Franki Sibberson has worked for over twenty years as an educator in many different roles - teaching children in a variety of elementary grades, assisting struggling readers in an intervention position, guiding literacy programs K - 12 in the central district office, as an elementary librarian and leading workshops for teachers at the state, regional, and national level.

Her writing and video work for Choice Literacy keeps us updated on the latest and greatest books as well as practical "how-tos" on assessment, comprehension, word work, technology and more. Franki is the co-author with Karen Szymusiak of many books and videos on teaching reading in the intermediate grades, including Beyond Leveled Books, Still Learning to Read, Day-to-Day Assessment in the Reading Workshop, Bringing Reading to Life, and Making the Most of News Magazines.

Franki also writes regularly on the blog she shares with Mary Lee Hahn, "A Year of Reading." You can access the blog at:

http://readingyear.blogspot.com/

If You Like Junie B. Jones, You Might Like . . . Franki Sibberson As teachers, we love to see our students fall in love with a character and read an entire series. But there comes a time when we want to see our students expand as readers -- to find new characters and authors to fall in love with beyond that one beloved series. . . . more Learning from Master Teachers: It's the Process, Not the Content (Part I) Franki Sibberson Every time I watched these teachers in action, I was inspired by what I saw. Students were reading independently. They could talk to each other about books in sophisticated ways. They had favorite authors and genres. The students seemed to own their reading lives and it was this ownership that allowed them to access the curriculum successfully. Watching master teachers work alongside students has provided some of my most powerful learning. These teachers helped me create a vision for my teaching. . . . more Learning from Master Teachers: Final Lessons in the Cycle (Part II) Franki Sibberson This is the second installment in my two-part lesson series on teaching students how to record and share their thinking in whole-class, small-group, and one-on-one conversations. This is a cycle of lessons that I usually do early in the year, but it can be attempted or revisited any time you want to deepen the quality of conversations around texts. . . . more Organizing Writing Groups (VIDEO) Franki Sibberson Many times I'll form a writing group based on what I'm noticing as I observe children in writer's workshop. They will tell me what they need in conferences, or I'll see patterns across the class. I might ask kids, "Who's having trouble with their lead?" and pull a group based on student response. I might notice that three children are writing something with a sports theme, so I might pull those students together to look at sports writers. . . . more Book Matchmaker: 5th Grade English Language Learners (VIDEO) Robin Heist is an elementary ELL teacher. She is thinking about her older English language learners who are reading below grade-level expectations. She is hoping to find books that are sophisticated enough to engage them, but are close to their independent reading level. To help Robin, I tried to find books in a few different categories. Nonfiction is always a good choice in this situation, since it is sometimes easier to find nonfiction topics of interest that are engaging. Short chapter books that are easy to read but that are sophisticated enough to engage older readers are also important. . . . more Using Foam Boards in Writer's Workshop (VIDEO) Franki Sibberson Foam boards are an inspiration that came from my friend Ann Marie Corgill. She shared this idea with me when she was working at the Manhattan New School in New York City. I've always used a lot of wall space for writer's workshop, and have even gone beyond that to cover closet doors and the door going into the classroom with student work, ideas, and resources. There is never enough room to display or post everything we are working on and everything that might help build the writing community. The foam boards are a way to extend the display space flexibly all year long, and what's great about them is that they are so portable - each one becomes a moving, changing bulletin board tied to literacy topics we are studying and discussing together. . . . more Book Matchmaker: Intermediate Read-Alouds (VIDEO) Melanie Quinn, an instructional coach, is looking for some new read alouds for 4th and 5th grade classes. Read-alouds are important at any grade level,and the books we choose are critical if we are to foster thoughtful conversations. When I read middle grade novels, I am always looking for new titles to add to my list of read-aloud possibilities. I want books that will engage the variety of readers in an intermediate classroom. Here are some of the newer titles I've found that could make great read-alouds for this age group. . . . more How Social Networking Has Changed My Reading Franki Sibberson I am surprised at how much of an impact social networking has had on my life as a reader in the past year. I am amazed at the ways my reading has changed, and attribute most of those changes to the social networks I have recently joined. I have read far more books in 2011 than I have ever read in my life. And the thing is, I have read really good books. There are very few, if any, books I read that are not quality books. . . . more Helping Students Set Nonfiction Reading Goals (VIDEO) Franki Sibberson For years, no matter how hard I tried, fiction seemed to take over the reading workshop time of my students. I realized that with only one block of time to read, students hated to give up the great novels they were reading in order to read nonfiction. . . . more Supporting Thoughtful Book Choice (VIDEO) In this video filmed in the spring, Franki Sibberson helps her third and fourth grade students think through what books they might select for independent reading. The discussion ranges from new books available in the class library, to individual quirks and preferences: . . . more Book Matchmaker: Graphic Novels for a Sixth Grader (VIDEO) An instructional specialist is looking