It's Monday: What are you reading?

I love joining Jen and Kellee over at Teach Mentor Texts for their wonderful Monday meme. In this meme, we talk about what we've been reading over the past week.

My reading was limited this week! We started back with professional development and classroom setup, so that took up most of my day (and night). I did manage to reread this book for the third time:

I loved it even more the third time around. I devoured it the first time, reread it for Bluebonnet Award book talks the second time, and took it in again because of Secrets of Fortune Wookiee.

I also read a book lent to me by a wonderful friend. It's a long awaited sequel to a book, but I don't want to write anything about it until its release date in February of 2013. As the release date approaches, I will share more about this book because it was absolutely wonderful.

Here's what I'm reading now:

 

 Bobby vs. Girls (Accidentally) by Lisa Yee and illustrated by Dan Santat

I just found out about this book a few weeks ago, and I'm particularly interested in it because I met Dan Santat this summer. 

 

My classroom

School started today! I had my first chance today to share my love of books with my students. I shared my reading goals with them, and made them laugh when I told them I had books everywhere (car, purse, all over my house, etc.). I think they are beginning to understand how important books are to me.  

I also introduced them to our classroom library. We talked about how it was organized, and tomorrow we'll discuss how we keep our books in good condition.
Each student chose a book, and we all sat and read together for a bit. I loved that some of my students brought books with them from home.

These are the first steps towards creating a community of readers.  It starts with shared books, choice, and time for independent reading. I am anxious to sit with them to read, to hear what they love to read, and to find each of them the perfect book.

But it all begins with me as a reader. So even though it is the first day of school, I will sit and make the time to read myself.

Flat Sandals & Final PD

Today is the last day of PD before school starts on Monday. I will do lots of walking around in my classroom today, but in my effort for cuteness, I am wearing brown flat sandals with gold buckles. It's almost like I'm barefoot.

But the very most important thing about today isn't what I'm wearing, it's what I'm doing. As I walk around the empty desks laying out folders or putting up supplies, I'm thinking about the new students I met last night. Flashes of them pop up in my memory. Names are matching with faces, and I am anticipating the community I will begin to develop on Day One. I look at those books in my classroom library knowingly---they will help me connect with my students not only as readers, but as wonderful individuals who have so much to offer the world.

I look at the notebooks we will write in, and I know they will help me connect with my students through their ideas and thoughts. I will connect with them as well, not only as writers, but as wonderful inviduals who have so much to offer the world.

I look at the bulletin boards, blank for now. But I know they will be filled with my students' passions, projects, and visions.

I'm doing lots of little things. Stapling things. Organizing things. Taping things. But mostly, I'm anticipating and dreaming of the community that will start within the four walls of our classroom and then spread wherever we take it.

Thank goodness I wore sandals!

What I'm reading right now:
Strange Case of Origami Yoda (reread #3) by the awesome Tom Angleberger
Hattie Ever After by Kirby Larson (more to come on this special book!)

It's Monday! What are you reading?

It's Monday! My summer is officially over, and I'm headed back to school to begin my 23rd year of teaching. But before I do that,  I'm joining Jen and Kellee over at Teach Mentor Texts as we share our reading for the week. It's a great meme I'm happy to join.

Because I headed back to my classroom to set up for another year of 4th grade, my reading was limited!

What I read this week:

 

In my attempt to compile a read-aloud list for this year, I decided to reread HOW TO STEAL A DOG by Barbara O'Connor. I remember why I loved it the first time, but I found this read to be more fulfilling. It tells a story kids will clamor to hear, and I think it will help develop a sense of consideration and empathy in students. My copy came from my classroom library, and as you can see from the pic, it's been read many times. I'll need a new copy soon.

As I was sorting the books in my classroom library (see previous post for pic), I came across this title. I started rereading it in my classroom while I was supposed to be working, so I brought it home with me. I'd forgotten how exciting and good it was! I marvel at how Brian survived for so long, and how Gary Paulsen's excellent writing. I want to pull out many sentences for my grammar/editing lessons this year. I appreciate this one so much more now that I've been teaching longer.

I also picked up this curious picture book this weekend: THE INSOMNIACS by Karina Wolf (illustrated by The Brothers Hilts). This book has the most interesting illustrations! The story is very, very intriguing! It's about a family that is active at night, and sleeps during the day! It left me with questions, but I thought that was fine! (I'm not ready to write a review of it yet. I need to reread it a few more times.) 

