Hands-On Learning

As a child, remember how much you wanted to touch everything in the store while you were shopping and your parents always told you not to touch?  Well, your students are no different!  Bring artifacts and concrete examples of items that are discussed or read about in the classroom.

While reading, "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane," I realized that as the author talked about the china rabbit, that my students probably had no point of reference at all for what a china doll was.  So I brought this one in, let the kids touch it and get a good look up close.  I've brought in record players, brooches, and other objects that are much better to show than simply tell about.

As you plan your lessons, think about what you have that might make a good teacher show and tell!

Off to the attic...

Day by Day - Stenhouse Publishers

New book from "Two Writing Teachers!"

Day by Day - Stenhouse Publishers

Summer Reading

Summertime is time for a good book!  Are you reading a good book this summer?  Are the kids in your life reading?  Found some information about kids and summer reading:

"Public libraries, through their summer reading programs, put books in the hands of children.  This is the best antidote for the 'summer slide' in children's reading achievement.  Access to books and library programs over the summer results in more reading which, in turn, results in improved reading skills."
-- Assistant Commissioner for Libraries and New York's State Librarian Bernard A. Margolis

Goals of Summer Reading at New York Public Libraries Advance literacy and academic performance by engaging children and teens in reading and reading-related activities during the summer months. Foster a love of reading through public library programs and services. Increase successful reading experiences through librarian-supported, self-selected, voluntary reading. Involve parents and all family members in the library summer reading experience. Improve children’s access to library materials and activities, which will encourage them to become lifelong library users. Increase the number of children and teens participating in public library summer reading programs. I'm headed to the library now for my next book!