for some graphic novels to share with a group of sixth-grade girls. The girls are graphic novel fans and have already read quite a few graphic novels. Finding books that are interesting enough for sophisticated readers, yet appropriate for girls that are in sixth grade, can be a challenge. Here are some that should meet their needs. . . . more Book Matchmaker: Texts for an Advanced First Grader (VIDEO) Joan is a first-grade teacher who has one reader in mind - a student who is reading well above grade-level expectations. . . . more Ways to Collaborate With Your School Librarian Franki Sibberson In my 24 years of teaching, I have held many teaching roles in the elementary school setting. Although most of my work has been as a classroom teacher at various grade levels, I have also worked as a Reading Intervention Specialist, Curricular Support Teacher, and Teacher on Special Assignment at the district level. I am currently in my third year as an elementary librarian. . . . more Revision Tools: Providing Options to Students (VIDEO) Franki Sibberson From old favorites like highlighters to new resources like kangaroo bags, this whole class session with Franki Sibberson's students highlights cool tools that will inspire learners to dive in and test out different revision strategies in writer's workshop... . . . more Book Matchmaker: Characters Across the Grades Jennifer Allen is looking for a new set of books to use with her teachers in her role as a literacy coach. She said, "I am working to differentiate the resources that I use with teachers in my study groups." . . . more New Books to Celebrate Poetry Franki Sibberson Spring is a great time to update your poetry collection. This has been a terrific year for children's poetry - here are some wonderful new collections I am sure your students will enjoy. a . . . more Books that Invite Students into Poetry Writing Franki Sibberson Students learn so much about crafting quality writing when they are immersed in a poetry writing unit. I often see big growth in students in terms of writing focus, word choice, and voice . However, a challenge I always have when inviting students to write poetry is their reliance on poetry that rhymes. . . . more Book Matchmaker: Helping a Struggling Reader in 5th Grade (VIDEO) Deb is a teacher who works with struggling readers in grades 3-5. She is particularly interested in finding books for one of her 5th graders who is reading at a DRA level 20-24. He is very self-conscious about what he reads, and wants books that seem more like what his classmates are reading. . . . more Updating Reading Interviews: Technology and Changing Habits Franki Sibberson My reading interviews have remained almost the same for many years. I've added a question here and there. But for the most part, the interviews have been focused on the same types of reading behaviors. I realized this year, that my interviews were becoming outdated. They were missing the changing habits of readers who are comfortable with computers, tablets, and e-readers. I decided it was time to add new questions to the conversation. . . . more Book Matchmaker: "Cool" Books for a Struggling Second Grader (VIDEO) Franki Sibberson Peggy asked me to help her find books for a second grader. The student is struggling, but still wants to read the kinds of books her friends are reading. Books for early and transitional readers are sometimes the most difficult to find. These readers are at a critical point in their development, and they need books that are just right for them. But they are also beginning to get excited about reading "chapter books" and want to fit in with their peers. Since they are developing their identities as readers, I think it is important that they read a variety of books at this stage. Different books will support them in different ways. . . . more Getting Started With Twitter Franki Sibberson Two years ago, I reluctantly signed up for a Twitter account. Shortly after the initial confusion and frustration, I became addicted. . . . more Previewing Before Read Alouds (VIDEO) In this video, Franki Sibberson leads an extended preview of the book Greetings from Nowhere by Barbara O'Connor with her third and fourth grade students. She also talks about the value of previewing in teaching students inferring and book choice skills. . . . more Book Matchmaker: Short Vowel Practice with Older Students Franki Sibberson Ellen is a school volunteer working with a group of students who are not reading at grade level in third grade. She is concerned about their understanding of short vowel sounds, but knows taking them back to skill and drill practice with vowels is not the answer. She was looking for some books that might help. . . . more Helping Readers Focus: The Questions Anchor Chart (VIDEO) In this five-minute video of a book preview of Greetings from Nowhere by Barbara O'Connor, Franki Sibberson helps students set a purpose for their reading as she guides them through creating an anchor chart of "Questions We Have When We Read." The students have copies of the front matter and first pages of the book to look through and highlight together, as well as individual copies of the book for following along during the read aloud. . . . more Book Matchmaker: A Friendship Theme for Literature Circles Franki Sibberson Recently Joan asked me to recommend some books that dealt with the theme of friendship. She was planning a set of literature circles, and in the past had never had kids all choose books with similar themes. This was something she wanted to try with intermediate readers. . . . more Using Picture Books to Spice Up Vocabulary Instruction (BOOKLIST) Franki Sibberson Vocabulary instruction has always been a challenge for me. I believe strongly that students need to learn vocabulary in context, but I have realized recently that there are concepts related to vocabulary learning that are bigger than meanings of individual words. This awareness of word concepts is crucial for building the skills necessary for students to learn words when they are reading independently. . . . more Using the Web to Find New Ways Into Books, Songs, and Stories Franki Sibberson A few years ago was the first time I saw a