Reflecting and Planning Tools for Math Workshop

Days after the 4th of July and I am starting to think school.  I know, it seems early but I hate to be overwhelmed come August.  So, I've been thinking about the tools that are most helpful for math workshop. Today I am taking inventory of what I have ready for math workshop as I reflect and  research a bit about how I can introduce and talk through these tools more effectively.

Number Line
My kids learned so much playing with dry erase number lines last year.  I used the game Guess My Number to talk with my students about numbers and ordering them on a line.  After we played together as a group they were off to play with partners.  We used this game throughout the year while trying larger numbers (through 120), using specific math vocabulary like more, less, greater,  and less than.

Ten Frames
Another tool that my students relied on was the 10 (5 frame first then 10 and we used 20)  frames. Having a set of 25 laminated of each made it easy for kids to grab when they were solving a problem or for me to grab and place with other supplies to create  a game.  Grow and Shrink (video below) from Mininlessons for Math Practice  was the best for helping my kids not only practicing images for numbers but also taught them what addition and subtraction meant as they learned Grow and Shrink.

100 charts
The 100 chart was also a go to tool for may students and much of the work we did building the 100 chart, helped them to begin to understand how numbers are organized, how to notice patterns in those numbers, add more/less and later to think more about using it as a tool for adding 10 more and subtracting 10 less.  They enjoyed lots of openers "being" the numbers in our larger 100 chart we have in our room.

Rekenreks
I have a great class set of rekenreks and have tried introducing them in different ways and allowing kids to explore them but my kids don't come back to them as often.  I have been researching some  ideas for how to introduce and incorporate them. I've learned a few things I'll try after reading through activities in the previous link. Some of the language and prompts I like are:

What do you notice about the rekenrek?

Think first about how you will move 6 beads in one move, 2 moves,etc.  Can you share that thinking?

How would you draw your rekenrek to prove your thinking?

How is the rekenrek like the 5 frame, 10 frame, 20 frame? How is it different?

Objects for Counting 

Annie counting cotton balls

Kids need lots of different trinkets and manipulatives for counting. Owning beads, buttons, stones, unifix cubes, tiny animals and any small inviting toy that they can count (they love counting legos too) helps them build practice counting, skip counting and building numbers and measuring with these non-standard items.

Number Balance: This year I bought a number balance when introducing the game: Equal Values from Well Played K-2. It was a great buy and started so many conversations and discoveries about the meaning of the equal sign.  I need to remember to pull it out as one of the tools we explore in the first few weeks of school and not just when we play the game later this upcoming year.






Geoboards 
The geometry standard for first grade includes composing 2D shapes and noticing their attributes as well as partitioning rectangles and shapes in 2 and 4 equal parts. Geoboards allow kids to do this so easily. Kids love to use the rubber bands and make pictures thinking about shapes too!

Geoblocks
Our students are learning what shapes are, how to build a shape from smaller shapes and are thinking about how shapes are the same and different.  They also can be creative and build lots of their own ideas from geoblocks. These are a versatile tool for kids creating and thinking during math.

Tens and Ones
Place value can be one of the harder concepts for my kids to grasp when we pull out the tens and the ones.  Each year it takes lots of time talking, experimenting, talking and thinking about place value for our kids to grasp it.    In first grade, students are building on their understanding of the connection between numerals, words, and quantities. They also move to a deeper understanding, where two digit numbers are composed of bundles of tens and leftovers.

Other tools that come in handy.... 
Dice, number cards, spinners, plastic containers, and zipper bags are all good to have on hand when you are ready to throw a game together.

Thinking back on all these tools has helped me plan and learn from last years kids.  (Thanks for your patience...it was a little long)! What tools do your students use that have been successful?  Are there digital math tools or apps that your kids come back to when learning or solving problems?

Holding On To Little Things

I've forgotten how rewarding yet hard the first few weeks of school can be.  I forget every year. Maybe because the learning and growth of the previous class is still on my mind.  Maybe we as teachers are programmed to forget so that we keep our expectations high.  Whatever the reason, the beginning of the year always rocks me physically and mentally as we set up routines.  I've been trying to hold on to little things as the weekend approaches so I leave with some feeling that what I am doing and what my kids are doing matters.