What I'm reading now:



Since I finished THE SECRETS OF THE FORTUNE WOOKIEE by Tom Angleberger last week, I thought I'd reread the first installment of this series. THE STRANGE CASE OF ORIGAMI YODA won our Texas Bluebonnet Award last year, and I'm planning on using it as one of my read-alouds. Since this book has been out since 2010, I don't think many of my incoming 4th graders will have read it. Also, I met Tom Angleberger at ALA this summer! He passed out FORTUNE WOOKIEE cookies.

What I plan to read this week:

Since it's my first day back to school for professional development, reading time may prove to be elusive. I'll scrounge up minutes here and there, and I'd like to begin reading this book:

THE ADVENTURES OF NANNY PIGGINS by R.A. Spratt and Dan Santat is a book I've been wanting to read for awhile. I've had the ARC for the latest book since ALA, but haven't read it. I picked up the 1st installment yesterday, and I'm happy I did.

My summer ends now. Even though it was busy, and not a relaxing one, I loved it because I learned so much, read a lot, and interacted with some amazing people. Because of this, I know I'm a better teacher.  I can't wait to meet my awesome students next Monday. Another year of great reading begins!

What are you reading this week?







Classroom Setup

Last week I was back in my classroom setting up for another year. I worked for five full straight days. Though I have done this for 22 years, and I have been through this routine before, I find myself changing it up each August. Summer learning makes an impression on me, usually because of great PD or personal study.

So even though I have set-up a classroom 22 times, I still need a checklist. 
I decided to write one for myself. It may or may not apply to any other teacher. But I'm learning that if something is not available, I should create it.

So, next year, I will follow my own words of advice. These are bits of wisdom I'm sharing with the future me next summer:

1. Bring all necessary tools with you when you go to your classroom for the first time. You might need a hammer, staple remover, scissors, dusting sheets, and Clorox wipes.

2. Don't forget water and a snack. If the AC is off, water is a must. (A protein bar is a good option.)  You usually get caught up in everything, and before you know it, you're hungry but don't want to stop because you're moving at a good pace.

3. Ask yourself: Did my classroom design work well last year? What would I change or keep? This is the time to rearrange and plan furniture spots. Oh, and you might need another set of shelves since you probably purchased some books over the summer.

4. Arrange the furniture. Bring someone to help if you have heavy pieces. Don't over do it -- and wait on getting the back-to-school manicure. ;-)

5. Dust and wipe off furniture.

6. Now, shift your attention to the classroom library. How will you arrange books? How will you keep track of them? How will students check them out? Do you need new baskets or containers? (This is enough for a separate post!)

I presorted stacks to incorporate new purchases. What a task!

7. Arrange your classroom library. A shared experience with books helps develop a classroom community and this is important to you, so put thought and care into your library. Note: this step takes several days--especially if you stop frequently to reread books as you always do.

8. Decide on the color scheme for the room. (This year, I did a room makeover! I changed my color scheme and removed "teacher-y" items that said a lot about me, but had nothing to do with learning! I also de-cluttered!)

Here are some of the labels for my classroom library.

9. What will you need to purchase? What do you already own? Shop your teacher closet!

10. Make a to-do list for the next day. You will add to it. It will change.

11. Have a restful evening because you deserve it. Read a book at night.

My most valuable advice to me:
This year, don't worry so much that everything matches. Instead, focus on what matters: preparing to meet and connect with your future students. They will fill the spaces with their learning. And it will look wonderful.

I hope I follow my own advice next year. I'll have to reread this post.

It's Monday! What are you reading?

Every Monday, I join Jen and Kellee over at Teach Mentor Texts to celebrate our reading for the week. We also share the books we are currently reading.

I spent the week wishing I could be at school working on my classroom. But since I couldn't (new carpeting being installed), I took advantage of the week and read.

I read some picture books at the local library.
First stack:

My favorites in this stack:

SPOON by Amy Krouse Rosenthal (So cute!)
LITTLE PEA by Amy Krouse Rosenthal (Loved it!)
THE LIBRARY by Sarah Stewart (Every library should have this book.)

My second bookstack:

My favorites in this stack:

WON TON: A CAT TALE TOLD IN HAIKU by Lee Wardlaw
SQUID AND OCTOPUS FRIENDS FOR ALWAYS by Tao Nyeu
LIBRARY MOUSE by Daniel Kirk
CHICKEN DANCE by Tammi Sauer and Dan Santat

My third bookstack:

My favorites here:

THERE by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick (I've ordered this one. I highly recommend it!)
THE DUCKLING GETS A COOKIE by Mo Willems (Fun!)
THE PIGEON FINDS A HOT DOG by Mo Willems (Loved it!)

