One of my favorite things to do as a family - to promote family literacy - has been to create a Holiday Family Story. Together, all 5 of us write a silly story that summarizes our experiences throughout the year. We begin with the same starting sentence each year and then each family member adds a sentence or paragraph. How do you incorporate family literacy fun into holiday celebrations?

Sometime you just need a good tpffft.

What software or program does your district utilize for IEP writing? Our district uses Illuminate. What are your thoughts on the program you use?

How can we reassure parents that struggling with reading is not a reflection of their child's potential, but rather a natural part of the learning process?

A quality assessment tool is one that accurately measures what it is intended to measure, provides consistent results, and is fair to all students regardless of their background. The key elements that contribute to the quality of an assessment tool are validity, reliability, and the minimization of bias. How do you ensure the tools you are using to assess your students meets all of these requirements?

In my approach to culturally responsive teaching, I prioritize engaging with our school families as a first step. At the beginning of the year, I send out a survey to gather information about each family's cultural background. With this valuable insight, I ensure that our classroom incorporates holidays, celebrations, and cultural practices that reflect the diverse heritages of our students. I also highlight countries of origin to foster a sense of belonging and visibility for all. Additionally, this survey serves as an opportunity to identify parents who may be interested in offering guest lessons and enriching our learning environment with authentic cultural experiences.

I wanted to share all of the UFLI aligned resources I have created for FREE! If you teacher early elementary reading and are using this in your classroom I have created T2 and T3 interventions as well as centers - word sorts, fluency pyramids etc. Check it out at: https://www.ginapepin.com/blank-9

How do you teach 2nd graders place value?

Oh it burns!!!

One thing that I hear teachers say is that they do not teach to the test. I feel that if the test is assessing the standards, and you are teaching the standards then you should teach to the test. I use the released test to show the students how questions are worded and how to look for patterns in the format. I liken the test as playing a game. The more a person knows the rules of a game, the better they will do. Likewise, the more a student understand the testing structure, the better they will do.

Which social media account do you find the most useful for networking with other educators?

Drop em trees!

I will be absent next week and need to write plans for teaching point of view (first and third person) to fourth graders. Anyone have activities to share?

I often use charts to help students compare/contrast texts, organize events in a story, or to capture character feelings over the course of a text. What are your favorite charts to use for building comprehension and other literacy skills?

Of course she doesn't. (COUGH COUGH)

Full moon effect is no joke.

Most schools match new teachers with mentors. What are ways to make the most of a mentorship relationship?

What assessments do you use to help determine what students need for reading intervention? I use 95% group at my school district.

In my district, we are fortunate to have money allotted each school year. I have two questions.
First, what are some go to ideas or resources you’ve purchased for K-4 math intervention or enrichment?
Second, academic coaches and facilitators, what are your must haves? I have a coach budget and I struggle to find things to purchase each year outside of books. I’d love PD but it’s not that much. Looking for new ideas I can use and share with my team!

How do you teach reading to a group of students of different levels?