Reading
A Reading Journey
From the desk of April F… I have a confession. Though my professional career is now devoted to Literacy, I was (into adulthood) an apathetic, reluctant reader. I could read, though I didn’t know about any strategies. If I looked at the words long enough I could figure them out or fake it. That was…
Read MoreAuthentic Instruction
From the desk of Hope… I had an interesting conversation with a teacher about “authentic instruction.” As I reflect on the conversation several days later, I believe it is worth writing about. As a literacy coach I model lessons for teachers, I observe teachers and I also provide written and verbal feedback to teachers. The…
Read MorePopcorn Reading
Popcorn reading. Volunteer reading. Sparkle Reading. Lightening Bug Reading. Round Robin Reading. Just say, “No!” As professionals, we manage to direct students all day long in every facet of their day, but we have the hardest time putting an end to the outdated method of round robin reading. Sharpen your pencil? No. Go to the…
Read MorePop Quiz- What is the Purpose?
From the desk of Hope… I have been doing some wondering lately……what is the purpose of a pop quiz? In my own teaching career, I’ve given my share of pop quizzes, but they were mostly early in my career when I didn’t teach with very much intention. I remember thinking, “I will see if they…
Read MoreBoy Bookcases?
Today’s blog is probably going to end up being more of a rant than a blog. I have recently been on the hunt for a bookcase for my son’s room. He has had a large red bin holding books in his room for over a year now. The bin is ok for housing the actual…
Read MoreThe Reading Gods are Coming
Hope and I were talking to today about our company, the hiccups, the successes, and how we continue to feel fortunate everyday to do what we love and still pay our bills. Really- this came up as part of our conversation today. As part of that package, we have had the privilege to meet several…
Read MorePlus One
Today was my first full day back in schools. I had the pleasure of returning to a school I worked in last year and all of my teachers in my project are exactly the same. This is almost an anomaly within my line of work. I get the same people, same project, and have the…
Read MoreStudent Book Clubs
I recently had the pleasure of being part of a book club experience for parents and students who are headed into 3rd grade. The teacher assigned a text for the summer and wanted the readings to be done with the parents as part of their summer learning. We met at a lovely home last week…
Read MoreWhat a Good Idea!
From the desk of Hope… This title is purposefully meant to be sarcastic. Now that you know this, go ahead and read it again with the full tone of sarcasm. You can add the head shake and eye roll too! Alice and I have taken on our first high school project. We are preparing…
Read MoreLilly Mae Lesson #1
From the Desk of Hope…. A Reading Lesson from my 87 Year Old Friend What a blessing and privilege it is to have a friend that is 87 years old. Lilly Mae is my mother’s former neighbor. She fell and broke her hip and is now in a rehabilitation center in Winston-Salem, about six minutes…
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