This weekend I held onto two little things.

The first was reading alongside a student who is learning to become aware of her strengths as a reader.  We met about a text I had pulled for her to support her. She has been finding a number of books that she enjoys and reads some of the ideas and soaks up pictures. She is unaware yet of how to self correct herself and solve problems when reading, so I was ready to supplement with text that she could practice everything including reading fluently and understanding. As I introduced it to her, I asked her to think about the the story (and pictures of course) whenever she encountered a problem.  I watched her read this and self correct herself for the first time in the 12 days we have know each other.  It was a small piece of joy when she used meaning to fix up things on her own.  Afterwards I asked her about what felt good about the reading and she said, "I figured words out."  It gave us both some happiness and hope for the year.


The second little thing I came across today as I was in my classroom skimming book bins.  I noticed the book bin of a little girl who had been sick for a few days this week.  I noticed her reading log and some post its on the front...

It gave me a little smile to think this little third grader was taking her reading in her own hands. She was taking the invitation to independence seriously.  

I've decided to not only to hold onto the little things as the week ends but to try to hold on to one each day this week. Our kids and our work matters.

Equal Shmequal

I'm learning with third graders this year and beginning to get used to what makes them think, laugh and learn.  It has been interesting experimenting with picture books and learning from my teammates which books may work for read aloud.

Today I encouraged my students to think about what equal means.  The book, Equal Shmequal, is one of my favorites for helping kids begin to think deeper about the word...equal.  What I also realized as I read it aloud  that it made my kids laugh and think. They were turning and talking to each other on their own as I read it.  It was nice to see kids engaging after being together for 12 days.

To help build understanding, we jotted our thoughts about the word equal before reading the book and after reading it. The conversation we had will be one that we can refer   back to throughout the year.

If Not For Franki Celebration!!

What better way to celebrate this Easter Sunday than taking time to reflect on being thankful for such a good friend! Happy Birthday Franki! What would we do without you?!

 I feel like I could write forever about all the reasons this amazing friend has influenced my life as a mom, teacher and friend. It has been hard to keep it to just a few. Here goes...

If not for Franki (and Mary Lee)…I wouldn't be here on this blog!!  Their blog inspired me to find a place for my voice years ago when my children were young and at home! Now I am living in the car and focusing on a book so the posting isn't as consistent as years ago.  Blogging along with many, many conversations with her about life and teaching have constantly help me refine my own understanding of the world. She always plays devil's advocate and forces me to see the other side of any issue but she also listens when I am a mess…doesn't she?! I mean that really is what is so great about her.

If not for Franki…I wouldn't know half the people I know! She has this insane knack for bringing us all together, making sure all feel welcome and worrying about us if we don't. Thanks Franki!

If not for Franki…I wouldn't have a new found love of gambling. Who knew?! Yes, I will say I enjoy the poker slot machines and if not for her enthusiam for the casino, I would not have realized this about myself!! She is so good about bringing the fun to everything she does.

If not for Franki…I wouldn't have had the opportunity to work with Brenda at Choice Literacy and see myself as an author who could be possibly finishing a book this year (a shout out to Ruth too because I haven't been able to do it without you too)! Thank you for reading my texts when writing is hard and anwering my random questions. I think the world of you and appreciate your support:)

Franki, thank you for being you!  Looking forward to learning and laughing (and yes, we will be laughing) with you next next year in 3rd!!
 Enjoy your day:)

The Good Ship Crocodile by J Patrick Lewis and Monique Felix

If you're looking for a new friendship book, this one may have to be it.  I picked it up last weekend and read it with my students on Friday.  It was the perfect book to begin with "What do you think this book will be about?"  One of my little kiddos used the picture right away to help her as I read the name of the title, saying...I think the crocodile is going to be like a ship and help the animals. Yay, I thought she is beginning to think!
We read about Snout and the animals that live in the river. These animals who are afraid of the rising water. We read about Sparkle and the fireflies that he helps find land. We read about the monkeys, the frogs and the families of insects and animals that Snout carefully helps across the river. One of my student begins to wonder if he will eat these animals. We all wonder what the tension will be as darkness falls we discover Snout is lost after working his way up the river.  How will he get home?
One student guesses that the fireflies will help him and then we read about Sparkle's light guiding his way home.

