Albert Einstein said, "If I can't picture it, I can't understand it." The videos at Choice Literacy are designed to help teachers picture what happens when best practices in literacy meet the reality of busy, noisy, and diverse classrooms. All footage is filmed using state-of-the-art cameras and sound equipment by an experienced professional crew of videographers, sound technicians, and editors. We are committed to capturing accomplished teachers working with students within normal literacy routines and schedules - no staged lessons for the cameras, and no scripts.

Over the next year, videos will be added to the site featuring teachers in writing conferences with young English language learners, mentors working with new teachers to design literacy curricula, teachers assessing students, writing unit design and implementation, and reading comprehension lessons with guided practice. All videos are in Flash format, optimized for viewing on computers with high-speed internet access. If you are having trouble viewing a video, you can download a free Flash player for your computer here:

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[Many videos featured on this site are available for purchase as part of our DVD Workshop Kits, designed for use in professional development settings with full-color viewing guides. For more information, click here.]

Linking Morning Message, Poetry, and Word Learning (VIDEO) Linda Karamatic links the morning message with poetry and word learning in her second-grade classroom. . . . more Book Matchmaker: Picture Book Biographies (VIDEO) Melanie Quinn is an instructional coach is looking for new picture book biographies to share with teachers and students. In the last several years, there are many picture book biographies being published with kids in mind. These are great stories of people from history, written about in ways that will engage children. One of the things I appreciate is the variety of people that are being written about. There are biographies written about famous people from history, as well as biographies about people who are not as well known. I have learned a lot from reading picture book biographies about people who were new to me. . . . more Goldilocks and the 3 Writers: Targeting Common Spelling Needs (VIDEO) Katie DiCesare In this video of a first-grade guided writing group, Katie DiCesare works with three girls on spelling issues that have emerged in their writing. By grouping the students together, she is able to use her time well in addressing common needs among students. . . . more Status of the Class and Monitoring Behavior (VIDEO) In this early year video from Beth Lawson's second-grade classroom, Beth uses a writing status of the class time to help students monitor their behavior, using peers as role models. . . . more Guiding Reading Partners: Work on Accuracy (VIDEO) In this reading conference from a second-grade classroom, Linda Karamatic pairs two children who have similar needs in reading. . . . more Teaching Inferring with Picture Books Part III: Whole-Class Debrief (VIDEO) When my students are given the opportunity to share their thinking after a read aloud it does several things for their learning. First and foremost, kids listen to each other. They would much rather hear the opinions of their friends and peers than those of their teacher! Allowing them time to chit chat about their thinking and share their own ideas, and yes, sometimes stories, allows them to open up and form a real community of learners. . . . 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 Main Ideas in Nonfiction (VIDEO) Karen Terlecky In this whole-class lesson, fifth-grade teacher Karen Terlecky and her students consider how main ideas work in nonfiction texts. The lesson includes reading and discussion of a short text from National Geographic for Kids. . . . more Listen In: Strategies for Using Nonfiction Texts in Writing Heather Rader Besides being good friends, Sammi and Alyssa had similar writing folder contents: nonfiction texts that were exact copies of a published book. In academic integrity studies of high school and college campuses, plagiarism was part of 9 out of 10 students' writing processes at some point. Where does that begin? It begins with early attempts to write nonfiction based on resources. Maya Angelou's words via Oprah come to mind, "When we know better, we do better." This conference was about offering a strategy for knowing better for two great second grade writers. . . . more Voila! Best Writing and Entry Slips in Second Grade (VIDEO) Heather Rader The word "voila" in French literally means "see there." Linda Karamatic put time and reflection into creating a binder, or voila book, that will ease the bulging writing workshop folders and preserve the best of students' writing to celebrate their progression as second-grade writers throughout the year. When you hear people pronounce the word "voila" they say it with expression. And if they talk with their hands like I do, they may throw a kiss or make jazz hands - voila! Which is exactly the reason why Mrs. Karamatic and her students chose the name. . . . 