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...]
Flipping Over Groundhog Day!
I am, that's who. And, actually, I never cared until I moved out of Florida. Floridians welcome winter. It's a temporary break from the oppressive heat and humidity. It's the one week of the year when your hair does what you always knew it could. And, if you happen to have a coat and a cute scarf, you can finally wear them. But now I live where it's cold. And I'm cold. I'm ready for … [Read more...]
When Scientists Read & Write
Every year, I end up with a class full of students who LOVE science. (I'm guessing you do, too.) Of course, experiments are their favorite... being curious, gathering materials, getting messy, seeing what happens... it's the best. Because science is grounded in what's "real," most of my children also like to read nonfiction. I don't know what your science materials look like, but … [Read more...]
First Grade Word Walls Kids Will Use
In my experience, first grade word walls are a must-have. Because of this though, I used to sweat the fire marshal's visit each year. To avoid costly fines, our head custodian would walk through every classroom a week ahead looking for violations and my little visit always came with the same speech. "Andrea, there's too much paper on your walls. You've exceeded the limit. It won't go well. Take … [Read more...]
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
{A Fun Activity for Word Wall Review} This is one of my students' favorite ways to practice their new (and old) word wall words. Each week, I type their five new words (and five words already posted on the wall) and then flip them so they're reversed when printed. Each card has a different symbol printed on the card. (I'll explain why in a minute.) Then, I hide the cards around the room. … [Read more...]