This book has a great message I will tap back into for partner work so we can talk about collaborating. I will use it for noticing facial expressions in our illustration study and because it has little text, maybe someone will grab it to read on their own.  It gave us lots to talk about this Friday.

Frustrated Friday

It was Friday, I was frustrated and a little tired. I was frustrated because Little B was having trouble all day focusing when it came to working independently. Each time he would start to settle into a spot, he would jet across the room to often interrupt other students who were focusing on a book or writing a story. Knowing we have had lots of conversations about what focus is, characters who think about focus and what it looks like,  I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt each time I noticed him. I often would slyly walk over to listen in on the conversation.  I kept crossing my fingers that is was about a book he was writing, sharing or any thought about ideas or even a story he was sharing about himself.  I realized it wasn't.  So, I  talked again with Little B helping him remember the lessons about focus and then I found a spot where he could focus during writing workshop. It is Friday, he is 6, I said to myself. But I was still frustrated that others weren't getting their work done.

I looked at my notebook to see which kids were on my list for conferring when I noticed Little B.  His
 page had nothing written on it. While other kids had 2 -3 quick check ins, I realized I had not spent time with him. I immediately felt that ah-ha at that moment.

 I sat alongside him joining the other kids at the table that were writing. He shared his book called Ben Where He Goes ( I smiled thinking how clever his title was) and he read all about the adventures he had this summer in New York, at an OSU game and with his family on vacation. The little girl next to us talked about how she was going to go to Slovenia when she was old enough to visit because her dad was born there. Little B piped up next about how he was going to visit Guatemala when he was old enough because that was where he was born.  He smiled and talked about how he was adopted. We all chatted for awhile after that.  While I had know Little B's background it wasn't until I slowed down to talk with him about his writing that he was able to open up. It wasn't until then that we had actually had our first connection. I know this day was important for both of us.

I was fortunate enough to hear Ruth Ayres speak this weekend about celebration.  She has this amazing perspective about how our teaching with writers is really all about celebrating.  She takes hard and tough situations and find the good in them. She has a true knack for making personal connections.  I left with so many new things to think about, one of them being the power of taking time to relate and connect with our students. Hearing Ruth in person was incredibly valuable for me. And sitting down with Little B was as well.  I am keeping her wisdom in mind this week and remembering to find lots of opportunities to keep talking and connecting with Little B.

Kids Engaging Kids

After 3 weeks of school, I feel like my students are beginning to get the hang of  some of the routines evolving in our room.  They are remembering (with less reminding) to put their folders away and to make a lunch choice. They are beginning to understand workshop and anticipate their time to write and read. And, they are showing more engagement in choosing books that they know, that look interesting or that I have read aloud as they settle into what we call Books in the Morning. I don't know if I love the name of this routine but it is simple enough to remind kids to grab a book.

On Friday, as kids wrapped up their choices during this time, I noticed a little reader, Jack, had tried to read a book that I talked up the day before.  It was Hello! Hello! by Matthew Cordell. (Love Cordell and his books Trouble Gum and my boys love the Justin Case series)  Jack told me how much he loved electronics and how he just had to try this book.  I asked if he would share what he thought about the book with everyone.  But instead of just talking about the book,  he walked over to the document camera, slid the book underneath and began reading the book aloud to everyone. I'm not sure if he didn't pick up on my directions or if he had his own plan in mind but what I saw was complete engagement with the class. Kids were joining in the text as he read.  Eyes and ears were locked on Jack as he helped the character come alive, commented about his favorite page and stopped and reflected during the reading.  It was a great way to start our day.

Jack talked about how he loves electronics and that's why he loved the book.  Other students talked about how they felt like the story teaches them not to stay on electronics all day.  It definitely has a powerful message for young kids today.  Katie Wood Ray writes that kids just notice more than adults do, it's that simple.  After watching Jack, I will say... kids can engage each other more than adults do, it's that simple.

