Andrea Knight

Teacher · Learner · Author

Sofia Valdez, Future Prez

Sofia Valdez for president! Have you seen this new book by Andrea Beaty? She's written a few other books you may already know: Ada Twist, Scientist Rosie Revere, Engineer Iggy Peck, Architect Her books empower children, leaving them feeling like they can do anything and her new book doesn't disappoint. In Sofia Valdez, Future Prez, a young girl notices a problem in her community and … [Read more...]

Reusable Anchor Charts for Young Readers

I have a few teacher friends who don't like their own handwriting and swear they can't even draw a stick figure. I'm not sure I totally believe the stick figure part, but I get the point. So you can imagine their anxiety over the thought of creating anchor charts. And seriously, don't we all have that one teammate whose charts are museum-worthy? The kind with perfect artistry we envy? We just want … [Read more...]

Room on the Broom (On Netflix)

NETFLIX has brought another one of my favorite children's books to life ... and it's perfect for your October lesson plans. (Rated G / 25 minutes) Read the story by Julia Donaldson, watch the show, and then incorporate literacy standards by discussing: • problem / solution  • cause / effect • character traits / relationships • setting • mood • theme, plot, or main … [Read more...]

How Emojis Help Kids Understand BIG Feelings

I love these emoji sticks, especially the little ones... they're pretty cute. But they're smart, too. And they're perfect for reading discussions, writing workshop, class meetings, social-emotional lessons, and so much more.I mean really ... when are we not reacting emotionally to life? I feel like we talk about feelings all day long. (Is that just me?)    READINGDuring reading … [Read more...]

When Readers Become Distracted…

This happens to me. I'll be reading something (or I think I'm reading something), when suddenly I realize I have no idea what I've been reading. My mind was totally someplace else.   It happens to kids, too... even young readers. And they need to be aware of it. They need to know WHY this happens to readers and then WHAT to do about it. This post doesn't have a chart about why readers get … [Read more...]