Andrea Knight

Teacher · Learner · Author

Punctuation & Fluency

Punctuation is a big deal for readers. Really, it is. Really? Yes, really! When kids understand how each punctuation mark works, they learn how to change way their voice sounds at each mark. And this makes them more expressive readers, which is part of being a fluent reader. I remember going through a horrible period of teaching several years back when fluency was being overly … [Read more...]

Fast Finds: A Vocabulary Activity

My family and I love the line of Cranium games. (Talk about honoring multiple intelligences! I think these game-makers have attended a conference or two. Or maybe they're just smart people who know how differently people think.) In one of their games, Cranium Cadoo, there is a category called "Fast Finds." Each Fast Find card lists two things you have to find before the timer runs out. For … [Read more...]

Teaching with Toys in Your Writing Workshop

The writing workshop is one of my favorite times of the day. It's sometimes a real challenge to teach writing to children who are only six years old, but when they finally let go and just put it all out there, it's so courageously fun. Their transformation from the beginning of the year to the end is amazing. What was once pretty unreadable in August becomes a small work of art and suddenly … [Read more...]

My Little Einsteins

Science rocks! So I actually have to do very little to motivate kids in this area. They're naturally curious... they ask endless questions... and they touch everything. Isn't this the work of scientists?   At the beginning of the year, before we really dive into any specific science study, I want to set the stage for the work we'll be doing all year.   Step One:  What are … [Read more...]

Book Talk: Little Dog Poems

April is National Poetry Month.  I know, I know ... "It's only February. What is she talking about? Can't I just get through Valentine's Day?" But some of you are super planners ... the kind of planners that know what the next 8 weeks look like ... and I wanted you to have time to find this book: A teammate of mine introduced me to this book years ago. (Thank you Michele … [Read more...]

Valentine’s Day Writing Activity: 10 Things I Love About You

This picture book by Daniel Kirk is perfect for a Valentine's Day read-aloud.  It's about two friends, Pig and Rabbit.  One day, Rabbit decides to make a list of ten things he loves about his friend, Pig. And even though Pig is sometimes impatient with his friend, Rabbit always seems to find a way to turn it around into a positive trait for his list.  Meanwhile, Pig is also making a … [Read more...]