10 for 10 Picture Books

Thanks to Cathy and Mandy for organizing this great event: 10 for 10 Picture Books!!!! I know I will be filling up my amazon basket all day as I read lots of posts about so many great books. I am afraid I may be sharing titles that aren't all true picture books but I think the titles still work for young readers.

One of the goals I set for myself this summer when thinking about my classroom library was to organize the books for my students who come into first grade as readers. You know those kiddos who can decode quite easily and read fluently who are just ready to begin seeing they can choose and think about books on their own.  I have noticed that these kiddos often jump to Junie B Jones, Magic Tree House or the Rainbow Magic Fairy series.  I know that introducing them to some shorter texts with fewer characters will allow them to have some deeper conversation and richer opportunities for comprehension.  It is my hope that introducing them to the pre-chapter books or early readers will scaffold them those longer texts that may have more character interaction or multiple setting changes.  There are classic  early chapter type titles that I have in my classroom like Mouse Soup, Frog and Toad or Danny the Dinosaur.  While these are loved, I am always trying to find new classic titles and series that will appeal to them. So if you know of some that may spark the interest of a young reader, please add to the comments:)
So my 10 for 10 will feature 10 early chapter books that all happen to be series books too:)

 I picked this series up this summer at Joseph Beth with Franki. I liked it right away and was not familiar with Boris. He is an adventurous warthog who encounters the unexpected. There are two others in this series: Boris Gets a Lizard,  Boris For the Win and Boris Sees the Light.  I am hoping these appeal to the boys.

               
                  I bought the little stuffed Penny for my classroom last year because so many girls adore her.  Penny is a little mouse who learns, patience, decision making and how find her voice. Other Penny books include Penny and Her Doll and My favorite: Penny and Her Marble.


Fly Guy is one of the most loved series for all the kids in first grade. I love how Buzz and Fly Guy take on the aquarium and learn together!  This book is a great fiction and non-fiction combination.  Fly Guy Presents Space is coming out Aug 27 and I just added Fly Guy and the Frankenfly to my basket of Fly Guy reads too.  This series never disappoints!                

           
Barbara Baker writes such sweet stories about Mama, Papa, Rose, Lily and Jack with each chapter devoted to each voice.  This book tells the story of the family's adventures one afternoon. Also check out One Saturday Morning and One Saturday Evening.




Cowgirl Kate is a great series.  I love the relationship between Kate and her horse Cocoa.  They both speak their mind, and have their quirks but are best of friends. My favorite is Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa: Spring Babies. It is a great read before we head to the farm. See more in the series: Partners, School Days, Rain or Shine and Horse in the House.




                                         If you like completely off-the-wall, silly books,   you will love Dragon.  He is completely gullible and the kids love to laugh at his antics.  A friend for Dragon is the story of friendship. Friendship with an apple that is...lots to figure out and talk about when reading about Dragon. Others in the series: Dragon Gets By, Dragon's Fat Cat, Dragon's Halloween and Dragon's Merry Christmas.

I bumped into these two characters: Mr. and Mrs. Green  when I was teaching second grade and have found kids like these two alligators.  Keith Baker sets up the book with 3-4 short stories about their adventures instead of a whole story broken into chapters.  In this first book, this couple plan a camping trip, eat lots of pancakes and take a trip to the fair.  Others in the series: More Mr. and Mrs. Green, On the Go with Mr. and Mrs. Green and multiple "light" readers that feature just one story including: Cookies, The Talent Show and Fishing.

                       

                Benny and Penny is a graphic novel series that makes kids laugh! This brother and sister duo don't hold anything back as they play, fight, forgive and learn together.  That's what happens in this first book in the series.  Others in the series: Benny and Penny and the Big NoNo, Benny and Penny and the Toy Breaker and Benny and Penny Lights Out!  These books can also be read online here.

