Making Connections

Reader's Workshop was about connections today. I've already accepted that we're going to have to cut back on the connection lessons (there are so many good ones!) since making connections isn't in our new Common Core Standards. BUT it's so important for children to think about and talk about books! Encouraging your child to share their reading connections helps them understand what is happening, relate to the character, and make predictions. The story (aka text) should be the "heart" of their connection, always referring back to it in their connection.

I posted a few pictures at the bottle, one of our chart and a two "action" shots of work time today. We read the story A Day at School (there was NO CHANCE someone couldn't connect to this story!) and filled in the response sheet!

Great pictures right!? No I didn't get the new iPhone... (sigh) I just brought in my iPad. The purpose for bringing it today was to start reading our new read aloud story, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Frank Baum. I scored this book for free from iBooks :)

I loved that I could project my iPad screen up on the whiteboard so students can follow along as I read :)

We also had a chance to listen to an interactive app/book with Grover called "The Monster at the End of this Book" I bet your child can retell that story to you!!! -- The book was free app from codes at Starbucks :) LOVE freebies!!

**** Here's a chance for your child to get a freebie from ME!! ****

If your child retold the story "The Monster at the End of this Book" to you, please leave a quick note in their daily folder saying that they told you about the story and they will earn a special treat :)

It sure would be nice to have iPads for all the kids... they get so excited when they see me bring that thing out!! One day right??

Blessed

Last week has me feeling blessed in so many ways! Wal-Mart donated 20 $50 gift cards to our teachers as part of their new Teacher Reward program. I was lucky enough to get one of those cards and I registered our class on their website. It allowed me to make a supply list and a wish list for our class. You can find it by going to classrooms.walmart.com Then you search for Merrill Road Elementary and then you'll see my classroom listed. :)

Another positive for the week was my nomination for Teacher of the Year. I feel so honored to be recognized along with the other nominees, whom I personally look up to and am inspired by each day! I truly work with the most amazing group of ladies!! I know we all deserve the title so good luck to you all!!

I did come down with a slight sinus infection on Thursday so I went to the doctor right away and I got to feeling better quickly. I'm glad I didn't wait I've had the weekend to recover and I'm feeling great. I just hope my students can say the same. We had quite a few students out last week and a few feeling sick. It's always a good idea loading up on the vitamin C around this time of year!!

I had time this weekend to go through some old mail and (sadly) I found that both my subscriptions to National Geographic Kids and National Geographic Little Kids have ended. Each magazine is about $15 dollars for a subscription and it's a great way for kids to read engaging informational text. I recommend these magazines for every first grader!!

On the plus side I've found that National Geographic Young Explorer (which is a bit more expensive) actually has a bunch of their issues available online at http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ngyoungexplorer/

The magazine with read the issue to the students or they may read it on their own which I love. I know what the kiddies will be doing during computer lab/centers this week :)

I have one picture to share from flag raising. Unfortunately I cracked the back of my phone resulting in horrible picture quality, but I hope to be getting the new iPhone soon so I'll be able to post pictures more frequently!


Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Lucy, Lucy, Lucy!!

I just got back from the TEACH conference that was held in downtown Jacksonville today and I am walking on cloud nine right now! First of all I was with a great group of girls that I work with and it was a huge event so of course tons of other amazing teachers I've met along my journey were there! To start the morning the first key note speaker was Lucy Calkins. We use her Units of Study for Primary Writing as a part of our writing curriculum and it's amazing!!! It was so inspirational to hear her speak about the newly adapted (in FL at least) Common Core Standards. I was honored to get a picture and have her sign my book!

Too bad it turned out blurry...

After two short break out sessions and lunch it was time for our next keynote speaker. Brad Cohen came out and gave a touching, inspirational, motivational, hilariously funny speech. I can't even put into words how amazing it was to hear him speak :)

It really has been a motivational and inspirational day and I can't wait to get back to school on Monday and do what I do best :)