Classroom Charts to Anchor Learning

Following are some pictures I snapped in some Texas classrooms this week.
Take a peek and borrow an idea or two!


Thinking About Writing

Setting the Story

Students Have Agreed to Classroom Rules

Writing Transitions

Idea for Posting Learning Targets

Setting the Stage for Reading

Take a look at this interactive word wall!  First graders in this class are frequent visitors to the board during their writing workshop to take high frequency words such as "because" out of the pocket and back to their desks.

Book Suggestion

If you were alone on a desert island (with your students) and you could only have ONE book as a resource...I'm just sayin'...It COULD happen!  This would probably be your BEST choice!!  For anyone who wants to sharpen their teaching skills.  Check it out!

Quotable

"Every effort must be

made in childhood to

teach the young to use

their own minds.  For

one thing is certain: if

they don't make up

their own minds,

someone will do it

for them."

-Eleanor Roosevelt

Book Introductions for Early Readers

When introducing a new book to your early readers, it's important to make the introduction effective.  An effective book introduction will set your students up for success with the reading of the book. The following elements of book introduction will help ensure success for you and your students.

1. Read the title and tell the basic premise of the story in one or two sentences.

    "This book is about..."

2. Make connections.

    "This book reminds me of..."

    "Think about a time when..."

3. Make predictions.

    "Look at the front cover and tell me what you think might happen..."

4. Guided picture walk.

    Use the language in the text.  Locate unusual vocabulary.  Stick to the story line.

5. Grab the readers attention!

    "I'm curious! Let's read to find out what happens..."

And remember...Our goal is to coach students so they can read a variety of

texts at their particular level. Our goal is not to "teach the book."

Happy Book Introductions!!