Melanie Watt has so much to offer transitional readers with her characters.  Scaredy Squirrel is one that kids love.  He completely grabs the attention of the reader and doesn't let go.  I love that there are many adventures that Scaredy encounters in his many books: Scaredy Squirrel at the beach, makes a friend, at night, has a birthday party and goes camping. It keeps kids reading.  Last year Scaredy Squirrel prepares for Christmas was released and just this month Scaredy Squirrel prepares for Halloween. 




Last but not least, Mouse and Mole! These two friends are definitely friends who leave the reader lots to predict, infer and keep thinking about throughout the story.  This series (read aloud) helps my students engage in
whole group talk about lots of comprehension work.  They are very lovable characters who are creative, considerate and ready to solve problems.

Be Present

I don't watch a bunch of television but there are days when it feels good to just surf. I tend to head to the networks that show movies. I am sucker for watching the Harry Potter marathons featured on ABC Family.

This summer I was surfing and came across the OWN network. I began watching Oprah's Master Class which happened to be featuring Cindy Crawford.  She was sharing her story and life mantras.  I was enamored as she shared about the loss of her brother, her everyday struggles as a mother and her message.  She ended with Be Present.

I started thinking about the importance of these two words and what they mean to me.  I thought about how to me being present really meant listening, wholeheartedly.

So this summer, I decided to practice presence.  I began to catch myself when I began drifting from it in  conversations with my sons, friends and husband.  I tried to stay focused to what another person was sharing, even if they need to talk longer than I would like to listen.  I practiced keeping my interest in what another was saying even if I felt uninterested.  It has been hard to stay focused without changing the subject right away or trying to relate everything back to me (I can over do this).  But I feel better, I feel patient and more present than I would have been.

Last night I talked at my husband for ten minutes about my classroom plans, my worries about the middle son's golf try out, my annoyance with the kids picking up after themselves, the list goes on...What I noticed was that he let me talk without interrupting for ten minutes.  I think he could tell I just needed to get it out. He didn't jump in and try to relate to something (like I always do) and he didn't stop and answer or even look down at his phone when he received a text (like I often do).  He helped me think even more about what I need to pay attention to to really be present.

With school starting, I am conscious about how this practice will translate in the classroom.  How will I become present for my students? How will I make time to be present for each of them? How will I put aside my own stress to really be there for them? How will I show them and give them time to practice presence for one another?

Fluff and Billy by Nicola Killen

The first days of school are around the corner. I have slowly started to head back into the classroom.  The tables and bookshelves are put in place but the books haven't been completely sorted through.  As I am wiping out the baskets and reorganizing, I am also beginning to pull books that I know will communicate important messages to my students over the first few days/weeks of school.  I grabbed Fluff and Billy when I saw it laying on the shelf the other day. I knew I loved the characters and pictures so I decided to reread it again.  

Fluff and Billy are two little penguins that are the best of buds.   They play in tandem, Billy announcing,"I'm climbing up! and Fluff repeating right after "I'm climbing up!"  They are fearless friends until a snowball comes in between their play. After moments of quiet and sadness, they begin to laugh and forgive.  So much can be talked about in this short but important story.

Reading books about real issues that will happen in the classroom and showing children how characters handle these issues gives us a place for discussion.  We can ask kids to think about the story and connect back to what we observe happening in partner work or at recess.  I want my kids to feel like they can be themselves: stumble through mistakes, forgive, laugh and move on.

Princesses and Pirates: Alphabet Favorites

When I first started reading Twenty-Six Princesses by Dave Horowitz to first graders, I noticed it inevitably ended up in a student's book bin afterwards.  It was one of those alphabet books that the kids (girls in this case) would come back to after read aloud and sit with to reread and soak in all the bright pictures and personalities of the princesses.  So when I spotted Twenty-Six Pirates An Alphabet Book, I had to have it.  I know the boys will love the pirate theme and it is as engaging as his princess book.  The frogs who are interact with the princesses in the first book are back playing with the pirates.  These rhyming and colorful texts are perfect for primary kiddos.  And, love that it is an alphabet book with a series feel. More to think about with my first graders.