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 Scaring Up Better Narratives Part 3 (VIDEO) Aimee Buckner In this final installment of a three-part series, Aimee Buckner continues to confer with students and shares a great tip for nonfiction research. . . . more Word Study Homework Karen Terlecky's fifth-grade students share what they learned from their word study homework. . . . more Conferring: Stretching Words (VIDEO) In this conference with a second grader, Beth Lawson uses a visual aid and a hand motion to help a young English language learner understand the concept of stretching words in writing. . . . more Teaching Stamina Strategies to First Graders (VIDEO) Tammy Mulligan works with two seven-year-olds to teach them strategies for building reading stamina. . . . 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 Lighting Redesign from the Sisters (VIDEO) Gail Boushey and Joan Moser In this five-minute time-lapse video, Gail Boushey and Joan Moser redesign the lighting in their colleague Ahnsaly's literacy meeting area. In the process, they talk about the challenges of "black hole" media mounted on walls, dealing with cords and codes, and creating banks of lights... . . . more "And Then and Then and Then": Moving Students from Retelling to Thoughtful Response (VIDEO) Katie Doherty confers with sixth-grader Kristina during reading workshop. Kristina is new to the classroom, and Katie demonstrates how to gently move a student from retelling to more thoughtful response to literature through a few simple and carefully worded questions. . . . more Synthesis in Reading and the Reading Notebook (VIDEO) Beth Lawson helps one of her third-grade students write in response to a complex text he is reading, talking through how the writing might help him synthesize the plot of the story . . . 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 Planning for a Demonstration Lesson (Part 1) In this first installment of a video series, Clare Landrigan takes a team of grades 3-5 teachers through the steps of planning for a demonstration lesson. . . . more Morning Greeting in Kindergarten (VIDEO) Danielle French leads her kindergartners in the morning greeting, a wonderful way to build community and social skills at the start of the day. . . . more Book Matchmaker: Teaching Theme in the Intermediate Grades Cathy teaches fourth grade and is looking for books to teach theme. Many of us find it challenging to find books for teaching this complex idea to children. I've discovered that picture books often work best. I spend a great deal of time talking about theme with picture books before I try to transfer that understanding to chapter book reading. . . . more Student Reading Interview: Assessing Ana (VIDEO) Karen Szymusiak In this video, Principal Karen Szymusiak interviews Ana, a second grader, to learn more about her strengths and needs as a reader. . . . more 5th Grade Room Tour (VIDEO) Karen Terlecky Karen Terlecky's classroom tour focuses on the anchor charts and wall displays she uses to promote literacy with her 5th grade students. Two of the books Karen discusses that have influenced her literacy wall displays are Max Brand's Word Savvy and Mechanically Inclined by Jeff Anderson. . . . more Listen In: Spelling Aids in the Writing Workshop (VIDEO) Addressing conventions with kids is an art. If done too early they will think correctness is what is most important. One risks inhibiting writers from taking their own risks. . . . more Launching a Book Club in 4th Grade (VIDEO) In this video from Andrea Smith's 4th grade classroom, students get organized for a small group author study of Andrew Clements. Watch how Andrea listens carefully to get a sense of each child as a reader, and helps the group focus on shared goals and expectations. . . . more Conferring with Tweens: Nastia (VIDEO) Katie Doherty In this conference from a sixth-grade classroom, Katie Doherty confers with Nastia, a young English language learner who is working on her inferring skills . . . more Conferring with Tweens: Boys and Series Books (VIDEO) Katie Doherty In this conference from a sixth grade classroom, Katie Doherty confers with a boy who is reading a book from a series she is unfamiliar with. Watch how Katie engages with the child, learning about the series and continually refocusing the discussion on reading skills and goals. . . . more 1st Grade Room Tour (VIDEO) Katie DiCesare In this video tour of her 1st grade classroom, Katie DiCesare highlights the many areas of the room used to support literacy, including wall displays. . . . more Decluttering a Storage Area (VIDEO) The Sisters In this time-lapse video, "The Sisters" (Gail Boushey and Joan Moser) help second-year teacher Carrie declutter a storage area at the end of the year, talking through decisions of what to keep, what to throw away, and simple tricks for dressing up shelves. . . . more Desk Area Reorganization (VIDEO) The Sisters (Gail Boushey and Joan Moser) In this brief time-lapse video, The Sisters (Gail Boushey and Joan Moser) help Carrie reorganize her desk and rug area for better access to literacy materials and teaching supplies. . . . more Book Matchmaker: Texts for 5th Grade English Language Learners Kelly is a fifth-grade teacher with two English language learners in her class who have trouble finding books. These students are reading at a level 16 independently, and have definite reading preferences. Kelly wanted some new ideas. . . . more The Literacy Coach Work Area: Arranging Materials in Cramped Spaces (VIDEO) Gail Boushey Many literacy specialists and coaches find themselves in cramped work spaces when it comes to their desks, storage areas for materials, and meeting rooms for conferring with colleagues. In this four-minute video, Literacy Coach Gail Boushey talks about how she arranges her materials in a limited space, and the benefits of sharing work space with colleagues. . . . more Conferring with Colin (VIDEO) In this reading conference with Colin, Joan Moser (of "The Sisters") helps him set a goal of working on accuracy. . . . 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 The Sponge Summary Lesson (Part 3) This is a companion video series to Heather Rader's article "A Sponge is a Summary." In this third video, Heather and students cull down a text into the important points needed for a summary. . . . 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 Frogs as Learning Ambassadors Part 2: Literary Nonfiction in 4th Grade (VIDEOS) There is a story behind the following video clips captured in my classroom. The research and writing lessons filmed that day were built upon experiences that launched the school year for my intermediate students and me. Before we jumped into a year of nonfiction literacy strategies and content studies, we developed an attitude about learning. My students and I explored these big ideas . . . more The Sponge Summary Lesson (Part 1) This is a companion video series to Heather Rader's article "A Sponge is a Summary." In this sequence of videos, Heather teaches a fourth-grade class, using the analogy of a sponge to explain how summaries work. . . . more Book Matchmaker: Teaching Inferring to Intermediate Students Kathy is a literacy coach in a grades 3-5 school. She is looking for new books to use to teach inferring to students. Readers often have experience with the concept of inferring, but as they move to more sophisticated texts, they need to develop more sophisticated inferring skills. . . . more 6th Grade Word Sort In this six-minute video, Pam Pogson leads an open word sort with her sixth-grade students. As you watch the video, you can see how experienced students are with word sorts, as well as recording their findings in their word study notebooks. . . . 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 Listen In: Magnifying a Moment in Writing (VIDEO) When second-grade teacher Linda Karamatic pulled out Sammi's folder during our meeting, she commented on how delighted she was to see Sammi finishing some pieces. There were several workshops at the beginning of the year when Sammi needed reminders that it was writing time, not social time. We both acknowledged how she was showing more writerly behaviors, and that was something to celebrate. After looking at a few pieces, one of the trends we noticed in Sammi's writing was that she provided a great skeleton for her writing, but the details were lacking. . . . more Envisioning Writing: Wow Words and Mental Images with 1st Graders (VIDEO) Katie DiCesare In this minilesson, Katie DiCesare uses the book My Cat Copies Me to help her first-grade students "envision" their writing drafts. The lesson focuses on creating mental images to conjure stronger verbs and adjectives while writing. . . . more Reorganizing Student Supplies (VIDEO) Kelly Yahr shares with Joan Moser and Gail Boushey ("The Sisters") how she organizes her first-grade students' supplies in a compact and neat storage unit. . . . more Test-Taking Strategies Part III: Whole Class Debrief (VIDEO) Andrea Smith I am captivated by teachers' abilities to maximize time with students. Only an elementary teacher can check students' understanding of multiplication facts, conduct a class survey based on a student created question, write two parent notes and fill out a library book request form while waiting for a fire drill to pass. The same efficiency and commitment to maximizing time with students can be applied to our workshop classrooms, not by speeding things up, but by slowing down and taking time to honor all parts of our workshop experiences with children. . . . 