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August 15, 2009
Running Your Own Race
I always wondered why thoroughbreds in horse races wear blinders (or
"blinkers" as they are called in the business). Those shields
at the sides of their eyes keep them from getting distracted by what
the other horses are doing.
When you're trying something new in your classroom or school, sometimes
the best thing you can do is to put blinders on for a bit.
It's so easy to get distracted by. . .well, just about everything can
be a distraction in schools at the start of the year. It
takes courage and discipline to focus on the students in front of you,
and run your own race. Children and teens always let you know
what is working, and what isn't.
This week, we've got ideas for starting conversations with students
about books. Plus more as always - enjoy!
Brenda Power
Editor, Choice Literacy
Free for All
In Making Time for Literacy Chit-Chat from the Choice
Literacy Archives, Franki Sibberson explains how she uses moments
throughout the day to promote informal talk about
books. The article includes a list of question prompts for
helping students think more deeply about book choice:
http://www.choiceliteracy.com/public/623.cfm
One of the best conversation starters with students of any age is to
ask them the title of the first book they enjoyed reading.
The First Book organization is running their annual "What Book Got You
Hooked?" survey contest. The state with the most responses
gets 50,000 books for needy children. You can participate as
well as read the favorites of celebrities at this link. It's
a very short survey:
http://booksforkids.firstbook.org/whatbook/index.php
Here's a fine resource to share with parents at Open House.
The Playful Learning blog has an extensive series of activities for
parents to do with their children around different subject areas that
are just plain fun. The website is lovely too, with a simple
and clean design:
If you're looking for a place for students to publish their writing for
an authentic audience and get inspired at the same time, the "My Hero"
website is a terrific resource. People from all over the
world post writing and multimedia creations about their
heroes. This nonprofit site also has an extensive resource
base for teachers that includes lessons, calendars, and standards
connections:
http://www.myhero.com/myhero/home.asp
The final Choice Literacy Workshops in 2009 will take place in
Rockland, Maine October 17-18 at the beautiful Samoset Resort. Topics
include CAFE Assessment with The Sisters, Assessment with Clare
Landrigan and Tammy Mulligan, Delight in Words with Franki Sibberson,
and Literacy Coach Jumpstart with Jennifer Allen. If you have
never been to this venue on the rocky Maine coast, you are in for a
treat. You can download the two-page PDF brochure describing the
workshops at this link:
http://www.choiceliteracy.com/samoset09.pdf
For Members Only
This week we've posted the second of our two-part series from Andrea
Smith on integrating word study, nonfiction reading, and
technology. Word Storms help students see the power of rich
vocabulary for describing the natural world around them.
While Andrea is working with 4th graders, the activities can be adapted
for older or younger students. The series includes
links to resources on the web to use for nonfiction reading and word
study:
http://www.choiceliteracy.com/members/952.cfm
The last of our Maine Makeover videos is up - "The Sisters" (Gail
Boushey and Joan Moser) help redesign wall displays and the meeting
area in a 3rd grade classroom:
http://www.choiceliteracy.com/members/956.cfm
Are you still thinking through your plans for read alouds
this year? Karen Terlecky presents her top picks for 5th
grade:
http://www.choiceliteracy.com/members/954.cfm
Finally, Stella Villalba shares her favorite bilingual
(English/Spanish) books for helping young English language learners
feel at home in new classrooms early in the year:
http://www.choiceliteracy.com/members/953.cfm
That's all for this week!
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