 

Authors like Mo Willems

I am always trying to find authors who write funny, supportive and clever texts for our youngest readers.  Many times I find that what I am looking for are stories that mimic the work of Mo Willems. You know books with a couple characters that make you laugh about everyday happenings. Books with a dialogue between the two that even our youngest kiddos can read because the author uses speech bubbles. These types of texts really help our kids learn to read and LOVE to read.  This spring a came across a couple that I am adding to my classroom.

The first is called Max and Milo Go to Sleep! by Heather and Ethan Long.  Max and Milo are brothers headed to bed but while Max is exhausted, Milo will try everything to fall asleep.  While needing lots of help along the way, Milo thinks nothing of interrupting Max's ability to drift off easily.  And by the end, well, I am sure you can guess who needs help falling asleep. I checked and there is another in the series out in December called Max and Milo The Mixed Up Message.

The second is Frog and Fly Six Slurpy Stories by Jeff Mack. Check out the trailer to get a feel for this for just one of the funny stories in the book:

Jeff Mack also wrote a book called Good News Bad News that my students love. Looks like I may need a few more baskets in a few weeks when I start to set up for next year!

Blastoff to the Secret Side of the Moon! by Scott Nickel and Jess Bradley

Graphic novels are always a hit for kids in first grade because of all the picture support. This series by Comics Land was new to me and I picked up Blastoff to the Secret Side of the Moon a few days ago. Aaron is surprised when he sees a spaceship next door. He doesn't hesitate to jump in and then blasts off to the moon for top secret Area 52. His adventures lead him to new worlds and new friends.

I think it will be perfect for primary readers for a few reasons.  It is a very supportive text for early graphic novel fans.  You meet the characters on the cover of book so kids can begin wondering and thinking even before opening the first page.  The setting and timing changes are stated on the top of the pages where Aaron, the main character, travels or when the story moves. And there are fun features (how to draw page and find the alien hunt) at the back of the book to keep kids thinking.

It will be a great addition the the graphic novel basket this year.

The Gingerbread Man Loose on the Fire Truck by Laura Murray

I was so happy when I saw The Gingerbread Man Loose in the Fire Truck at the bookstore!!! My kids loved the first book, The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School, and I know they will be anxious to know there is yet another book about this spicy little gingerbread man.

I think we all go through a little doubt when reading a second in a series...will it live up to the first? I felt like this one did and I think the kids will love it too.  After joining his class on a field trip to the fire station the little gingerbread man dodges the station dalmatian and ends up exploring the station and joins a rescue of which the fire men are appreciative.  This little guy is clever and bold!  I am happy to add it to my series basket of picture book characters that kids love.

You can visit Laura Murray's website to check out the book trailer to The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School.   I love Mike Lowery's illustrations and his work as well, I own another of his books: Ribbit Rabbit because of the vowel play within the text (I use for a reread in word study) and the real relationship between frog and rabbit.
Enjoy!

Bella's Rules by Elissa Haden Guest

What are your family's rules? We have a few that I am adamant about...be kinder than necessary, keep your room picked up and please no food in the family room (I hate stains on the carpet).  I think everyone has rules that are particularly important to each of us. And others that we let go of or get tired of reminding the family about because they just don't stick! Well, in this story you will meet Bella, who knows the family rules by heart but likes her own better!

Bella's parents help her understand why her rules don't work after she challenges her sitter. And later Bella begins to understand even more deeply the need for rules when she is gifted a new puppy. The ending helps us understand that rules are important but we all slip away from them sometime.

I can't wait to use this book in the classroom when we begin to talk about how we will take care of one another each day. It will allow us to have a real conversation about how we all mess up sometimes, then fix and forgive.  It will also give us an opportunity to talk deeper about why we have rules in place.

I love Abigail Halpin's illustrations. And, I realized that Elissa Haden Guest is the author of the Iris and Walter series (great for 1st and 2nd grade readers).  It is a great addition to picture books I am thinking about for the beginning of next year!

