I've been off from school for two weeks. I go back on Monday and haven't done much at all. I don't even know where the time has gone. It makes me feel really bad, but of course I am still wasting the time away instead of getting started on the work sitting in the corner! I meant to read the books for my master's class that starts soon too. It is going to be a busy weekend for me!
Mary from Pitner's Potpourri is hosting a Reading Roundup. You are supposed to choose one professional book you want to read, one personal book, and one you want to use to teach a skill in your classroom. Here are my choices:
Professional Book: The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller
I've had this book recommended to me many times over the past year or so. I keep reading that I will feel differently about reading logs and such after reading it. I'd like to give it a shot because I definitely have some kids who need help in the inspiration and motivation departments!
Smiles from Second Grade posted about this book on her blog. I went to buy it on Amazon immediately without reading the rest of her post...which said it doesn't come out until May! Her books are so funny, they make me laugh out loud. Plus, I went on my honeymoon this summer to a Greek island too (in the summary of the book).
Classroom Skill Book: Hey, Little Ant by Phillip Hoose
This book was read to me before either in one of my classes or a professional development, but I always forget to use it with my own kids. The boy has a conversation with the ant as he decides whether or not to squish him. I think it would be great for persuasive writing and encourage student talk.
Click here to link up:
And last but not least, a freebie! Teaching Blog Addict is hosting Freebie Friday! Here are five cootie catchers focusing on r-controlled vowels from my r-controlled vowels pack. Click here to download the freebie.
Add your own freebie by clicking here!
Thanks for stopping by my blog! I may have to check out this Sophie Kinsella. Everyone keeps talking about how good her books are. I've never read Hey, Little Ant! But I'm fairly certain its on my bookshelf and we start persuasive writing next week :) Thanks for the great idea!
ReplyDeleteAlso, we've been studying "bossy r" so I know my kids will love the cootie catchers!
Glad to help! Yes, definitely check out Sophie Kinsella's books. They are light, funny, quick reads. You're in luck because you can start with all of her older books while you wait for the new one!
DeleteI looooove Hey Little Ant!! I use it every year when we talk about persuasive writing.
ReplyDeleteI saw your question for Christina on her blog about responding to questions (the short answer is that they aren't notified that you replied, they just have to remember to check back at your blog...unless...). I'm putting a link here to a post we just did about that. I didn't see an email address for you or I would email you an answer. I hope it helps! :O) We just started blogging too!
http://collaborationcuties.blogspot.com/2013/01/2-things-ive-noticed-about-bloggerno.html
We are your newest followers!
Amanda and Stacia
Collaboration Cuties
Thank you so much for replying! I am headed over to read the post now.
DeleteHey Little Ant ROCKS! And, I keep hearing about The Book Whisperer too. Must get to it!
ReplyDeleteI'm currently reading Pathways to the Common Core by Lucy Calkins, Mary Ehrenworth and Chris Lehman. Thick reading for sure. Many golden nuggets that I want to marinate on.
Saw a comment you made on Erica Bohrer's blog and your blog title really caught my eye. Love it!
Your newest follower - Lisa
Growing Firsties
Thanks Lisa. Since I am teaching in Texas, we aren't using or adopting the Common Core...kind of makes me feel out of the loop, especially if I move!
DeleteI just put your R-Controlled Vowels into my cart today! Thanks for the freebie cootie catchers! My students LOVE cootie catchers...they don't even realize they are learning!
ReplyDeleteDeniece
Okay, I'm going to be the dumb person asking Q's now...I use googledrive to make MOST of my school stuff (b/c I can access it at school). HOW in the world do I use fonts I download? I always have to use google fonts. Is there a trick I'm missing???
Deletedfrideley@gmail.com
You are very welcome! I don't really know anything about google drive, but I'm going to email you and tell you how to install the fonts to your computer. :)
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ReplyDeleteI wouldn't feel bad about not getting anything done over break. It's called a break for a reason. I used to overwork myself over break and then I started relaxing and it's made me a more relaxed teacher and I work even harder when I'm at work. As far as masters work goes, I know how you feel. I am currently in the same situation and it's hard trying to manage work, school, and just personal life. Good luck!!
ReplyDeleteJennifer
Darling Little Learners
Ooooh I love Sophie Kinsella. I can't wait for her new book!
ReplyDeleteSarah
Using My Teacher Voice
I loved The Book Whisper! I read it last summer after seeing many blog recommendations. How do you feel about book logs now? I think my feelings may have more to do with the age of my children. When recording takes away too much reading time, it can't possibly be a good thing - - can it? Sophie Kinsella is great. I will have to watch for Wedding Night. And finally, I used Hey, Little Ant and I Wanna Iguana to teach persuasive/opinion writing last quarter. The kids really liked it. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up! I love, love, love The Book Whisperer. I'm definitely getting Hey, Little Ant. It's been mentioned several times on blogs lately. By the way, I am your newest follower!
ReplyDeleteMary at Pitner's Potpourri
These cootie catchers are great! My kiddos love cootie catchers! I can't wait to use them!
ReplyDeleteHilary
Second Grade is Out of This World!
Glad you can use them! Last week was the first time I used them with my kids. They loved them but were calling them fortune tellers and have no idea what a cootie catcher is!
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