Science Fair...Anyone?

I am very excited about this great find!  If you want a book that will grab the attention of your little scientist...then this is the book for you!  In light of the fact that we are gearing up for an elementary school wide Science Fair in April...I would have to say that this is a MUST read for our young scientists.  Who knows...you may find that you have a little Crime Scene Investigator in the making!

The book is full of cute, animated cartoon-like illustrations that model the experiment without being so graphic with the "gorish" type experiments.  Yet, the experiments themselves will challenge kids to think like a CSI by explaining the science behind solving a plethora of topics.  The experiments are simple enough with directions, lists of necessary supplies, and so on.  This book comes highly recommended!

All In a Day of Work!

Do You ever feel like this during the week?  This post is to all of my fellow teachers....I think you deserve a diet coke from Sonic today!! 

On a serious note...it is amazing to me how far behind I feel if I even let one stack of papers go ungraded.  I have found that especially with the writing that is involved with our reading...my students need that constant feedback.  Like most of us...yes, us adults...they are already trying to find the easy button...with the  quality of work they are willing to give me.  I have discovered that when I am on every assignment...and discussing what will make them better...it really tends to bring the quality of what I get...so much better ...than when I let a few days slide without checking over every single thing!! 

If you see me resembling this lady...Someone slap me!!  NOT gonna happen! :)

Here's to My Awesome Partners...Past and Present....

Ok...couldn't refuse the chance to dedicate this post to the ladies who put up with me every day!!  Judy, Debi, and Sheri...what would I do without you?  I know that my constant outpouring of ideas are maybe a tad daunting...but you sure do a great job of humoring me by at least trying and implementing them in your classrooms.  I suppose that if we find our boat sinking...we'll know who is going overboard first...huh?  Anyway...in light of the holiday around the corner...I wanted to say, publically,  how much I love you guys!!  Yo' the best!!

Teaching Fictional Novels Through Character Webs

What better way to engage students in discussion groups about fictional novels than to use character webs.  I am finding that when students really annalyze the dialogue, appearance, thoughts & feelings, and actions of the main character as well as the other characters, they really think about the progression of the story's theme and its relation to its characters.  It is a great springboard to discussions on what makes one change...from point a to point b.  It is interesting to hear kids dialoguing about themselves...how they would feel in this or that character's shoes...And...isn't that the whole point of reading and the instruction of reading? 

Edward Tulane...is a great book to dissect in this manner...because it has so many interesting characters that impact the development of the main character Edward.

If anyone is reading this post...give me some feedback about things that you have tried and are doing with regard to fictional novel units that you are teaching.

Winter Weather Blues...

Why is it that this is the time of year when I begin experiencing the "winter weather blues?"  I just wish that I could really shake things up a bit...and do something really creative!  Even though I know that the basic concepts are only really "gotten" by just sheer routine and repetition, I get tired of the same ol'...same ol!!  I'm sure the kids do too!  This is where I need a burst of fresh new ideas...or maybe a new twist on the old.  If anyone out there is reading my blog...and can shoot some ideas my way...I would love to hear them!

What's Happening in Our Reading Class?

Today was a busy one!  Every few weeks we begin a new "skill" with our young readers.  On the day of the "model lesson" ...as today was...it can be a little exhausting!  The model lesson begins with me reading the "model book."  Basically, the whole point is to read and question with a purpose...to get the kids to formulate an idea or pattern that they will be looking to prove throughout the upcoming assigned novel.  After an intense read/question/debate/discussion...of the short "model" story...I have to say that I feel kind of wiped out! 

We are getting ready to read The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo.  Our model story was The Velveteen Rabbit.  Both have similarities...in their themes.  My young readers seem pumped!