I also read the third installment in the Origami Yoda series: THE SECRETS OF FORTUNE WOOKIE by Tom Angleberger.

Having read the previous two Origami Yoda books, I was very excited to read the next book. STRANGE CASE OF ORIGAMI YODA won our Texas Bluebonnet Award this year, so these books are popular with students (and their teacher)! I thought it was funny and clever just like the other two. But this book had a great message about being yourself and the value of good friendships.  

I also read SPLENDORS AND GLOOMS by Laura Amy Schlitz (out later this month). I'll do my best to review this one as it gets closer to its release date (Aug. 28th, 2012).

What I'm reading now:

I came back to Divergent by Veronica Roth. I suspect I'm the last person to read this YA novel. But I've found that I am ready for certain types of books at certain times. Just like I know what food I crave, I know what books to reach for based on my own reading appetite. It's YA and won't go in my classroom library, so I'm reading this one just for me. I'm enjoying it and I can now see the reasons for its popularity. The storytelling is excellent so far, and I'm halfway through the book. Young Adult seems to be the highest I will go now, with the exception, of course, of professional development books.

I should be able to work on my classroom starting today, so my reading time will be reduced. I'll do my best to make up for it in the evening.

What are you reading?

Picture Book 10 for 10

Today, I am happily joining the Picture Book 10 for 10 meme hosted by bloggers Mandy Robek and CathyMere.

I love using picture books in my classroom. Besides telling great stories, picture books are roadmaps for writers: they show the many directions writers can take. I love sharing them aloud, and my students love listening to them. I use a picture book to model or teach a specific skill. However, when we discuss the book, my students will always notice something I hadn't seen. I don't stop every two or three pages with countless questions. Most of the time, I just ask them to tell me what they notice. I love hearing all the observations my students will make as they think about the characters and events.

There are so many great picture books, and narrowing to a list of ten was difficult!  So here are the first ten (or 11) that I recalled:

I WANT MY HAT BACK by Jon Klassen

 EXTRA YARN by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen

PRESS HERE by Hervè Tullet

BOY + BOT by Ame Dyckman and illustrated by Dan Yaccarino



CITY DOG, COUNTRY FROG by Mo Willems and illustrated by Jon J. Muth

HOW ROCKET LEARNED TO READ/ROCKET WRITES A STORY

by Tad Hills

LIBRARY LION by Michelle Knudsen and illustrated by Kevin Hawkes

THE GENTLEMAN BUG by Julian Hector

 YOU WILL BE MY FRIEND by Peter Brown



C.R. MUDGEON by Leslie Muir; Pictures by Julian Hector





(I could say so much about each one. But if I did, this post would be too long to read!)



I could also name so many more wonderful titles. In fact, I have quite a few in my TBR pile. I love looking for and finding great picture books. To me, they are precious literary treasures.



It's Monday! What are you reading?

On Mondays, I join Jen and Kellee for a meme called: "It's Monday! What are you reading?" They blog over at Teach Mentor Texts.

My class wrapped up this week, so that meant more reading time---and all guilt-free! I think my summer has finally started!

What I read this week:

Leepike Ridge by N.D. Wilson
Published: 5/22/07
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Pages: 240

This was one interesting adventure! Thomas, an 11-year old boy, finds himself in an awful predicament. His father is dead, his mother copes alone, and he gets embroiled in a mystery involving treasure and evil treasure-hunters. Filled with suspense and just enough scary things to keep you interested, this book is a match for anyone looking for a book with unexpected twists. It wasn't easy for me to find a copy of this book, but I did. If you've read 100 Cupboards by N.D. Wilson, you will also like this book. This one is a bit more realistic, though.

Summer of the Gypsy Moths by Sara Pennypacker
This MG is one very curious book. There's one event that you won't believe (no spoilers here), and then the rest is the story of two girls (Stella and Angel) who need love, a home,  and someone to care for them.  The writing is really wonderful. It has the perfect summer setting (Cape Cod), so it's a timely book.  I read the book hoping the two girls would be okay, and asking myself how this one event could happen without anyone noticing.
Does every event in a book have to be believable? Or is that what makes a book enticing? I think it's a great discussion topic. It's getting Newbery buzz on Goodreads, so I thought I'd read it and see.

How Rocket Learned to Read
by Tad Hills
Rocket Writes a Story by Tad Hills

These wonderful books deserve their own blog post, so keep checking here in the coming weeks.

I also read Secrets from the Sleeping Bag by Rose Cooper. This was the third installment in the Blogtastic! series. These graphic novels are written in the style of Diary of A Wimpy Kid but the main character is a girl named Sofia.

What I'm reading now:
Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz
(ARC from publisher: Candlewick Press)

10 Things Every Writer Needs to Know by Jeff Anderson
This books a great source for writing PD, but I'm reading it in bits. So much to take in here!

As soon as I can get into my building, I'll be blogging about my classroom set-up AND books.
What are you reading this week?

How I Use Edmodo

Twitter inspires people everyday. Example: Me!

Today, I was monitoring my Twitter stream, when a question popped up about Edmodo. Someone had just signed up for it, and wanted to know how others used it. This is one of those great things you can do on Twitter: ask others for input! I replied with a few answers. Then another teacher joined in and shared, too. I couldn't be specific enough in 140 characters, so that's when it occurred to me that a blog post would be the best place to explain what I was trying to say.

Ways I use Edmodo in my classroom:
I am not an expert, but I've figured out a way to make Edmodo work for my students and me. (Please keep in mind that these are very simple, and others have done much more than I have!)

Poll: Using our current read-aloud, I might ask for opinions on future story events or favorite characters. Sometimes, I even use it as a class voting tool for our next read-aloud.

Discussion forum: I post a critical thinking question about anything we are learning in class: a lesson, a historical event, a book we've all read together, etc. It's a really great way of getting full participation in discussions. Students can take time to answer and be intentional about replies.

Feedback tool:  What did students think about this or that particular event? Should we have this or that project? I can get opinions on things that help me plan lessons or class activities. Very helpful!

Build excitement about an upcoming event: If we have a field trip, speaker, Skype session, or book release in the near future, I use Edmodo to hype it up! Students show up at the door ready to go!

Supplemental material: I post Wonderopolis video links or websites with games/activities that help students explore the content we've been studying.

Quiz: I create short quizzes on material for students to complete at home. They get instant feedback on concepts, and I use it to steer instruction. I make the quizzes short. Teachers can decide to grade them and how that grade is used.

Connections: Eventually, once students become comfortable with the process and guidelines for posting, they'll start posting questions themselves. I am watchful here, coaching as needed,  encouraging, and always making sure everyone is respectful and using the forum to help us learn. This takes time and modeling. My class was ready for this in January.

(I also have a classroom blog that I may use for similar/additional purposes. It just depends on the level of contribution I'm looking for in the process.)

As with every tool I choose to use in our classroom, my first priority is how it advances learning. I'm not using the tool because it's flashy or because everyone else is using it, but because it's functional or teaches a new skill. Edmodo continues the conversations in a safe environment, and we can connect from anywhere. I'm positive I'll use it in different ways with my next class because they will need different things! 

I've also used Edmodo to create a space for a student schoolwide book club and to join teacher communities. See upcoming posts about how these work!

How do you use Edmodo in the classroom? Please share!

Shoe choice today:Yellow Box flip-flops. Style: Verona

Questions & Motion

In his book 10 Things Every Writer Needs to Know, Jeff Anderson states that "to get past page fright, writers need to experience the power of motion."

Simply, if you want to write, you just have to get started. Once you do, it's easier, and you're in the game! (Read his book to find out the other 9 principles!)

This is the principle I'm using to write this blog post! Thank you, Jeff Anderson.

With the beginning of the year, there's so much to think about.

Will I have a classroom theme? How will I rearrange the furniture? What will I use for desktags? Will I post rules, or will I have the students write them with me? Should all the borders on my bulletin boards match? I've been asking myself these questions, but I'm beginning to wonder if the answers are important.

I've been starting 4th grade for more than a few years now. Every year is different, and every year I'm different, too. I'm smarter, and I've had another year of experience. (The students from my previous class helped with that.) It's not the most comfortable of feelings--this not-knowing. But it's good for me to be there because it makes me reflect. Do I really need some things I've been holding on to for years now? I think about that cute bulletin board I took so long to create: did it actually help my students learn or help ME connect with my students?

If I'm using an activity, practice, or procedure simply because I've always used it or because it's really cutesy, I need to toss it out or change it. It's okay if my room doesn't look perfect. It's not okay if I'm not engaging my students or being purposeful about my instruction and classroom environment.

Going back to Jeff Anderson's advice, the principle of "motion" in writing works. I've written a post that's brought about some reflection and will benefit my students.

Now, it's back to the book.