Please access my new site here:
https://sites.google.com/a/spartanburg2.k12.sc.us/csf-literacy-coach/
Thanks-
Monday, August 17, 2015
Sunday, May 17, 2015
"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?
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?
Sunday, April 19, 2015
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.
Tips to remember
to help your student the day of testing:
Sunday, March 29, 2015
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!
Sunday, March 15, 2015
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!!
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!!
Monday, March 9, 2015
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!!
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!!
Thursday, February 26, 2015
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 4th 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 6th.
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/
Monday, February 23, 2015
ChatterPix
Over the weekend I went to the South Carolina International Reading Association annual conference in Myrtle Beach. I always love hearing fantastic speakers, meeting authors, and learning from other amazing teachers. I learned so much from listening to some of my former coworkers share the amazing things they are doing in their rooms. Katie Kruger, Evangeline English, and Marissa Lane of Boiling Springs Elementary shared the many ways they integrate technology in their classrooms.
One of my favorite apps they introduced was Chatterpix.
ChatterPix Kids & ChatterPix
ChatterPix Kids and ChatterPix from Duck Duck Moose are simple apps for students to use. Both allow students to take a new picture or use a picture they have saved to the camera. Students can easily draw a mouth on any image by simply drawing the outline of a mouth on the picture. Tap one button to record audio, and the mouth then animates with the recording. It can record up to a 30 second audio clip.
It is always great to learn new things, see how teachers use technology in their rooms, and share some time with friends. I look forward to helping our teachers use this app in their rooms.
One of my favorite apps they introduced was Chatterpix.
ChatterPix Kids & ChatterPix
ChatterPix Kids and ChatterPix from Duck Duck Moose are simple apps for students to use. Both allow students to take a new picture or use a picture they have saved to the camera. Students can easily draw a mouth on any image by simply drawing the outline of a mouth on the picture. Tap one button to record audio, and the mouth then animates with the recording. It can record up to a 30 second audio clip.
It is always great to learn new things, see how teachers use technology in their rooms, and share some time with friends. I look forward to helping our teachers use this app in their rooms.
Monday, February 9, 2015
Scholastic News and Time for Kids
Teachers,
I am excited about our new resources we have in the Core! In January we started receiving our monthly subscriptions to "Time for Kids" and "Scholastic News" for each grade level. Both of these magazines offer grade specific content for students to read, learn, and enjoy. Each issue includes lesson focus for the teacher and printables for your students. These would be great for students to use as morning work, in stations, or working with small groups.
Issues can also be accessed online so you can show the same issue to students from your promethean board. The Whiteboard editions include links to photos and videos. I promise your students will love it! I used both magazines when I was in the classroom and know you will also love using them. Please email me for log in information.
I am excited about our new resources we have in the Core! In January we started receiving our monthly subscriptions to "Time for Kids" and "Scholastic News" for each grade level. Both of these magazines offer grade specific content for students to read, learn, and enjoy. Each issue includes lesson focus for the teacher and printables for your students. These would be great for students to use as morning work, in stations, or working with small groups.
Issues can also be accessed online so you can show the same issue to students from your promethean board. The Whiteboard editions include links to photos and videos. I promise your students will love it! I used both magazines when I was in the classroom and know you will also love using them. Please email me for log in information.
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Mrs. Melissa Wells-Woodland Heights Elementary
Read 2 Succeed has reminded educators the importance of a literacy rich environment and how it supports learners in the classroom. At a recent meeting with Literacy Coaches from the state of South Carolina, I was introduced to Melissa Wells. Mrs. Wells is the Literacy Coach at Woodland Heights Elementary in Spartanburg and created a Smore flyer showcasing what literacy looked like in her Kindergarten classroom. She has several video's embedded that showcase her literacy environment and her students in action. I am thrilled she shared this with us and hope you enjoy it as well. Click here to access her flyer:
Mrs. Wells-Woodland Heights
Remember, "The More you Know, The More you Grow"
Mrs. Wells-Woodland Heights
Remember, "The More you Know, The More you Grow"
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