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 Conferring Close-Up: Test-Taking Strategies Part II (VIDEO) Andrea Smith Workshop teachers provide time and opportunities for listening to classmates' questions and comments. Sentence Observations, a common word study practice, routinely turns students into language detectives, readers studying the work of writers, asking how and why strong writers grab our attention with their craft. The routines of sharing questions and sentence observations can also help students prepare for tests. Just as students studied a variety of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry throughout the year, test questions can also be studied examples of text. . . . more Lifting the Quality of Student Reading Logs with Quotes (VIDEO) If you're looking for a way to perk up student reading journals, try a lesson on adding quotes. Katie Doherty demonstrates for her middle school students how quotes can lift the quality of writing, using student and literary examples in this 11 minute video. . . . more On Their Own (Almost): Coaching and Classroom Demonstrations Mid-Year (VIDEO) In this video filmed in mid-January, Jennifer Allen observes new teacher Jessica, and explains how she struggles to redefine her role in the classroom. . . . more Book Matchmaker: Point of View Franki Sibberson Jennifer Allen is looking for a new set of books to use with her teachers in her role as literacy coach. She said, "I am working to differentiate the resources that I use with teachers in my study groups.I fear kids will get a similar lesson multiple times. What I would like to do is explore a similar topic with teachers but provide them with different mentor texts. We will soon be focusing in on character development. Can you help me find some mentor texts appropriate for teachers working with intermediate students in grades three through five around the topic of point of view? . . . more Old Elm Speaks Conclusion: Connecting Poetry, Observation, and Reading (VIDEO) Aimee Buckner In this final installment of a three-part video series, Aimee Buckner shows how observation skills, poetry, and reading instruction come together with the mentor text Old Elm Speaks by Kristin O'Connell George. In this excerpt, students share what they read and wrote after reading the book and completing some observations. This is an excellent back-to-school literacy sequence, since the observation element of the instruction is a terrific excuse to take the class outdoors for writing sketches. . . . more Old Elm Speaks: Connecting Poetry, Observation, and Reading (VIDEO) Aimee Buckner In this first of a three-part video series, Aimee Buckner shows how observation skills, poetry, and reading instruction come together with the mentor text Old Elm Speaks by Kristin O'Connell George. In this excerpt, Aimee introduces the text and guides students as they begin exploring it together. This is an excellent back-to-school literacy sequence, since the observation element of the instruction is a terrific excuse to take the class outdoors for writing sketches. . . . 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 Building the Reading Community Among Teachers Jennifer Allen The starting point for teaching reading is always our own lives as readers - tuning in to our processes as proficient readers, and then tapping that knowledge to help the children in our care develop new skills and strategies. One of the most important things I strive to do as a literacy coach is build self-awareness in my colleagues of their reading. . . . more Quick Take: Selecting Mentor Texts for Writing Instruction (VIDEO) Aimee Buckner In this two-minute video, Aimee Buckner explains how she selects mentor texts for writing, as well as the importance of using writing by students and teachers in lessons. . . . 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 First Grade Guided Writing Group: Targeting Common Spelling Needs (VIDEO) Katie DiCesare In this video of a first-grade guided writing group, Katie DiCesare works with three girls on spelling confusions that have emerged in their writing. By grouping the students together, she is able to use her time well in addressing common needs among students. . . . more Quick Take: "The Sisters" on Writing Journals In this two-minute Quick Take video, Gail Boushey and Joan Moser ("The Sisters") talk about the importance of having "Small Moments" and "Happenings" sections in student writing journals. They have adapted these ideas from the work of Aimee Buckner in the book Notebook Know-How, and Lucy Calkins in The Art of Teaching Writing. . . . more Learning with Graphica: Class Discussion (VIDEO) This is the third of a four-part video series on using graphica in a 4th grade classroom. In this installment, Sarah Thibault confers with students during writer's workshop as they brainstorm character traits. Students will be creating their own comic books, after extensive preparation and multiple reading and writing activities. . . . more Grades K-2 Fluency Lesson (VIDEO) In this video from a K-2 multiage classroom, Joan Moser and Gail Boushey ("The Sisters") present a fluency lesson to the whole class. . . . more Learning with Graphica: Conferring with Students (VIDEO) This is the second of a four-part video series on using graphica in a 4th grade classroom. In this installment Sarah