New Google Site

Please access my new site here:

https://sites.google.com/a/spartanburg2.k12.sc.us/csf-literacy-coach/

Thanks-

"50 Sizzling Summer Reads"

One of my favorite things about summer is the release of books by some of my favorite authors. It usually happens the first week in June and I am always anxious to read their new releases. I always take one or two new books to my Mom and Dad's house to read. My favorite place to read is in the hammock, under a tree, looking out at the bay. From that hammock, I can learn about new places, people, and adventures.

In this month's edition of "Instructor" magazine they feature an article titled, "50 Sizzling Summer Reads." Their list is divided into genres: Humor, Fantasy and Adventure, Nonfiction, Realistic Fiction, Magic and Mystery, and Picture Books. You can read the list from this link: "50 Sizzling Summer Reads"  I know everyone can find something they love to read on this list!

The same magazine features a printable link for "Book Bingo." The article suggests using it as a fun way to "turn summer reading into a game that will have kids reaching for the books-". I hope you find both of these links helpful for encouraging reading over the summer. Consider this quote from Dr. Seuss, "The more that you read, The more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you"ll go."

Where will reading take you this summer?

ACT Aspire

Our students will be taking the ACT Aspire standardized test at the end of April. This test is different from the PASS test students have taken in the past. Practice tests for students in grade 3-5 for grammar, reading, and writing were created to give them exposure to this format. Our Math coach also prepared practice tests for students to take in Math.  Last week students shared with their teachers they were glad they were having a chance to practice before they took the ACT Aspire. Here is a link to the state department’s website for more information on the changes in testing.

http://ed.sc.gov/agency/pi/act/

Tips to remember to help your student the day of testing:

1. Ensure students have had a good night’s and begin the day with a nutritious breakfast.

2. Let them know they have your support and you believe in them!

3. Make sure they have the supplies they need.

4. Help them put their best foot forward by getting them to school on time, provide a stress free morning, and providing this supportive structure all week. 

March Madness

Students have been so excited about the books that are featured in the 2015 March Madness for Books. Here is the link to the website: http://marchbookmadness.weebly.com/

If you click on the map, you will see we are the only school in our area that is participating. Students are stopping me in the halls to talk to me about the books, ask me if I have copies they can borrow, and telling me they can't wait to find out the results from the next round. 

Ms. Corn's first graders chose their favorite book several weeks ago and I was thrilled to be with them when they heard the latest results. 

Dr. Mercer came to our school on Friday for a visit and Ms. Corn's students told him all about March Madness. Their enthusiasm was very apparent as they shared information about voting for their favorite books week after week. 

I am thrilled to see so many students and Teachers passionate about reading and sharing their passion with others!

The Adventures of Sammy

On Friday our students thoroughly enjoyed listening to author, Jonathan Miller read all about Sammy and his adventures. Students learned all about the process of layering paper and cutting shapes so each picture is uniquely made over many, many hours. He once spent over 80 hours creating one picture!

The writing process was also discussed and the importance of writing, reading, editing, revising, and then go back and start all over again. Students learned that the first book, "The Adventures of Sammy the Wonder Dachshund" was written three times before it was given to the editor. After 15 revisions, it was finally ready to be published!

Mr. Miller told students that writing is a process that everyone uses, not just authors. He shared that adults everyday send emails, letters, write on blogs, and some even post ads on Craig's List. He encouraged students to constantly write, read, revise, and edit until the process becomes second nature.

Students loved hearing all about the adventures of Sammy and the latest book, "A History of Wonder Dachshunds" was their favorite. Please read more about his books at:
http://sammydogbooks.com/

Students have until March 18th to submit a book order. So, if you forgot your slip on Friday and you want an autographed copy, then get your order form in this week!!

It’s EPIC!

Have you heard of EPIC? If not, you will be so glad to know about it! EPIC provides instant access to thousands of picture books, chapter books, early readers, fact books, and comic books for students to read. For younger students audio is provided. As an educator, access is free once you create your account. Students can access EPIC on the iPad, and/or iPhone to read. Parents can create a free account for two months and then if they are still interested, it is 4.99 a month. For educators, access is always free!!

It is so easy to scroll through the titles that are available. I know students will love the Sports category, Mystery category, National Geographic, and the Science and Nature category since Book Flix and True Flix does not offer books in those categories. I am really thrilled to see all of the great titles they offer, and I know your students will be too! Please download the app and get your students reading today!!

March Madness

March Book Madness is an “online bracket style tournament” where books are paired against each other and the winner is determined each week by student votes. The “games” begin on March 4^th and students have 6 days to vote for their favorite book. Each week a new winner is announced and a new game begins. The first day of April the “Championship Game” participants will be announced and a winner will be determined on Tuesday, April 6^th.

Cooley Springs Fingerville students in grades K-2 will follow the brackets for Picture Books and students in grades 3-5 will follow the Middle Grade Novel Bracket. Each bracket features 16 books from 2014 and 16 books from Pre-2014. Our school joins other schools across the globe as we focus on the joy of reading, and “empowering and engaging students as readers.” I look forward to discussing these books with our students each week and helping them discover new books they can be passionate about.

Read more about March Madness and the brackets at: http://marchbookmadness.weebly.com/