Friday, April 13, 2012

Lit Coach Recommends...

Publishing with Technology

Dave Swank's 8th grade writing classes are creating online portfolios to showcase their hard work.  Each student is developing a website to publish their narrative, informational and persuasive writing pieces.  You can explore Mr. Swank's website here:  TCMS Writing

Check out the progress Nikki Kills Plenty made on her Author's Bio today. 

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Catching Readers Before They Fall

 Coaches have been having meaningful conversations with teachers across the district about teaching our most struggling readers.  By assessing students read  Featured last week on the Choice Literacy newsletter, Katie Keier and Pat Johnson are interviewed in a podcast about teaching struggling readers in grades K-4. 
Listen to the podcast or visit their website,  Catching Readers Before They Fall.
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DRA/QRI Window

Mark your calendars!  The spring testing window opens April 23 for DRA and QRI.  Erin has sent each teacher a tracking form.  After the assessment has been administers please email it back to Erin.
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Ordering

As the year is coming to a close, many teachers are able to order supplies and books for next year.  Please consider improving your classroom environment by ordering materials and resources that will support the balanced literacy and workshop model.  Check out some videos and pictures at the Daily Cafe on Classroom Environment.   If you need assistance with your orders, coaches are happy to help!  Please contact one today. 

Fountas and Pinnell Phonics instruction can quickly turn into chaos without the right organizational tool.  Try something like this: