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!

Great Teaching...How Does it Happen?

From my experience of teaching, I am a firm believer that no teacher ever "arrives!"  Therefore, those great teachers out there are the ones who are constantly learning and figuring out what methods work with those kids they have been entrusted with.  Each child is different, and each new group of children from year to year, are uniquely different.  I have found that year after year, my files are pretty much scrapped...and its time to begin again. 


For more on this subject: http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/201001/good-teaching