tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29024848024797445092024-02-01T23:56:39.761-05:00Laura's VoiceLaura Candler's blog on mostly educational topics. Blog posts will deal with a wide variety of issues and readers are invited to add their "voices" to each message. More information on these topics can be found on www.lauracandler.com.Laura Candlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197589693576774035noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902484802479744509.post-86898999482761806242011-11-26T17:14:00.001-05:002011-11-26T17:33:40.201-05:00Join Me on Corkboard Connections!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="htttp://www.corkboardconnections.com" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="47" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBtks5rJ4YNGyJOJWI83l8FPgvf6tWvI-BNexGZUa0ej-aM_qQEz8vcG2CyjExjpsZxJtyR9UzfYRT0g8yD3z013h2-qpeyfJ3y7xAiJ9-FbLdPkL770hpWyxeqcMPsztzf6vSu9F8oA/s320/ccblogheader2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Last month I started a brand new blog called <a href="http://www.corkboardconnections.com/">Corkboard Connections</a>, and I wanted to tell you a little about it. I've been blogging sporadically on Laura's Voice for several years but I wanted something a little different - a fun blog where I could quickly dash off a post without worrying about every word. Because I'm such a perfectionist, every blog post on Laura's Voice took me hours to compose, almost as if I were writing an article for a magazine. First there was a written draft, then a typed draft, then the revision process .... it was way too much work and not nearly enough fun!<br />
<br />So I started Corkboard Connections and immediately loved being able to spontaneously write about a teaching tip, a book review, a lesson idea, an addition to my free online <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/filecabinet/">File Cabinet</a>, or whatever was on my mind. I've really enjoyed sharing my teaching strategies there and hearing from other educators. In fact, I'm enjoying it so much that I probably won't be posting a lot of messages to Laura's Voice anymore so I thought it was time to let you know.<br />
<br />
Please take a look at my new <a href="http://www.corkboardconnections.com/">Corkboard Connections blog</a> and if you like what you see, join me there! You can follow the blog by RSS feed or better yet, by email. I follow several blogs myself by email and I enjoy having the content delivered right to my inbox. See you there!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RDP3010nE66J4OCZA3v7KqVwp3mP40MBn_2NvMawclVcw5QoWIyD6EhJi985BozaKE4grXXX_GkfttewDD_2FDDxRV1mR-lkLq5Y1m_3xo0Y3ZPfwPI7gVeQBJWHOCAOalLlCnrPnhiA/s1600/signaturebutton.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/">http://www.lauracandler.com</a> </div>
<br />Laura Candlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197589693576774035noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902484802479744509.post-24137594111906331072011-10-17T20:30:00.000-04:002011-10-18T11:05:00.740-04:00Out with SSR - In with Reading Workshop!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3evk_XrvHO2eH4NFhSpLMujnPgorTAAPZB1uKl7mAu3DLwd6Vt4khaZ3RXdvMulgZwOACQ9n2HEit8SDaaXI9ha7LrOBLapVFAZ0IjNw6lhKG_vWF8YifdRQUTzEFgjnCdKAANsFZCeR/s1600/carolinereadingsm.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3evk_XrvHO2eH4NFhSpLMujnPgorTAAPZB1uKl7mAu3DLwd6Vt4khaZ3RXdvMulgZwOACQ9n2HEit8SDaaXI9ha7LrOBLapVFAZ0IjNw6lhKG_vWF8YifdRQUTzEFgjnCdKAANsFZCeR/s1600/carolinereadingsm.png" /></a></div>
Remember when SSR was popular? Sustained Silent Reading was implemented in schools across the country, and it was based on the belief that the best way to improve reading skills was to provide uninterrupted time for reading. So for 30 minutes a day, all school activities were suspended as teachers, administrators, students, and even custodians stopped to read. Students were supposed to be inspired to love reading through book choice, time to read, and observing adult reading models. It made perfect sense .... but what appeared to be a wonderful idea in theory didn't always lead to strong reading gains in practice. <br />
<br />
Even though I love reading, I wasn't completely surprised when researchers began to question the effectiveness of traditional SSR practices. I strongly believe in giving kids more choice as well as plenty of independent reading time in class, but I believe the old SSR model was weak because of the following assumptions:<br />
<ol>
<li>If we give students time to read and choice in what they are reading, they will spend the given time reading their chosen book. </li>
<li>It's more important for teachers to model a love of reading than to work directly with students during independent reading time. </li>
</ol>