toddler in a stroller holding an iPhone. I assumed she was playing with the phone, just as kids played with the cell phones of the past. What else could she possibly be doing besides pushing random buttons and pretending to talk to someone? As I saw this scene repeat itself over and over, I began to look more closely. I worried that these children with phones were doing some kind of crazy skill and drill game, or watching a waste-of-time video. I quickly realized I was wrong in my assumption. . . . more Revising Titles Minilesson (VIDEO) Franki Sibberson In this minilesson from Franki Sibberson's grades 3/4 classroom, Franki takes students through the process of selecting and revising titles. She uses the poem "Confessions of a Reader" by Carol Wilcox as a mentor text. . . . more Book Matchmaker: Texts for "Outdoorsy" Boys Franki Sibberson I received this request from Carolyn: "Can we tackle the age-old problem of books that get ten-year-old boys jazzed about reading? I had many boys this past year that just didn't get drawn into a book. The boys in my school are outdoors guys. Many hike, hunt, fish, and ride their all-terrain vehicles." . . . more Quick Takes: Advice on Book Hogs from Franki Sibberson In this video quick take, Franki Sibberson gives advice for dealing with "book hogs" - those students who try to grab any new book when it appears in the classroom library. . . . more Book Matchmaker: Texts to Inspire Our Youngest Readers and Writers Franki Sibberson In this installment of the "Book Matchmaker" series with Franki Sibberson, Franki helps first-grade teacher Danielle think through what books might spark better writing in her young students who are mostly interested in toys and video games. . . . more Using Comics in Literacy Workshops Part II (VIDEO) Franki Sibberson In this second video in a two-part series, Franki Sibberson's grades 3 and 4 students share their learning from a literacy workshop activity with comic books. . . . more Using Comics in Literacy Workshops Part I (VIDEO) Franki Sibberson In this first video in a two-part series, Franki Sibberson works with her third- and fourth-graders to use comics in the literacy workshop. . . . more Closing Out the Library: Cleaning Up and Thinking Ahead Franki Sibberson I am finding that my reflections in closing out the school library are not that much different from when I was packing up and rethinking my classroom library in previous years. The process of cleaning out book tubs, collecting books from students, and weeding out books that are no longer all in one piece invites me to see my text collection with new eyes. It is always fascinating to me that the same books are read over and over by students while others sit on the shelf, either unnoticed or rarely browsed. . . . more Books to Celebrate Earth Day Franki Sibberson Earth Day will be celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2010 on April 22nd. As we think about celebrating Earth Day in our schools, we can expand the things that we can teach children by the books that we share. There are so many ways to introduce the importance of taking care of our world. Here is a list of my favorite books for helping students understand and appreciate their world, as well as take better care of it . . . more Linking Math and Writing Through Word Problems (VIDEO) Franki Sibberson In this six-minute video, Franki Sibberson demonstrates how she helps her third- and fourth-grade students make connections between writer's workshop and math problem solving. . . . more Nonfiction Word Hunt Part II (VIDEO) Franki Sibberson Finding new words to follow is always a fun part of our word wall routine. Students love to go back into text to find words that they are curious about. The problem is always that we find so, so many and it is hard to think about more than a handful, as a class. As the routine evolves, students begin to take this on in their personal lives--finding their own words to think about and listen for. But for this routine, we are looking for the best words to think about as a class. . . . more Nonfiction Word Hunt (VIDEO) Franki Sibberson Franki Sibberson adapts an idea from Sharon Taberski to build word study into nonfiction reading time with her grades 3-4 students. . . . more Helping Young Readers Become Independent: The "Next-Read" Stack and Peer Groups (VIDEOS) Franki Sibberson I find next-read book stacks to be critical for students in the transitional years of reading. Many young readers are just beginning to read books that take longer than one sitting to complete. The choice becomes overwhelming. I have used Ziploc bags, boxes and other containers to help students be intentional about their next-read stacks. I find when students have a place to stack those books that they want to read in the future, they spend less time wandering around the bookshelves. They begin to live their daily lives as readers, always looking for new books to read in the future. . . . more When Does Level Matter? Being Efficient with Small Group Instruction Franki Sibberson I find my flexibility as a teacher is both challenged and validated when I group students for instruction. When I think about the wide range of needs in my classroom and then about the wide range of levels, it feels nearly impossible to do all the teaching that needs to be done. When I group students by level, within each leveled group are many different needs. Just because students' reading levels are the same, their needs aren't necessarily aligned. Students may read independently at the same level -- yet some may need support at predicting, while others need support with determining the meaning of unknown words. Still others may struggle with engagement. . . . more Comics and Graphic Novels in the Classroom Volume 2 Number 3 November 28, 2009 Welcome to the latest Teaching Beyond Reading Levels Digest! Comics and graphic novels have never been more popular among tweens and teens. I've found thinking through how to match kids to these texts is one of the best ways to get out of the rut of over-emphasizing book levels in teaching. The web is a wonderful source for reviews and teaching ideas to use with comics and graphic novels. . . . more Using