Dear time reading

Do your students have to create timelines to meet academic standards? Check out these 10 different timelines that are sure to engage and motivate your students during social studies with this important reading skill!

As I mentioned in my previous post, I’m trying to incorporate more nonfiction into my reading instruction because of the new Common Core Standards. I recently started using Raz Kids on the iPads for my guided reading instruction because there’s an amazing selection of leveled nonfiction books and they are of high interest to the kids. One of my main goals in reading has been to try to get my students more actively engaged in their reading and get them thinking beyond the text. This week we…

Whether you do Guided Reading, Daily 5, Reader's Workshop, literacy centers, or a combination,we know the value of independent reading. We know how vital it is for students to have uninterrupted time to read to themselves for enjoyment, to practice and apply skills and strategies learned in the classroom, and to learn that reading is a life-long skill. This little kinder sweetheart allowed me to interrupt her reading and responding. We love Skippy Jon Jones! Some may call independent reading…

What a cute idea for parents to use as an incentive for homework or in the classroom, too!

Tips for teaching independent reading, aka SSR (Sustained Silent Reading), DEAR (Drop Everything and Read), DIRT (Daily Independent Reading Time) or GRAB (Go Read a Book). From a school librarian's perspective, it is a beautiful thing! Find out how to teach independent reading in this post, as well as why do we have independent reading, and how to help kids choose good books. #schoollibrarytips #schoollibrarian #independent reading #silentreading

Just the other day I was at a local High School Library and I counted 23 signs like the ones pictured above in the space. Yes, you heard me right -- 23 ( and I may have missed a few) ! Almost...

Gardening, diverse habitats, caring for our planet, and more!

I know that many of us are gearing up for standardized testing this month (or maybe have just finished testing). Honestly, I'm dreading giving the test to my students. My students are at least a grade level below in reading ability, and it feels like I'm torturing them to give them the test. They've made so much progress this year, but I don't know if the FCAT (our state test) will show how much progress they've made since they're below grade level. All I can do is hope for the best for them…