Thibault confers with students during writer's workshop as they brainstorm character traits. Students will be creating their own comic books, after extensive preparation and multiple reading and writing activities. . . . more Making the Most of Writing Conferences in First Grade (VIDEO) In this three-minute video from Courtney Tomfohr's first grade classroom, Courtney confers with a child during writing workshop. Courtney packs a lot into this brief conference - observing the child write and reinforcing elements of story structure as she records notes. Joan Moser and Gail Boushey ("The Sisters") provide background narration. . . . more Quick Take: Katie Doherty on Middle School Reading Workshop Choices (VIDEO) In this two-minute Quick Take video, Katie Doherty explains the choices students have in her sixth-grade reading workshop. . . . more Learning from Graphica: Introducing the Activity (VIDEO) In this lesson from a 4th grade classroom, Sarah Thibault introduces students to a writing activity. Students will be creating their own comic books, after extensive preparation and experience with graphica. . . . more Drawing to Learn: Conferring with Kyle (VIDEO) Ruth Shagoury In this conference with six-year-old Kyle, Ruth Shagoury listens to him explain the stories and meaning behind his drawings during writer's workshop. Kyle's first language is Vietnamese, though English is also spoken in the home. . . . more Every Language Counts: Adding Multilingual Counting Activities to Morning Meeting (VIDEO) Andie Cunningham Every year I have children who come from homes with many different first languages. In the past year alone, first languages included English, Spanish, Hmong, Cantonese, Vietnamese, and Russian. One way I help welcome these different languages and cultures into our classroom community is by counting in different languages during the morning meeting. . . . 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 Book Clubs: Setting the Stage with Conferring Beth Lawson While reading conferences were thriving, small groups just didn't seem to have the same magic they once had. After I did my conferring rounds, I would begin to invite students over for small groups, often hearing a hushed groan or the slightest look of frustration for having been pulled away from their sacred read-to-self time. Small group conversations seemed to be forced and guided mostly by me. I could tell the students liked belonging to a group of readers, but the format of reading the same book and having a teacher-directed conversation just wasn't working anymore. . . . more Concepts of Print: Conferring with a Kindergartner (VIDEO) In this conference with five-year-old Mariano, Joan Moser (of "The Sisters") assesses his understanding of reading, print, and books at the start of the school year. After the conference, Joan debriefs with Gail Boushey about appropriate next steps for this kindergartner. . . . more Quick Take: Conferring with Young English Language Learners (VIDEO) Ruth Shagoury In this short video, Ruth Shagoury gives advice to teachers conferring with young English language learners, explaining how other English language learners can be surprisingly helpful in conferences. . . . more Group Observations in Classrooms (VIDEO) In this six-minute video from a 5th grade classroom, new teachers observe a whole-class writing share session and then debrief afterward with the classroom teacher and literacy coach Jennifer Allen. . . . more Jennifer Allen on Working with Veteran Teachers (PODCAST) In this podcast, Jennifer Allen talks with Franki Sibberson about mentoring veteran teachers. A transcript is included below the player . . . more Managing Book Boxes (Organizing Book Boxes Video Series) Joan Moser Joan Moser (of "The Sisters") explains three strategies she uses to help students pick books for their book boxes. . . . more Matching Student Interests and Books: Conferring in 4th Grade (VIDEO) Andrea Smith In this video from Andrea Smith's fourth-grade classroom, Andrea helps a student organize and plan reading around a topic of interest - immigration. . . . more Moving into "Big Fat Chapter Books": Conferring with Elyse (VIDEO) In this conference with seven-year-old Elyse, Joan Moser helps her set a reading goal that will help her move into "big fat chapter books." In the debrief with Gail Boushey, Joan talks about the importance of knowing a reader's history and how teachers can use that to motivate the child. . . . more Quick Take: Awkward Beginnings with English Language Learners (VIDEO) Ruth Shagoury In this short video, Ruth Shagoury gives two pieces of advice to teachers who feel awkward as they are trying to communicate with young English language learners. . . . 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 Reorganizing the Guided Reading Supply Area (VIDEO) Gail Boushey and Joan Moser In this video from a first-grade classroom, Joan Moser and Gail Boushey ("The Sisters") help Kelly Yahr reorganize the books and materials in her guided reading instruction area. . . . 