Do you practice handwriting with your students? Sometimes it seems like an archaic practice, but I think kids learn so much more than just handwriting skills when we practice handwriting. Attention to detail, print directionality, and fine motor development all come to mind when I think of ... read more
Spotlight on Awesome Halloween Reading Center Games that will make you Shriek BOO!
Don't let literacy centers give you the SPOOKS. We all know that when students are engaged during the reading block that learning is enhanced and behavior management runs smoothly. Today I'd love to share with you 6 fantastic games that promote mastery of word family recognition, letter ... read more
How to Create a More Motivating Writers Workshop Experience
Are your students motivated during Writers Workshop, or do they lack the drive to get started with writing? I know that when I started teaching Writers Workshop earlier this year (following Lucy Caulkins), I very quickly learned that my children this year just were not motivated to write. When I ... read more
How to Plan a Publishing Party That Will Actually Wow Students
Lucy and I have a love-hate relationship. Lucy Caulkins that is. While I adore her theory and many of her ideas for structuring Writers Workshop, I often feel it can become a bit monotonous, especially for Kindergarten students. This feeling often grows during those few lessons leading up to ... read more
Guided Reading with Finn Books
Guided reading, reader's workshop, The Daily 5 - however you structure reading in your classroom, the end goal (promoting literacy skills) remains constant. Fountas & Pinnell describe guided reading as "scaffolded reading instruction that propels all students toward confident, independent ... read more