Picture Books for Predicting, Problem Solving and Persevering

I don't know about you but when I start administering spring assessments I realize that my students need to dig deeper into the predicting we have practiced all year long during picture book read alouds. It is in the spring that they are ready to think more about their process for making what we term...thoughtful predictions.  They have matured as thinkers after sharing and building on the talk and ideas that we have had as a community.  Today,  I had one student say (after making and confirming some predictions during Somebody and the Three Blairs), "Gee I am lucky with these predictions today."  I had to jump in and say, "You were thoughtful!" Then we back tracked to trace his process of thoughtfulness.  Did he use what you know about the original story of The Three Bears? YES.  Did he use what he know about pictures and words in text? YES. That resulted in not just luck but a series of meaningful thought.
When I realized we needed to dig deeper, I began by stepping back and finding text that would allow kids to predict using pictures in a simple (predictable ) text.  Hugs From Pearl and Perfectly Percy are two texts by Paul Schmid that helped us begin to rewind and identify our process as predictors.

 Hugs from Pearl is the story of a little porcupine who loves to hug but her quills get in the way.  She solves her problem on her own as she is thinking on her way home from school.

Percy is Pearl's brother and he loves balloons but can't seem to keep them around with his quills.  Percy asks for help but isn't satisfied with the ideas Pearl shares so he thinks and perseveres with his thoughts until he solves his own problem!

These two stories invited opportunities not only that allowed us to predict but also to learn about the importance of problem solving and persevering. 

Michigan Visit

This Friday I spent a day in Michigan thinking with teachers about the possibilities for common core writing units K-2.  I want to thank all the teachers who came and for the chance to talk and meet  so many of you.

Please fee free to email if I can help answer any questions or link you with the presentation: katiedicesare@hotmail.com

Digging Deeper with Noisy Bug Sing-Along

Just finding Noisy Bug Sing-Along was exciting because I LOVE John Himmelman!  I love Katie Loves the Kittens and found out there is a DVD available (yay!) as well as a another in the series: Katie and the Puppy Next Door coming out in a few weeks.  Then I started digging deeper into Noisy Bug Sing Along,  I also found a link that allows the kids to hear the actual insect sounds he teaches us about on each page. This idea of linking kids to extend their learning in a book is huge. I think when we show kids how to find more helps kids become aware how how they can be deeper readers. Talking about why digging deeper will help them uncover different types of texts and information and then how the information is different or the same has been our discussion during reading workshop the past 2 weeks. I think my kids are closer to making some realizations about why digging deeper benefits the as a reader but for now I am showing them my process.

Now, the book, at first glance I thought was it was a great mentor for young non-ficiton writers.  It has a thoughtful beginning, teaches kids about the sounds bugs make in one sentence, includes craft like descriptive language, bold fonts highlighting the name of the bug and sounds and a connected ending.  I feel like I need to thank him for creating a text that is simple enough for young minds to study but includes enough depth for stronger readers to learn more.  The last two pages in this book detail information about sound waves and what they really sound like.  He also gives us small photographs and paragraphs that teach us even more about each of the bugs featured in the book.

This book was a the focus for reading, writing and word learning yesterday.  I am anxious to share how this book is working for the kids in my class. Just yesterday, a little girl creating a How to Ice Skate book added sound words (SHH) to her picture of an ice skate stoping on the ice  and mentioned she is trying to write like John Himmelman. Again, thank you John!

Follow Follow: A Book of Reversible Poems by Marilyn Singer

If you are familiar with Mirror Mirror by Marilyn Singer, you will be glad to know she has a companion book out this month called Follow Follow, again filled with her amazing reversible poems.  Though the first book has more of the classic reverso fairy tale poems, I have to say, I think my first graders will be very familiar with many of the new poems featured in this second book.  I love the introduction poem called fairy tales as well as many of the others based on The Three Little Pigs, The Little Mermaid, The Tortoise and the Hare and The Princess and the Pea. This book will also be a great way to extend some of my stronger readers who have loved fairy tales like The Princess and the Peas and Carrots by Harriet Ziefert and Yummy by Lucy Cousins. Looking forward to hearing what the kids think of it today!

Word Learning: Dublin Literacy Conference 2013 #DubLit13

Word study dlc from katiedicesare