Student Conferences to Build Book Choice Skills Franki Sibberson I went through a phase last January where I just couldn't find a book that I loved. I started lots of books, but didn't finish any of them. I tried to continue my usual routine of reading at bedtime, but I'd fall asleep. This had never happened to me - I was in a reading rut and I couldn't get out of it. It took a spring break vacation on the beach before I finally found some books that I loved and was able to enjoy my bedtime reading. Those few months of non-reading at night reminded me that these ruts happen for all readers, no matter how ingrained the routines are and how much they cherish reading time. . . . more Setting Up the Classroom for Teaching Beyond Levels Volume 2 Number 1 October 31, 2009 Welcome to the new Teaching Beyond Reading Levels Digest! This topic has been a focus of mine for years. Early in the school year, much of my time goes into setting up the classroom and library for instruction, as well as getting to know students as learners, not numbers from an assessment grid. I hope you enjoy these new features and old favorites from the Choice Literacy Archives. . . . more What Messages Do We Give Students with Our Classroom Library Design? Franki Sibberson The design of our classroom library gives a message to anyone who walks into our classroom. But most importantly, the way that it is organized gives big messages to our students about the things we value about their reading lives. The students know what is valued when they look at the way that reading materials are organized. . . . more Using Picture Books to Teach Theme in Grades 3-6 Franki Sibberson Theme is one of the most difficult things for students in grades 3-6 to understand. For students to understand theme and then discover themes in the books that they read, they need to synthesize the ideas across a book. This is often very difficult to do with the novels that they are reading independently. Yet when we scaffold their learning by using picture books with easily accessible themes and build on conversations from one book to another, our students can begin to understand theme and find theme in the books that they are reading independently. . . . more Setting Reading Goals (VIDEO) Franki Sibberson I find it's important for students to set long-term goals periodically throughout the year. In this video, students are thinking about their long-term nonfiction reading goals. We do this at the end of a whole-class share session, so students can hear the thinking of their peers. . . . more The Human Face of the 21st Century Literacy: Favorite Technology Blogs (BEYOND GADGETS SERIES) Franki Sibberson Over the past few years, I have been trying to understand the concept of 21st Century Literacy. I am interested in technology, but adamant in my belief that any tool must be used in authentic ways. To use technology for the sake of technology serves no purpose for our students. I am working to understand how new technological tools might impact our classrooms, especially in the area of literacy. . . . more Books That Invite Conversations About Perspective (BOOKLIST) Franki Sibberson I have recently found several books that invite conversations on perspective - books that for some reason or another, help you look at something from someone else's point of view. I have found this is not only an important life skill, but something that helps readers think about characters in new ways. If we want students to think deeply about character, to understand conflict in text, and to read critically thinking about perspective is critical. . . . more Rethinking the Study of Nonfiction in the 21st Century (BEYOND GADGETS SERIES) Franki Sibberson Years ago, I attended a workshop in which Regie Routman asked us to list all of the reading that we did over the last week. As we all worked and then reflected, we realized that most of the reading that we did on a day-to-day basis was nonfiction. So much of what was read in the classroom at that time was fiction. The workshop was powerful, and made me realize how much nonfiction reading mattered. . . . more Not Available in a Six-Pack: Books to Place Alongside Leveled Texts for Our Youngest Readers Franki Sibberson Some of my favorite days in teaching have been when a new reader insists on reading a book aloud to me (and everyone they meet that day) because they've discovered, "I can read this book all by myself!" There is nothing like the face of a new reader who happens upon a text that they can read on their own. Often these children have lots of "little books" or leveled books that they can read. But to choose a book that is not one of the leveled books that they've been introduced to by a teacher, and then to discover that they can read it without any support, is definitely a thrill. . . . more Expanding the Ways We Preview Books (BEYOND GADGETS Series) Franki Sibberson Our 5th graders are moving to middle school. As incoming 6th graders, they are given a summer reading assignment by our district. As I was looking at the 4 books that they are to choose from and thinking about ways to support them in previewing these four choices, I was struck by the ways that the internet has expanded the ways in which we can preview and choose books. It made me realize just how much my book previewing has changed over the last few years. . . . more The Reading Skills We Use When Searching the Internet (BEYOND GADGETS SERIES) Franki Sibberson Our students are often much more technologically savvy than we are. They have grown up with tools that are fairly new to us. They sometimes teach themselves the skills that they need to know. Children who teach themselves to use a handheld game by just "trying stuff out" always amaze me. Our kids are confident users of many kinds of new technology. However, I have found that even though our students know how to use several tools and how to navigate the web, actually using websites for in-depth research is a bit more difficult for them. . . . more New Mentor Texts for Word Choice (BOOKLIST) Franki Sibberson Choosing words in writing is a key to effectively communicating ideas. It is part of a conversation we have all year long, no matter