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 "The Wrath of Guess Jeans": Reading, Writing, and Cliques in Middle School (VIDEO) In this first video in a three-part series, Katie Doherty leads her sixth graders through a response activity. The text they are reading was written by a middle school student over a decade ago, and its themes of popularity and belonging still ring true for students. . . . more Word Choice Lesson: A Collaborative Coaching Session with a New Teacher (VIDEO) Jennifer Allen When I work with a new teacher in his or her classroom, it's a collaborative experience. We design and teach together over time, sharing what works and what doesn't. In this video, you'll glimpse a snapshot in time of the collaborative teaching Jessica and I are doing within a revision unit of study. On this day, we are teaching her fourth graders about the importance of word choice... . . . more Literary Letters: Helping New Students Understand Ongoing Assignments (VIDEO) Katie Doherty How do teachers bring new students up to speed with ongoing assignments? In this video from Katie Doherty's middle school classroom, Katie presents the latest "Literary Letters" assignment to her sixth graders. It is early spring, and all but two of the students have experience with this writing assignment. Katie helps the new students understand the assignment by using a student example as a mentor text, taking five minutes in a small group to walk the new students through the assignment and brainstorm strategies for completing it. . . . more Animals for Literacy: 4th Grade Room Tour (VIDEO) Andrea Smith In this five-minute video room tour, 4th grade teacher Andrea Smith from Dublin, Ohio shows how she builds a classroom community and much of her literacy curriculum from the care and study of unusual pets. . . . more From Questions to Drafts (VIDEO) Aimee Buckner In this video, Aimee Buckner shares the mentor text Could You? Would You? with her 4th grade students. Aimee explains how questions are a springboard to interesting writing topics, and models connections she makes to the text. . . . 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 Digging Deeper with Rereading (VIDEO) In this video from Katie DiCesare's first-grade classroom, Katie uses the strategy of rereading to help students look more closely at words - in this case, rhymes. . . . more Data Cards: Assessment Profiles at a Glance (VIDEO) "Data Cards" are ingeniously designed to allow an entire grade-level team to look at the reading levels of all students in the grade. In this four-minute video, "The Sisters" (Gail Boushey and Joan Moser) explain how they work. . . . 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 Middle School Classroom Redesign Part 3 (VIDEO) "The Sisters" (Gail Boushey and Joan Moser) help Erinn redesign her 7th grade classroom. In Part 3 of this series, everyone works together to redesign the desk and book storage areas. . . . more 5th Grade Strategy Group on Summarizing (VIDEO) In this strategy group, Karen Terlecky brings together three of her 5th graders to reread a nonfiction article shared in the whole group. They discuss main ideas, and do a writing activity together to build summarizing skills. . . . more Preschool Morning Message (VIDEO) This four-minute video from Melissa Kolb's preschool classroom shows the value of the morning message for teaching literacy skills. . . . more 4th Grade Small Group - Writing Paragraphs (VIDEO) In this six-minute video, Aimee Buckner uses a mentor text to demonstrate how writers construct lively nonfiction paragraphs. The small group has been pulled together because the students need more practice in adding details to their writing. . . . more Middle School Classroom Redesign Part 2 (VIDEO) "The Sisters" (Gail Boushey and Joan Moser) help Erinn redesign her 7th grade classroom. In Part 2 of this series, everyone works together to makeover the meeting area. . . . more Conferring About Inferring (VIDEO) Katie Doherty During reader's workshop, my main goal is to have students reading and practicing some form of reading strategy with the text that they choose. At the beginning of the year, this is more structured. For independent practice of a reading strategy I have students read their choice book (a novel of their choosing which they bring to class everyday), and as they are reading I will have them complete the strategy activity. As the year goes on, I give the students more choice. Reader's workshop becomes just that; a place where students can work on reading skills and strategies together. Students have the option of reading their choice book or working with a friend or two with some picture books to practice their reading skills and discuss text. . . . more Preschool Book Browsing Time (VIDEO) This five-minute video from Kelly Petrin's preschool classroom shows the value of book browsing time. Kelly explains the skills children develop in language, book handling skills, and literacy independence during this time. . . . more