts while helping students develop fluency in reading, writing and speaking.  Titles: Systematic Word Study for Grade 1, Systematic Word Study for Grades 2-3, and...you guessed it!...Systematic Word Study for Grades 4-6.  You can pre-order by calling Scholastic at 1-800-Scholas(tic).  The books are scheduled for release in August---just in time for the school year!  With even 10-15 minutes per day, these lessons can make a difference!  

Important Summer Reading Recommendations

If you have a chance to recommend some summer reading for your students, don't overlook what's available on the Internet.  Why not add these good sites to your reading list:  www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news, www.weeklyreader.com/featurezone, kidsblogsnationalgeographic.com/kidsnews, and www.sciencenewsforkids.org.  In the 21st century, online reading skills are important to develop!  

Mining Your Heart

I "love" Nancy Atwell's idea of having students "mine" their hearts for writing ideas.  Model for them by drawing a big heart shape.  Then, begin to fill it in with whatever you hold dearest to your heart.  What do you care most about?  Put those things in the center--family, births, deaths, experiences.  There are always important things on the edges, too--your favorite chair on the porch, a dark chocolate candy bar....  Cram in as much as you can.  Then use those bits as springboards to writing.  Have the students do the same and fill their hearts with rich ideas to write about from now until the end of school.  I do believe what Donald Graves said, "Kids write best and most what they know best and most about."  And that is their lives and what's in their hearts!