My Laptop Arrived

Andrew and David set up my laptop.  My laptop has been fragile for awhile.  After a mishap a few weeks ago, we decided it was time for a new one.  The guys in my family are the computer people.

Compare and Contrast Lesson

Is anyone teaching compare and contrast as a text structure?  I am always looking for the perfect book.  Here is a link on Amazon for the perfect one.  Duck! Rabbit!  by Amy Krause Rosenthal.  I ordered my copy today.  http://www.amazon.com/Duck-Rabbit-Amy-Krouse-Rosenthal/dp/0811868656/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1238213897&sr=8-1
Here is a link to the video of the book being read.  It is DELIGHTFUL! 
http://www.amazon.com/gp/mpd/permalink/m296GUZCI50OD

Links to How-To Ideas

 http://bestbookihavenotread.wordpress.com/2009/01/26/primary-units-of-study-lucy-calkins/
http://timmonstimes.blogspot.com/2009/02/suzanne-shall-our-instructional-coach.html

How To or Procedure Ideas

Read lots of books that build the understanding of “How To” or “Procedures” books at a variety of levels from Newbridge and Sundance Publishing.
A teaching point that the students need to understand is, “What can you (the students) teach someone?”
Students brainstorm ideas…
How to make a sundae?
How to line-up to go outside.
How to ride a bike.
How [...]

What Does Technology Really Look Like in Today’s Classrooms

Are you using technology (Smart Boards, laptops, etc.) or are you allowing your students to learn using the technology that they are already living with?  I have a senior, age 18, who is building is own computer.  I ordered all the components.  He does not need to watch the teacher use a Smart Board.  He [...]

Read Alouds Matter

When I was in the classroom, I had thousands and thousands of books. I believed that my students were entitled to every have access to every book that they wanted to read.  I bought them through Scholastic Book Club or Barnes and Noble.  I asked for books for Christmas for my students.  I wrote grants.  [...]

Won’t You Be My Neighbor – March 20

Mr. Rogers was one of my favorite T.V. shows as a child and was also one of my children’s favorites too.   In his memory,  we are encouraged to wear a sweater.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGiKc7KuZ4A&feature=player_embedded
http://www.fci.org/neighbor 

I had the wonderful opportunity to work with children.  When I model lessons in front of teachers and work with students, I truly am happy.  Did [...]

Awesome Persuasive Writing Resource!

http://timmonstimes.blogspot.com/2009/03/persuasive-writing.html
Timmon’s Times has great resources throughout the site.  This link is about persuasive writing.

Conventions Do Matter

I wrote extensively about dialogue
http://writingeverydayworks.wordpress.com/2008/06/02/writing-and-reading-dialogue-week-1/
http://writingeverydayworks.wordpress.com/2008/06/02/writing-and-reading-dialogue-week-3/
http://writingeverydayworks.wordpress.com/2008/06/02/dialogue-writing-lessons/

 
 Jeff Anderson is the author I use extensively for editing and conventions. He wrote Mechanically Inclined. He wrote Everyday Editing:  Inviting Students to Develop Skill and Craft in Writer’s Workshop.  I have written about his work numerous times here at Writing Every Day Works.

Hair Lesson by Jeff Anderson
http://writingeverydayworks.wordpress.com/2008/08/04/hair-lesson-by-jeff-anderson/

Great Sentences Blog
http://greatsentences.blogspot.com/
http://www.ohiorc.org/adlit/InPerspective/Issue/2007-05/Article/feature.aspx
Books that Help [...]

Learning and Studying Informational Texts: Do you have a plan?

Pose the Big Question:  How do I read informational texts about science with understanding?
First, I introduce students to nonfiction text features.  I gather a big book that has most (or all) of the nonfiction text features that I want my students to notice.  I read the selection to my students.  What do you notice?  We [...]