which grade I teach. Using great language is an important part of effective communication. I have found that the best way to introduce and extend this conversation is through the use of picture books. Picture books allow me to introduce students to an idea about words in a very short time. These mentor texts serves as the conversation starter that we can come back to again and again during the writing process. These are some of the recent books I have added to my collection. . . . more Using Summer Reading to Expand the Whole School Reading Community Franki Sibberson I have always worked hard to prepare my students for a summer of reading. When I was a classroom teacher, we spent quite a bit of time during our last few weeks of school thinking ahead to summer reading. Instead of a log or an assignment, I wanted my students to see summer as an opportunity to get to those books they had been hoping to read, and to see summer reading as an invitation for lots of reading. . . . more Great New Nonfiction for Elementary Students Franki Sibberson When I scan the nonfiction shelves of our school library, I notice the quality of nonfiction books for children is so much better than it was years ago. Looking at some of the older titles in the library, I see encyclopedia-type text with not-so-engaging visuals. I am so happy that nonfiction has gotten so much better in the recent past. Now our children have so many great nonfiction books to choose from. Current nonfiction is written in ways that engage children. The visuals are diverse and authentic, and the topics are subjects that are interesting for a variety of reasons. . . . more Addicted to Twitter: How Did It Happen? Franki Sibberson I have become addicted to Twitter, and this shocks me. I really had no intention of "twittering," and I certainly did not plan on making it a part of my daily life. Yet it really is my new favorite hobby. Now that I am addicted, I have done some reflection on the process I went through to learn how to use this new technological tool. I think my process has definite implications for my teaching. . . . more Making a Difference: Examples from Children's Literature (BOOKLIST) Franki Sibberson Last year, my nine-year-old daughter Ana decided that she did not want gifts at her birthday party. She had heard about other kids who had used their birthday party as a way to give back to a cause they cared about. She knew she wanted to do something, but she wasn't sure what. I happened upon the organization The Reading Village (www.readingvillage.org) and shared the site and its mission with my daughter. Since Guatemala and literacy are two things that we care deeply about, we knew that this was the right fit. . . . more Characters We Love (BOOKLIST) Franki Sibberson When I think about matching students to books, I want my students to find books for a variety of reasons. I know that finding favorite series and characters is key to a child's development as a reader. I spend lots of time sharing books with my students that have characters that they can read about in other books. I know the excitement they feel when they discover a new book about Fancy Nancy or a new book that has just come out in the Magic Treehouse series. As readers, many of us do this. We look forward to catching up with characters we love. . . . more The Year's Best New Read Alouds Franki Sibberson I am always on the lookout for new books to read aloud to my students. I like to read new, "hot-off-the-press" books for several reasons. First of all, I don't have to worry about whether students have already read the book in past years. But more importantly, reading aloud new books helps my students feel "in-the-know" about reading and books. They like the idea that they are experiencing a book that is new, that not many people know about. They love to spread the word about the new book. . . . more Talking About Tests (VIDEO) Franki Sibberson For several years, I have been spending about a month before state testing on a test-taking genre in reading. It works like any other genre study, allowing students to learn strategies for comprehending the genre. So much of the work is in helping students use the strategies they have learned throughout the year while they are reading a test. I used to believe that this would happen naturally but have learned that students need explicit work in the area. . . . more Sports Writing Group Discussion (VIDEO) As part of our nonfiction writing study, many of the students in the class began to write about sports. Every year that I've taught in any grade, students enjoy writing about sports. It is always difficult to teach this writing style, because students write mostly play-by-play writing of the games they've played or watched. . . . more The Luxury of Extra Reading Time Over the Holidays Franki Sibberson I love thinking ahead to holiday reading. The books seem to pile up all fall with hopes that over vacation, I'll find long periods of time to read and to catch up a bit. Sometimes I find the time and other times we are busy with traveling and family. When readers have extra time coming up, it is natural for us to think ahead to what we might read. . . . more Making Time for Nonfiction Read Alouds Franki Sibberson As an elementary teacher, it is so easy to find great fiction texts to read aloud to students. There are many books to choose from, and I can readily envision my students enjoying fiction read alouds and then going back to read these books on their own during reading workshops. It is no wonder that many of our students feel more comfortable reading fiction than nonfiction, since so many read alouds focus on fiction. . . . more Books that Invite Student Participation Franki Sibberson When I taught first grade years ago, my students had a rousing good time with text that invited them to join in. Even before they were actually reading the text, they were able to join in on many of their favorite stories. Since leveled books seem to have taken over our classrooms in the past 10-15 years, we sometimes forget the important supports that these "real" books have for early readers. . . . more Student Independence and Ownership in the Library Franki Sibberson As I