Great new blog just added

http://twowritingteachers.wordpress.com/
- This is a fantastic writing blog geared toward middle grade students, but easily adapted to younger kiddos.

Reading Workshop Resource

K-2 teachers...here is a super resource for learning more about reading workshop. There are videos, training modules, etc.

Even if you are a 3-5 teacher wanting to know more about reading workshop, this site explains the structure and steps for creating a workshop model in your classroom.


http://www.learner.org/workshops/readingk2/

Overcoming Failure

Here is a short video about overcoming failure...

Just a little humor to start us off...

As you start thinking about your reading plans for this year, take a look at this video on Youtube. It might get you thinking about the texts you use this year...



See you all in a few weeks!
Kathy

Beginning of the Year Read Alouds

Here is a link to a Choice Literacy article that includes many beginning of the year texts...

http://www.choiceliteracy.com/public/1213.cfm


Plus -- Bethany and I have numerous others; I'll have a good selection in a basket in my room when you return in August.

Classroom Design

It's almost time to start unpacking boxes thinking about the year to come. When we return this year our rooms will be blank slates. We can create any environment we want...within limits, of course! Starting fresh can be either intimidating or exciting - or both - so here are some resources to get you thinking.

Books on the subject:
Teaching with Intention (Miller)- causes you to reflect on what you value and creating a classroom that mirrors your philosophy in the classroom.

Places and Spaces (Diller)- includes pictures and lots of ideas

Web Sites:
http://classroom.4teachers.org/ - allows you to choose dimensions and plot furniture, etc. and then print out.

http://teacher.scholastic.com/tools/class_setup/ - Similar site by Scholastic

http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/students/earlycld/ea1lk4-3.htm - a Sample Kindergarten classroom layout

http://www.google.com/images?oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&q=pictures+of+elementary+classrooms&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=NR47TOi7DoL88Ab4zbinBg&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CCUQsAQwAA -- Google search results for pictures of elementary classrooms

Have fun determining how you will organize your classroom this year. Keep the kids foremost in your mind. Don't worry about walls and fancy displays - kids can and will fill that space up as they grow and learn throughout the year. This is an opportunity to re-think your design and make meaningful decisions about how your classroom looks and feels.


Enjoy the rest of your summer...see you in a few weeks!
Kathy