Reading
Opening the Box
While attending a workshop recently I had a striking realization – you know – an educational epiphany. As I took part in a dyslexia simulation, I felt that terrible feeling in my gut that so many of our children feel every single day in our classrooms. My head was down and I was sneakily surveying…
Read MoreBooks About Belonging For Young Children
From home and family to school and peers, everyone needs to feel a sense of belonging. It’s a basic human need. The picture books and activities listed below help young children make sense of their worlds and see that we’re all different and that’s okay. All the World written by Liz Garten Scanlon; illustrated by…
Read MoreLove the Message
There are many great authors and poet laureates whose words have stood the test of time, but for me the work of Dr. Seuss has had a lasting impact. At a time when children’s books were less than stellar, Theodor Seuss Geisel became a “tour de force” in literature for the young and the…
Read MoreLove These Organizational Writing Charts
Many people consider writing one of the hardest subjects to teach. Writing Workshop has released some teachers from the fear of teaching writing, but writing workshop has some problems of its own if we’re not careful. One of the biggest obstacles I hear teachers talk about is keeping up with who is doing what. I…
Read MoreBlessing and a Curse
In February, it only seems fitting that we write about things we love. I love words and books and I especially love reading. And recently, I have realized that my love of reading is a blessing as well as a curse. As far back as I can remember, I loved to read. My parents are…
Read MoreLearning to Love Words
Have you ever read a book you thought was just horrible from beginning to end? One you would never recommend? If the answer is yes, then give it to my friend Ginny to read. I can guarantee she’ll find something she loves about it. It may be a page, paragraph, or just a sentence, but…
Read MoreThe Bear Did What???
Well, he might have eaten your sandwich. Then again he might not have. You’ll have to read the picture book, The Bear Ate Your Sandwich by Julia Sarcone-Roach, to find the answer. This is a delightful book which provides many entries into teaching vocabulary, comprehension, and writing. The story is told by an unseen narrator…
Read MoreThe Friz Doesn't "Play School"
“Take chances, make mistakes, get messy!” The immortal words of one of my favorite teachers, Ms. Frizzle. Every time I pick up a Magic School Bus book I secretly wish I could be like the Friz. I love her passion! As you probably know, Valerie Frizzle is the creation of author (and former teacher)…
Read MoreA Passion for Read-Alouds
ERG’s theme for the month of January is Passion and I have a passion for children’s literature. A great read-aloud, shared with tender loving care, can change the climate of a classroom in a heartbeat. You know that quote, “Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast.” Well, a good picture book hath the…
Read MoreLiterature and Math – A Great Match
“Reading books that weave mathematical ideas into engaging stories helps dispel the myth that math is dry, unimaginative, and inaccessible.” – Marilyn Burns From generation to generation, we have used stories to teach life lessons. Author Jonathan Gottschall reminds us, “We are, as a species, addicted to story.” As educators, we know that a good…
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