Quotable

I found this quote...for lack of some time I thought I would just post it...it really got me thinking about our job!

"The only way to help kids become generous, responsible people and lifelong learners is to work with them to solve problems and make decisions. But that takes time. It also takes care, skill, and in some cases, courage because we have to reconsider the validity of our requests. We need to begin by thinking hard about what we're asking kids to do: Who benefits from our requests? Is there another way?" -----Alfie Kohn

Happy Reading!!

What is on the menu?

Well...after 4 weeks of meeting new faces, adjusting to the layout of the new building (who would have thought that would take awhile) and gearing up for the MEAP test (AYP pressure there), I am trying to brainstorm how to best help my fellow teachers. I decided there were a lot of choices...like going out to eat and browsing through the menu. It only made sense then to offer a menu of choices...so here is the menu. Like all fabulous restaurants, it is subject to change and feedback to the chef is always welcome! Happy reading...

Menu of Ways I Can Help

Appetizers
· Finding materials
· Gathering books
· Discussions to brainstorm ideas

Main Course
· Teach side by side with you
· Plan with you
· Teach whole group with you
· One of us teach/Other assess students and their learning
· Divide the class into groups and teach the same concept
· Differentiate the concepts for groups
· Conference with students during Reader's Workshop
· Work with students having difficulty

Dessert
· Try to find ways to fund books and ideas
· Lend an ear for support
· Have a good laugh

And We're Off...

Wow...what a whirlwind these last two weeks of school! I was most excited by meeting with each grade level of teachers! What talent and energy each person brings to the team! I can't wait to share my love of literacy with them as well as learn more from each of them. I am really excited to work with my new friends! Students at the school are so lucky to have such warm and committed teachers. Every morning as the students arrive, teachers are out in the halls greeting them and shaking hands. Smiles on the kids faces prove that they feel welcome to come and learn!!!

I am excited to continue to get to know the teachers and students! What a great start!