red sled

You don't want to miss Lita Judge's, red sled.    From the "scrinch scrunch" of the first page, to the "Wheeeee" on the last page, you will be in love!  I can't wait to use this book in Writing Workshop!  Students will have a great time narrating the story.   Even older students can use this picture book to spark their imagination.  I can imagine red sleds and writing all around the room in January!

Special Education Info/Help!

I would love to hear from special education teachers about what they are using in their classrooms!  If you know a special teacher that would answer for me, please pass this post along to them!


Do you have "Programs" that you are required to use? Are they scripted?  
What works with your students in reading and math?
How do you monitor your goals?  Do you progress monitor...and how often?
What role does the computer play in your instruction?
Do you have guided reading and writing workshop in resource classrooms?
Do you have lots of books and use independent reading in your classroom?
Do you use inclusion?  
Do you write standards-based goals?
How do you communicate with teachers?
What are you using for Present Levels?
And one more.......What would you like to change about special education?


Thank you so much!  I appreciate your help!  
Sandi  

Fair

Fair isn't always equal.  Wow, does that statement create debate!  Teachers should have a document (504/IEP) to provide modifications and accommodations but many do not think that it is fair to do so.  (Sometimes I worry that students don't receive their modifications/accommodations.)


I have seen the following statement floating around the internet.   I  couldn't find an original source, but I do believe that it rings true.  What do you think?  

Download here!

Winner!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

6 

Timestamp: 2011-11-22 22:17:29 UTC

The winner of the 100 Followers giveaway is Martha!

Martha said...

I am now following you on TpT as well!

Thank you so much for participating!

Celebration Giveaway 100 Followers!

Wow!  It 's time to celebrate!  I have 100 followers!  I love the blogging world, and especially blogging teachers!  I find incredible inspiration and joy from your writings, pictures, and gifts.  You bless the world with your energy and talent.  Children are better for it and so am I!

$15.00 Gift Card from Amazon

To win this card:

1.  Follow me and comment (just comment if you already follow)

2.  Blog about the giveaway and comment.

3. Add me to your blog roll and comment!
4. Follow me on TPT and comment here about it.

I will announce the winner on Wednesday, November 23rd. Post by midnight 11/22.

Please put your email address on your comment post.

Four chances to win!  

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sandi

Must be 18 or older to win.  Contest is over 12 midnight EST on 11/22.  Winner chosen randomly.  Prize code for card will be emailed.  If unable to contact winner, another will be chosen.

More Fry Phrases to Download

We have been busy working on fluency!  Working with the phrases is so much better than reading the isolated words.  I hope you grabbed my Fry phrases for Levels 1 and 2! (You can download them here.)  Levels 3-5 are ready!  Let me know how you use them in your classroom, and if you are seeing gains in fluency!

Download here.

 

Thanksgiving Freebie

Thanks for Thanksgiving is one of my favorite books for grades K-2.  Julie Markes and Doris Barrette just shine in this simple and beautiful book.  If you don't have it, you must add this one to your list!  There is a page in the back of the book where you can write your thankful thoughts each year.  I have created a page for you to use with your students.  They can write their thankful thoughts to share with parents.  There is one for a boy and one for a girl.  I also did one with lines and one without.  Enjoy!

Click picture to Download

Fry Phrases Freebie

Nothing directly impacts comprehension like fluency!  Yet, we spend so little time building it.  One way to practice fluency in a quick manner everyday is to use Fry Phrases.  (Dr. Edward Fry's list of the most used words in reading and writing, delivered in phrases.)    

For students in grades 3-5, you can use Tim Rasinski's list found here.  There are several Power Points online that use the phrases like this one! Students read the phrases as they appear.  As fluency increases, you can speed up the slides. 

For younger readers I needed a set of lower-leveled phrases.  I decided to put these on cards.  Students can master the phrases in small groups.  We plan on spending a few minutes everyday practicing fluency with the students who need it.  Click below each picture to download.

                        SET ONE                           

SET TWO

Print on cardstock and laminate. (French Fries back of card).  I will add more sets soon.

Other ideas for using the cards:

Students can pick a card and write a sentence.  Points can be given for the correct number of cards read.  Students can graph their progress.