continued to teach, I realized that Status of the Class routine did so much more than help me to keep up with what my students were reading and writing. By taking a few minutes each day to everyone's plans for the workshop, community building happened because readers and writers came to know other. By listening in on others' plans, they came up with new ideas for themselves. I realized that the message that I gave by asking each student what they were doing was a message about student ownership: The way in which you spend your time is up to you. When I think about how this relates to my role as a school librarian, I know that if I want students to use the library independently, they deserve this same independence and ownership. . . . more Build Fluency with Books That Are Fun for Kids to Read Aloud Over and Over and Over Again Franki Sibberson Fluency has been such a hot topic lately. Our students are tested and timed on passages to check their reading progress. There is so much to fluency, but it has come to mean only the speed and accuracy with which our children read. As literacy educators, we know that fluency is so much more than speed and accuracy. To be fluent is to read in a way that is smooth and interesting. Read aloud is no fun if you are rushing through your reading. Pacing and rhythm are key. Anyone who has ever heard a story read aloud by Mem Fox or Lester Laminack knows that there is a skill to reading aloud that has so much more to do with meaning than with speed and accuracy. . . . more New Versions of Old Favorites (BOOKLIST) Franki Sibberson We seem to have gotten away from reading new versions of old stories. With the focus on guided reading and leveled books, I worry that our students aren't hearing the wonderful stories that we all know and love. There are so many terrific new versions of more classic tales - it's a shame if students don't have a chance to enjoy them . . . more A Workshop Model in the Library: Time for More Than Book Checkout Franki Sibberson Starting a new job as a school librarian has been a learning experience for me. There is so much to love from being around books and kids all day, sharing the best books with every child in a school, and having kids stop you in the hall to tell you about the book they are reading or the one that they want to check out next. But, I am also out of my comfort zone. After spending 21 years in the classroom, the library is a new challenge and I am definitely on a steep learning curve. . . . more Next Book Stack: Helping Students Make Wise Independent Reading Choices (VIDEO) Franki Sibberson In this video, Franki Sibberson confers with 4th grader Hailey about her "next book" pile to help her home in on her interests and needs as a reader. . . . more How Can School and Classroom Libraries Support Struggling Readers? Franki Sibberson I have been trying to imagine what those struggling readers see when they look at the classroom libraries and school libraries. Does the set-up let these readers know that there is a place for them in this school or does it give them the message that the reading they can do is not valued here? . . . more Knitting, Independence, and Small Group Routines for Intermediate Readers Franki Sibberson A few years ago, my teenage daughter mentioned that she would like to learn to knit. I told her that I could teach her and that we should start with something easy, like a scarf. I was excited as I thought back to my childhood days--learning to crochet from one grandmother and learning to knit from my other grandmother. I had made several projects and had knit several gifts as a child. I didn't have fantastic skills, but I could knit. I had no doubt that I could teach my daughter to knit something simple. . . . more Supporting Thoughtful Book Choice (VIDEO) In this video filmed in the spring, Franki Sibberson helps her third and fourth grade students think through what books they might select for independent reading. The discussion ranges from new books available in the class library, to individual quirks and preferences: . . . more Sharing Our Lives as Readers with Our Students Franki Sibberson As a classroom teacher, sharing my own life as a reader has always been an important part of my teaching. I believe that if we are to have authentic conversations with kids about their lives as readers, they need to know that every reader is quite unique-and that the uniqueness is so wonderful. I decided that this "Lesson" of me sharing my life as a reader was an important thing for me to bring to the school library. No matter what my role in the school, I think this is critical. For me, it has been a way to begin conversations with kids about their lives as readers and to invite kids to begin to think about their own reader identities . . . more Easing into Assessments During the First Six Weeks of School Franki Sibberson and Karen Szymusiak For the first several days of independent reading, we don't administer assessments in the traditional sense. Instead, we watch, listen, and learn about what students do in the routines. This is an important time for informal assessments. This work is so informative. For example, we may learn that a few children are struggling and others are quite secure in their reading. We try to notice as much as we can about our new students, including the following . . . more Aligning Curriculum with Struggling Readers in Mind Franki Sibberson Years ago in a workshop, Shelley Harwayne asked us to think about how many books our struggling readers were reading on any given day. When you think about struggling readers, they may be reading a book that they've chosen on their own during independent reading time, and they may also be listening to a book being read aloud by the classroom teacher. Their special education or reading teacher may be reading another book with them. A parent volunteer may come in and ask them to participate in a book club about yet another book. With all of the right intentions, this child who struggles with reading may be expected to engage with 3-5 books per day. For younger students who can often read books in one sitting, this is not usually a problem. For older students who are beginning to read chapter