Reading Writing Researching

Non-fiction project
Beth Keplar

I found this great slideshow of students reading, researching and writing!  Are you interested in this approach to learning?  It can be a little scary to let go and let students do the work.  

I want to suggest Harvey and Daniel's Comprehension and Collaboration.
"This book is about small-group projects that work. It's about combining what we know about the research process, about thinking, and about people working together to create a structure that consistently supports kids to build knowledge that matters in their lives."-Stephanie Harvey and Harvey "Smokey" Daniels

Mr. Schu

If you need inspiration for finding and sharing children's literature, you need to visit Watch.Connect.Read. Mr. Schu is a K-5 teacher-librarian who works diligently to put the right book in every child's hand.  In his current blog post, he has a great selection of book trailers that you could use in your classroom.  Creating interest will lead to engaged readers!  

Here is one of my current favorites.  

Changing the World!

Per·spec·tive:

a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.

Do you have it in your heart to make a difference?  To change the world? 

I do!

I want to leave a legacy of loving, learning, teaching, and inspiring others to grow and live an abundant and audacious life!  Yes, even at work!

My dad has always reminded me that my perspective counts!  I value his simple and straightforward approach to life. The person that I can change is ME!  Yep, only me.  How I decide to approach this life will determine my happiness factor.

Teaching has changed greatly since I began my career many years ago.  When I started there were no standards.  Just textbooks!  What I remember most from those years is how much I loved those children! 

Today more than ever we must focus on our love for children.  There are so many things that can rob us of our joy.  

I read this article in Leadership 360  about Sam Berns.  Sam suffered from a very rare illness that recently ended his precious life.  Sam's perspective on life can help us all.  Take a few minutes and listen to his philosophy for a happy life:

       

Sam's Lessons:

Don't focus (waste your energy) on what you can't do; focus on what you CAN do!

Surround yourself with positive people who support you!

Keep moving forward!

Never miss a party!

I want to remember and take his advice to heart!  There are so many things that I can do as an educator that can change the lives of the students I serve.  I can be a bright light in a teacher's life!

I want to be that positive person that supports others.  My attitude can be the driving force that changes the climate of a school.  Supporting others and living life with them!  I love my family and friends!  I also love teachers and the children we serve!

Keep moving forward!  I must learn from the past, focus on the present, and plan for the future.  I must keep current with my craft.  My learning never stops.  If a child is struggling, what do I need to learn that will help them?  How might I change my instruction to meet the needs of my students? How can I support teachers and help them be more confident and secure?

Celebrate!  Enjoy this life!  Celebrate at school and at home.  Children thrive when they are surrounded by people that will celebrate when they succeed and support them when they struggle.  I love a party!  Creating a fun and happy environment at school is never a waste of time.  You can teach and have fun at the same time!

What a courageous young man!  His bravery is an example for us all.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.  

Go and change your world! You most certainly CAN!

Back to School Video

Love this song for the beginning of school!

I can tell that we are going to be friends!

Have a great start to the 2013-2014 school year!

Engaging Kids with Technology

              

Here's an inspiring portrait from Edutopia, showing how a fifth grade teacher guides students to publish their work.  Nicole Delasio has quite a few video tutorials on Vimeo too!
Here is her list of different resources to spark creativity!  What a great resource!

The CCSS require us to publish digitally and in a variety of ways, even in kindergarten.  Summer is a great time to investigate technology resources and find ideas.  

Little Birds Tales 

Students can upload illustrations and create stories using their own voice.  Each recording is saved as a video and can be accessed by others!  With a little help, even young children can enjoy this!

  

      Click to view a tale.

Check out these PBS Teacher Innovators!  They were awarded this honor for utilizing technology in the classroom.  They are from South Carolina!  Way to go!

Punctuation Rap Video and Printable Words

Download Words to Song

Heroes: Ideas and Freebies

Who are heroes?  Our students may think that Superman or Spiderman is a true hero.  I think that Morgan Kelly is an expert on the subject!  Be sure to use her video during your lesson on Heroes!

Here are a few more items to help you plan!

Download Posters

There are 2 posters.  One for older students and one for younger students.

Students can use Word Clouds for Kids and make their own!

 Create a concept map for the characteristics of a hero.

Download Map

You could also do a KWL Chart!

Download KWL Chart

Let's write about how we can be a hero!

Download Writing Paper

Cute Graphic by Wizmaya

Here is a great book to use in your unit!

Wilma Unlimited by Kathleen Krull

Live Long and Prosper

I found this beautiful example of a balanced life and thought I would share.  Simple wisdom is always best in my book!  Teaching is a stressful job, and we need to take care of ourselves!  I hope you will find a moment to savor the simple beauty of this lovely life.

Dr. Steve Perry: IRA 2012

Have you heard of Dr. Steve Perry?  He is Principal of Capital Preparatory Magnet School located in Hartford, Connecticut.   He is also an author, speaker, and CNN contributor.  

Controversial! Inspirational! Thought Provoking! 

Dr. Steve Perry will make you uncomfortable, and not apologize for it!  He has his critics, but he is not afraid to address difficult topics in education.  I enjoy hearing what he has to say.

I need to be challenged, and this address at the IRA 2012 convention surely fits the bill.  Take a look and let me know what you think?

Napping House Video

Here is a great video to go with the book The Napping House by Audrey Wood.  This video has the words at the bottom of each picture so that it makes a great shared reading or listening center video!  My last post contained other links and a freebie that you might enjoy, too!

Using Video to Create Excitement

If you love Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen, you will want to see the trailer for her new book, Pout-Pout in the Big-Big Dark.  Video clips are great tools that can be used to create interest and excitement.  You can watch the trailer for the book here.  This page also has pictures of the new book!  There are several clips for the book posted on YouTube.