Content Category: Choice Literacy
Results
May 27, 2022: Read Aloud with a Twist
Reading should not be presented to children as a chore or duty. It should be offered to them as a precious gift. —Kate DiCamillo Be Creative with Reading Aloud My...
Bedtime Stories with a Mystery Reader
For the past year, if it’s 6:50 on a Wednesday evening, I can be found opening my computer and logging on to Zoom. The waiting room most likely already has...
Understanding Literary Language
“Mrs. Mulligan, what does ____________ mean? I’ve never heard that word before.” This is a question one child asks frequently. He is someone who notices language and asks questions. As...
The Big Screen: Reimagining Read Aloud
“Zoom in! Zoom in! A little more...” Giggles erupted as kids realized that Snail had turned his eyes to the stick on the ground, leaving Worm looking at him in...
May 20, 2022: Finding Joy in Challenging Readers
Live in the moment, not in the cloud. —Abhijit Naskar The Power of Selfies Like so many of you, the kids in front of me had never had a typical...
May 13, 2022: End with a Bang!
"Just in case" is the curse of packing. —Alexander Potter Packing Lightly For almost two years, we have been in a modular building while our physical school has undergone extensive...
Learning Joy
I was scurrying around to a few students whom I had a hunch would benefit from a few books I'd selected—high interest but also decodable—from my “little” library. I slid...
Planning for Virtual Literacy Intervention
If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that nothing is for sure. At least, not during a pandemic. Early on, I found myself scrambling to help teachers shift...
It’s About Survival
It’s that time of year. The home stretch, the last leg. You are almost there . . . but not quite yet. Testing is done, the room is getting buttoned...
Take a Chance
In education, there is nothing as exciting as trying something new. There is also nothing as frightening. The idea that a new idea may captivate, inspire, and motivate 30 young...
Student-Planned End-of-Year Celebration
We look around the classroom and see students reading independently, some partner reading, others sharing exciting or surprising events in their reading. Writers conferring with one another, others co-authoring pieces....
May 6, 2022: Deepening Discussions Part 2
And all the world is glad with May. —John Burroughs Join the Discussion Hello friends, I can hardly believe it is May! This is a whirlwind month for many of...
A Collection of Treasured Life Lessons
“Good morning, Arielle! It’s nice to see you,” I said. As she responded with her morning greeting, my eyes were drawn to her book bag. If she tries to add...
Creating Progressions to Meet Learners Where They Are
We’re a family of skiers who have been on the slopes for most of our lives. Each time we get on the mountain, we’re looking for ways to slightly improve...
Be the Teacher
You know that “teacher dread"? It happens when you think your students understand a concept, but then you watch as they complete an assessment and realize—Wow! I misjudged that. Later,...
The Choice Literacy Book Club Discusses Apple and Magnolia
Enjoy listening as the Choice Literacy Book Club discusses Apple and Magnolia by Laura Gehl and Patricia Metola. The Choice Literacy Book Club is open to everyone! You will find a book...
April 29, 2022: Deepening Discussions Part 1
Unusual friendships can be the most powerful of all. —Apple and Magnolia by Laura Gehl and Patricia Metola The Power of Discussion In April, the Choice Literacy Book Club...
Deepening Discussion with a Circle Process
“What does that mean, ‘Listen to your heart’?” Enrique asked, as all eyes turned to him. My eighth-grade dual language class was exploring what it means to live with integrity,...
Determining Importance in Fiction
Dylan, a fourth grader, was a beautifully fluent reader. The words flowed seamlessly from his mouth. He used punctuation to guide him, pausing at commas, his voice lilting melodically with...
April 22, 2022: Reading Invitations
It's amazing how a little tomorrow can make up for a whole lot of yesterday. —John Guare What Happens Next? As the world emerges from the grip of this long...
Student-Led Reading Seminars
First thing in the morning: “Hi, Mrs. Mulligan, do you think I can read this to the class today?” Later at a transition, another child asked, “Could I read this...