books, sustaining comprehension for multiple chapter books at the same time may be too much of a challenge. . . . more Fairy Tales for Middle Grade Readers (BOOKLIST) Franki Sibberson Fantasy is becoming quite a popular genre with middle grade and middle school readers. Even though I am not a huge reader of fantasy, I am a fan of fairy tales. For many readers who already love fairy tales, this is a fun way to revisit old favorites. For others who are less familiar with the traditional tales, having picture book versions of the original fairy tales available alongside the newer, more sophisticated ones, is important. The fun of fairy tales is that they come in many different formats. I have been collecting and sharing new books in this genre with my middle grade readers. Here are some of our favorites. . . . more If You Like Captain Underpants: Related Books for Students (BOOKLIST) Franki Sibberson I have found that there is often one book that hooks a child on reading. Children may know how to read other books, they read other books...but they aren't hooked. Then they read a book or series that they fall in love with and they can't stop reading! It is what we hope will happen for all of our students. I always feel extra lucky when kids have fallen in love with a book in a series. I know that when this happens, they are likely to read all of the books in the series without stopping, and they are set for awhile in their reading lives. . . . more Making Time for Literacy Chit-Chat to Support Book Choice Franki Sibberson I have come to know lots of my friends' children from quick conversations on the telephone. When I call to chat with a friend, usually one of the children in the house answers the phone. For those friends who I call several times a week, this adds up to lots of very short conversations with these children over years and years. Even though I only have very short conversations with these children, I have so many of them over time that they add up and I come to know them well. . . . more Just Because It's Skinny, Doesn't Mean It's Easy: Matching Books to Transitional Readers in Grades 2-4 Franki Sibberson I buy a LOT of books for my classroom library. But, there are also many books that I won't buy! My husband has a lot of trouble believing I reject many books when he sees our bills from the local children's bookstore, yet I know that I am very picky about the books that I add to my classroom library. Lately I have been on the lookout for new chapter books for transitional readers. No matter which grade I teach, I know I will have at least a handful of children at the transitional stage of reading in my class. . . . more Novels in Verse (BOOKLIST) Franki Sibberson This year several of my students got hooked on novels in verse. A novel in verse is a short novel that is told in a series of poems or verses. The books have become popular quite quickly - I have students who have read every novel in verse that is available in the classroom. . . . more Reflections on Our Year of Read Alouds (BOOKLIST) Franki Sibberson Read aloud is a key time in reading workshop with my grades 3 and 4 students. We all sit in a circle on the floor, coming together as a community to share a book. Since each book takes approximately a month to read, I have to choose wisely. I have to know my students well, and choose books that will help move us forward as readers. . . . more Books to Get Us Ready for Summer Vacation Franki Sibberson When spring finally arrives, I am always excited to find books that make the transition to summer seem so much quicker for my students and me. This year, I have found some great books to help me lose myself in the world of summer. These books are in a variety of genres that are great to read all year, but they are a special treat when summer is just around the corner. . . . more If Boot Camp Was Standards-Based Franki Sibberson As I move into my fourth month of fitness boot camp, I can't help but reflect on my time there so far. The initial shock to my body is past, and I now find getting up at 4:45 every morning a bit less daunting. . . . more Rethinking a Study of Nonfiction Writing Franki Sibberson I have always done a study of nonfiction as part of our year in writing workshop. This study of nonfiction writing seems critical for students in the upper elementary grades, because we know that they will need good nonfiction writing skills throughout their schooling and lives. In our district, writing literary nonfiction is a focus unit for our fourth graders . . . more Beyond Matt Christopher (BOOKLIST) Franki Sibberson Thank goodness for Matt Christopher! I can't imagine how many boys are avid readers because of his books. Every year, I have readers, mostly boys, who become obsessed with reading the great sports novels by this author. Over the last several years, I have tried to find books by other authors that these same readers could enjoy--books to stretch their lives as readers, building on their love of sports reading. I have watched these readers over the years, and eventually, they decide to move on from Matt Christopher. But they never give up Matt Christopher completely. Instead, they read sports books in other genres and by other authors, always going back to a Matt Christoper title now and then. . . . more Fitness Boot Camp Helps Me Understand Struggling Readers Franki Sibberson Reflecting on the first week of fitness boot camp, I am realizing some things about how and when reading workshop works for all students--especially for those who struggle. I have been more patient with some of my students' behaviors during this time as I reflect on my own feelings and behaviors in the midst of boot camp. Here is what I've learned that I hope impacts the way I teach my own students. . . . more Enhance Your Classroom Poetry Collection: Great New Titles Franki Sibberson I have found that a good poetry collection supports students' literacy in a variety of ways. When shopping, I look for books that have poems that would be fun to read aloud, poems with great language, poems that will allow us to study poet's craft, and more. The fun in poetry shopping is that I am never sure what I might find! Because we read