Have you ever created a Holiday Book Advent Calendar as a family literacy incentive or initiative? (ie. Wrap 24 books and open one each day leading up to the holidays.)
Field trips are a great experience for students to get out of the classroom and see the real world in action. When I am planning field trips, I refer to my standards and make sure the field trip reinforces what we are studying. I have used field trips as a pre event or past event. Both have their benefits. I normally have an activity that the students must accomplish so that it is not a "get out of school" trip. With that, I have "field trip" backpack that I have a folder of the important information, first aid kit, and other essentials that will help the trip run smoothly. I provide a bin for the students to place their lunches so there are no temptations to snack on the bus. In the bin I have a large trash bag. This is to make sure that we are clean and neat. I remind the students to make the lunch area nicer than when when we arrived.
When planning a field trip, make sure that you know which students have medical needs. This will also help with choosing a chaperone if needed. Be aware of special accommodations needed to allow all students to participate. Remember, have fun. Selfies with students are cherished memories.
During Black History Month, I encourage the students to research other influential African- Americans than just the ones that are most studied. I ask the students to find local individuals who have made an impact. Florida has a rich history of African American contributions. To that, I also encourage the teachers to teach Black History all year long, after all, all the history of African Americans did not happen only in the month of February.
Does your district operate on a schedule where you attend less than 5 days a week - i.e. 4 day school week? If so, what are the benefits for your school - community? If not, how would that benefit your school - community?
Have you found any good strategies that keep your absenteeism rates lower?
We introduced a school wide award that is awarded to the classroom in each grade level with the highest attendance rate each month. When our individual classes have attendance above 95% on a daily basis, we get a postcard with our mascot on it to display outside our classroom door (with the date earned). When our classroom earns 10 of them, we get a visit from the Woot-Woot wagon and each student gets to pick a treat!
There are times when people have asked, "What keeps your going year after year?" I am a very fortunate individual who has a profession that is also a hobby. I love the aspect of understanding how the mind works. It is like a human puzzle. Each year I am blessed with a new bunch of students. Each year is different. I love planning the year with new activities to keep my mind fresh and the focus on the standards. There are some activities that I will keep, but I love the challenge of finding creative ways to explain the content. Working with a new class of students is always a challenge. I love the newness of learning opportunities and would not change my profession for the world!
How do you connect with your students prior to the school year beginning?
Did you know that there are FREE early literacy interactive apps available to caregivers, teachers, and families at www.ginapepin.com?
I am working a university on revising/creating a M. Ed. program that is going to be offered for elementary classroom teachers who are interested in becoming master reading teachers. It would be more so for teachers that want to learn more about differentiation, assessments, RTI, MTSS - difficulties vs disabilities, rather than becoming a reading specialist. What areas, topics, competencies would you suggestion be considered?
What techniques do you use to help students retain and use new vocabulary in their speaking and writing?
Answer; Many school district utilize a word of the day approach for this. They tailor daily or weekly activities that focus on opportunities for application of these specific words. Our school uses the Leader in Me curriculum for SEL and it is integrated into daily routines. There is a designated - and universal - list of age appropriate words for each unit. These words are shared through daily announcements, board messages, classroom discussions and even in some assemblies. Our school Speech and Language Pathologist posts a fun word puzzle each week and she also utilizes Word Genius and Word Daily - as this is sent to her email each day/time.
Michigan uses IRIPs - Individual Reading Improvement Plans for students where data shows they are in need of a specific plan. These plans can look different across the state and the retention aspect of this law has now been removed.
Does your state require specific reading plans and processes to be in place? What does that look like in your district?
Meet the Team! This is something we recently created to share with families to help ease into staffings or REED meetings. How do you help your families feel at ease prior to difficult conversations and/or meetings?
How do you encourage families to build literacy skills at home? Here are 5 easy ways!
Create a Morning Routine for Kids With Reading!
Explore these five realistic ways you can add family reading time to your school morning routine.
https://www.scholastic.com/parents/family-life/parent-child/make-your-morning-routine-easier.html
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