The Big Fresh from Choice Literacy
December 12, 2009
Essentials
Essentials
Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is a nobler art of
leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the
elimination of nonessentials.
Lin Yutang
When I considered what to write this week, all I could think about is
what a busy time of year this is for everyone. There is
something so essential and wonderful about spending time with family
and friends before the new year. My wish for you is the same
wish I have for myself - to hone that art of eliminating all the
nonessentials over the next few weeks so that there is more joyful time
with loved ones.
We're headed into our annual two-week winter break at The Big Fresh, so
at least your email box will be a bit less cluttered (I guess that's my
gift to you!). In the meantime, we've got wisdom from Shari Frost on
gentle ways to replace whole-class novel reading.
I am more grateful than you know that in the midst of all the busyness,
demands, and distractions, you've found time for Choice Literacy in
2009. We'll be back with even more new content in 2010!
Brenda Power
Editor, Choice Literacy
Free for All
When teachers shift to a reading workshop model, sometimes they
struggle most with the move from whole-class novels to more
individualized reading. Shari Frost has advice for helping teachers
work through the transition, as well as ways to ensure students still
have some shared reading experiences with their classmates:
http://www.choiceliteracy.com/public/1047.cfm
In case you missed it last week, our 4th Annual Gifts for
Literacy Geeks has been posted. There are lots of ideas here
for last minute presents:
http://www.choiceliteracy.com/public/1046.cfm
What is the funniest gift you ever received from a student?
Phillip Done (author of the new book Close Encounters of the 3rd Grade
Kind) digs through his collection of 75 apple ornaments and 37 "World's
Greatest Teacher" mugs to find some pretty hilarious
treasures. I'm especially fond of the pair of earrings split
between a favorite classroom teacher and librarian. I guess
that's why they come in sets of two:
http://bit.ly/7HwLIN
For Members Only
When does level matter in grouping students for reading
instruction? Franki Sibberson shares her latest
thinking and a template to use in organizing groups:
http://www.choiceliteracy.com/members/1050.cfm
Franki's grouping article is the lead feature in our new digest on Grouping
Beyond Levels:
http://www.choiceliteracy.com/members/1049.cfm
In this week's video, Principal Karen Szymusiak and 3rd Grade
Teacher/Literacy Coach Pam Hahlen collaborate on a word-learning
activity. The video is posted in our new and improved player,
with a full-screen viewing option:
http://www.choiceliteracy.com/members/1048.cfm
If the holiday rush has left you behind on new Choice Literacy postings
this month, you can catch up after break by browsing the Big Fresh
Archives:
http://www.choiceliteracy.com/public/department62.cfm
Finally, don't forget to use the "My Favorites" widget designed to help
members organizing their personal stash of site goodies:
http://www.choiceliteracy.com/members/846.cfm
That's all for this week! We'll be back with new content in
2010!
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Jennifer Allen
