Image from @grammarly
Monday, August 24, 2015
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Are You Part of the Salt Creek Team?
A couple of girls had a problem getting along yesterday. Afterwards, I thought about it and I realized they hadn't yet realized what being part of The Hallway means. Hopefully, they will figure out how to be great members of our team. Maybe this message from Kid President will help.
Monday, August 17, 2015
Weekly Reading Assignment
Students' Weekly Reading Assignment rewards effort. Students choose a book that they want to read from home, the library, or the bookmobile. The only requirement is that they log the title, time read, and pages.
Any time students read it counts. They will read on some days during language arts, and daily during SSR--Sustained Silent Reading time(1:30-2:18). In addition, they can read at home, on the bus, while they are eating breakfast, once they finish a test or assignment in another class. Any time they read it counts.
As a teacher, I reward the students that make the most effort. Although grades are not entirely tied to how hard a student works, poor grades are reflective of a lack of work ethic. If a student wants a better grade, just read a little more. I even give extra credit for students that read more than 250 minutes.
A = 250 + Minutes
B = 200 - 249 Minutes
C = 150 - 199 Minutes
D = 100 - 149 Minutes
Each time students read they will put it on their Reading Log. Then, at the beginning of language arts, students log their minutes on the online Reading Log.
A = 250 + Minutes
B = 200 - 249 Minutes
C = 150 - 199 Minutes
D = 100 - 149 Minutes
Each time students read they will put it on their Reading Log. Then, at the beginning of language arts, students log their minutes on the online Reading Log.
Although students have no direct assignments associated with Weekly Reading Assignment, many of the activities and projects in class are based on the book they are reading. When students write about their book, it is easy to monitor comprehension and see if students are "getting it." The fact that students can pick their book to read helps because they can find a book that interests them.
So if you want a good grade Reading Workshop students, all you have to do is read!
The first Weekly Reading Assignment is due on Friday, August 28.
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Welcome 2015-2016
Tonight is Open House at Salt Creek Intermediate School. Welcome to all our students and parents. The start of each new year is an exciting time and I am looking forward to another great year. Stop in and say hello. On Tuesday come to Reading Workshop ready for the best year ever!
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Thursday, May 14, 2015
You Need More Than Spellcheck
Spell Check is a great tool that helps all writers produce cleaner writing. However, writers still need to proofread their own work. The picture below shows . . .
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Monday, May 4, 2015
Will It Be You?
Reading Workshop students, will you take a minute today to say something to make someone else's life better? Before you say yes, think about when and where this will happen. Thank you for taking the time to share some of yourself for another.
Friday, May 1, 2015
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Monday, April 27, 2015
I Have Trouble With What to Write
I had this conversation about poetry with a student:Student: I have trouble with what to write.
Me: Really?
Student: Yeah, I don't know what to say.
Me: You like sports a lot, right?
Student: Yeah
Me: How many sports poems have you been working on?
Student: Two
Me: So you have twelve drafts and only two are about sports?
Student: Yeah
Me: But you really like sports?
Student: Yeah, a lot.
Me: Then why don't you write poems about sports?
Student: I don't know.
Me: If that's what you are interested in, that's what you should write about. You know, write about what interests you. Write about what you know.
Student: Oh, OK.
Reading Workshop students, if you are struggling with what to write, maybe you need to give the topic a break and write about something that you find interesting.
Poem written by Shel Silverstein. Image from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/331296116310627083/
Revision
Poems are never finished. Eventually though, we just stop working on them.
Naomi Shihab Nye said:
If a teacher told me to revise, I thought that meant my writing was a broken-down car that needed to go to the repair shop. I felt insulted. I didn’t realize the teacher was saying, “Make it shine. It’s worth it.” Now I see revision as a beautiful word of hope. It’s a new vision of something. It means you don’t have to be perfect the first time. What a relief!
Image from www.teacherspayteachers.com
Poem For A Grade
The Reading Workshop Poetry Rubric
| Component | 4/A | 3/B | 2/ C | 1/D |
| Rhythm, Form Structure, Organization | Creatively uses poetic form. A natural rhythm and structure. | Structure and rhythm seem natural to the reader. | Structure and rhythm need revised for better understanding. | Unorganized structure and rhythm. |
| Content, Impact | The purpose of the poem is evident leading to a natural conclusion. The poem engages the reader. | Poem is developed with content that engages the reader. | Content is basic with only a hint of the author's intent. | Content is basic and undeveloped. |
| Word Selection, Word Usage | Word choice is exact, colorful, and interesting. Uses sensory details to help the reader see, hear, feel, and/or think. | Word choice is interesting with the use of sensory details. | Vocabulary is basic with a few attempts at improving word choice. | Vocabulary is very basic. |
| Spelling, Grammar, and Punctuation | No errors and mechanics used as needed to fit with the poetic structure. | Minimal errors in spelling and mechanics used as needed for understanding. | A few errors in spelling and mechanics. | Errors in spelling and mechanics that interfere with reading. |
| Effort | Work shows an understanding of poetry and reflects the effort to create a special piece of writing. | Developed piece of work that is the result of revising and editing. | Basic piece of writing that shows a need of improvement. | Undeveloped without signs of editing and revision. |
Created by http://www.thereadingworkshop.com | ||||
Why Kids Should Blog
Ten positive benefits of student blogging:
1. Increased Communication Skills
2. Develop and Improve Writing Skills
3. Interact with Different People
4. Improve Technology Skills
5. Engage in Social Media
6. Understand Online Social Responsibility
7. Explore Hobbies and Special Interests
8. Self Development
9. Learn to Deal with Comments
10.Develop Social Skills for Life
Just click on the picture to see it full size.
Image from www.kidslearntoblog.com
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