poetry each Friday morning, my students are always excited about new poetry books. Here are some of this year's poetry purchases . . . more Staying True to Our Beliefs When Working With Struggling Readers and Writers in Grades 3-6 Franki Sibberson I often find myself wondering how my knowledge about quality reading instruction plays out for my most struggling students. To keep myself true to my beliefs so that these students can make great progress, I think through the four things that hold true for all students and consider how they apply to struggling readers in my grades 3-4 classroom. . . . more Short Genres, Big Messages Franki Sibberson Last year, I moved from a 5th grade classroom to an intermediate multiage classroom with grades 3 and 4 students. I realized quickly that my writing workshop would be different from what it was in 5th grade. Although these students were ready to keep a writers' notebook, there were things from the primary writing workshop that I felt these kids would also benefit from continuing. . . . more Sales Clerks and Literacy Leaders Franki Sibberson As a literacy leader I run the risk of being too much like the hovering saleswoman or the missing saleswoman. Knowing the level of support that each colleague needs and wants at any given moment is an important part of my work with them. It's recognizing what a teacher needs that will make us the most effective. . . . more An Assessment Notebook That Works for Me Franki Sibberson I have been looking for the perfect assessment organization system since I started teaching over 20 years ago. I remember my excitement when I heard about others who were using address labels to take conference notes, then transferring those to a child's individual folder. But when I gave it a try, I found that I never actually put the stickers into the appropriate folder. Instead, these pages of disorganized stickers piled up. . . . more Strong Girls (BOOKLIST) Franki Sibberson I have become more committed to finding good books for my boys over the last few years. So much has been written about the crisis in boys and literacy that I want to make sure that I have books that will hook them as readers. I have found great resources such as Jon Scieszka's website www.guysread.com. But, with the focus on boys and literacy, I do not want to forget the girls in my classroom. Not only do I want to have good books for them to read, I want to make sure they have lots of girls to read about who are strong female characters. . . . more Reflecting on the First Six Weeks of Word Study Franki Sibberson Going into word study with a different plan is always a little scary. With the first six weeks of school finished, it feels like it is time to see where we've been and what I've learned. This year, I am working hard to make sure that my word study work makes a difference. Rather than going through the motions of studying patterns, sorting words, etc. I am making sure that every lesson connects in some way to students' reading and writing. And I want them to know that too. . . . more Revision: It's in the Bag Franki Sibberson For years, I have heard the same moans and groans when I have mentioned revision to my students in the midst of a genre study. I usually teach students in grades 3-6, and these students have somehow equated revision with editing. At the point they are ready for an edit, they may be finished thinking about their writing and want to move on to something else. . . . more Literary Nonfiction: Models for Writing Franki Sibberson I have never felt as comfortable with nonfiction writing in my elementary classroom as other genres. The products never have much variety. Somehow, students' nonfiction writing always ends up sounding like "report" writing. . . . more Nonfiction Books for Independent Reading: Moving Beyond Content Connections (BOOKLIST) Franki Sibberson I realized years ago that my 4th and 5th grade students were not choosing nonfiction for their independent reading time. When we discussed this as a class, the kids were honest. They had found many great novels to enjoy and they were hooked. They didn't want to give up reading the fiction that they had come to love in order to read nonfiction. This made a lot of sense to me. When I think about my own reading, I make time for nonfiction reading, but it never gets in the way of my fiction reading. I set aside separate times for each. . . . more Rethinking Word Study: The Sentence Study Routine Franki Sibberson As I continue to think about expanding my word study program to include a broader perspective of how we use words--beyond just spelling--I've realized I've never taken it a step further to think about how authors craft sentences or phrases. We have looked at some things closely---ways that metaphors help us understand what the author is trying to convey, or how strong verbs help us visualize what is happening. But, we have not really dug in to see how authors craft these amazing sentences as a daily part of our work as writers. . . . more Helping Students Find Their Own Mentor Texts Franki Sibberson Recently, I have realized that I have too much control over the mentor texts we study in the classroom. I have built a stack of the best of children's literature, taught my students to read like writers, to analyze great writing and to try new things in their own writing. There is no doubt that quality literature makes a difference in children's writing lives. But, I realize that I usually choose the lessons. I often choose the texts that we will learn from as a class. This coming school year, I am hoping to take the idea of mentor texts one step further. . . . more Teaching About Words, Grammar, and Mechanics Through Children's Literature (BOOKLIST) Franki Sibberson When I think about my students as word learners, I want them to be more than just good spellers. I think that this year, many of my daily word study lessons will focus on grammar and mechanics. The challenge for me is fitting grammar and mechanics into my fifteen minute word study block. What better way to do this than to look at how authors put words together in their writing? After all, grammar and mechanics are all about how words work together. . . . more