Let's take a closer look at what was REALLY going on during that uninterrupted block of reading time. If you used SSR in your classroom, you may remember looking up from your own book only to notice your students’ eyes wandering and sleepy heads drooped over half-closed books. Big surprise! Many kids weren't reading at all! Sure, good readers loved SSR and enjoyed having more time to read in class and SSR may have been effective for them. But struggling readers were not improving because they weren't actually reading. Clearly, having time to read and seeing a teacher model reading were not enough to inspire struggling readers to become passionate readers. <br />
<br />
So where did we go wrong? I believe the olde SSR model was doomed from the start due to the teacher’s assigned role. Requiring teachers to read silently during SSR was a mistake. Because we were supposed to be reading ourselves, we couldn't confer with students to find out why they weren't reading or to help them find appropriate reading material. We couldn't hold them accountable for their reading or work with them on reading skills. All we could do was read, and that's what we did.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, the old sustained silent reading model has all but disappeared. Many educators who recognize the importance of student choice and time to read now embrace a method called reading workshop and use the acronym SSR to mean Self-Selected Reading. On the surface it may look like old SSR model, but the critical difference is the teacher's role. Reading workshop sessions start with a short mini lesson that often includes a favorite read aloud. Then students choose their own books and read silently for at least 30 minutes a day. However, during reading workshop, the teacher uses the self-selected independent reading time to quietly confer with individual students or to conduct small guided reading groups. Literacy centers and basal reading texts are noticeably absent; the power of this program can be attributed to students actively engaged in reading appropriate books for long periods of time. A quick glance around the room reveals that kids ARE actually reading and not just flipping pages or daydreaming. A caring teacher has taken time to help them find appropriate reading material and confers with them on a regular basis, and that makes all the difference. Teachers still model a love of reading, but they are active ambassadors for reading rather than passive consumers of print. They read aloud with enthusiasm, and they take an interest in what their students are reading. In short, they infuse their classrooms with a love of reading, and they create an environment where time to read is treasured. <br />
<br />
Why am I so passionate about reading workshop? Perhaps I'm fired up because I saw the power of reading workshop when I was teaching, and I hope to inspire others to embrace this method as well. Not only did my students become better readers, but they learned to find joy in the simple pleasures of reading. Teaching my students to love reading was a gift that I gave them, a gift that would continue to impact their futures long after they left my classroom. What could be more rewarding?<br />
<br />
If you would like more information on reading workshop, you can begin your journey by visiting the <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/strategies/readingworkshop.php">Reading Workshop page</a> on my <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/">Teaching Resources website</a>. You'll find a list of recommended books, a free webinar recording, helpful printables, and links to online resources. If you love reading and are frustrated with your current reading program, jump in and give reading workshop a try! I can promise that you'll never regret it!Laura Candlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197589693576774035noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902484802479744509.post-77407053414939510222011-07-09T11:30:00.000-04:002011-07-09T11:30:14.621-04:00The Power of Print<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBZ_5x7uJbHT5ycn9FIXwn9bWyv6-AQbDUnmRLuLWim-exZ2DxZnPoAQ_CBU3M7oIn8ZyJcHfpwbg_a74EJUV_uWg7SjHcdJmVbWoOkKgC5fRzsjemycjnQOW3MzXJgBN9gKBz5wO5voo/s1600/prwcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBZ_5x7uJbHT5ycn9FIXwn9bWyv6-AQbDUnmRLuLWim-exZ2DxZnPoAQ_CBU3M7oIn8ZyJcHfpwbg_a74EJUV_uWg7SjHcdJmVbWoOkKgC5fRzsjemycjnQOW3MzXJgBN9gKBz5wO5voo/s200/prwcover.jpg" width="157" /></a><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Yesterday was an exciting day for me! The Fed Ex truck pulled up while I was eating breakfast and delivered 3 heavy boxes. My newly published book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/powerreadingworkshop.php">Laura Candler's PowerReading Workshop: A Step-by-Step Guide</a></i> had arrived! This book was published last year in ebook form as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Empowering Readers: A Quick Start Guide to Reading Workshop</i>, but it was revised and updated in 2011 and given a new name. Seeing it in print for the first time was a special moment for me.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">What is it about a print version of a book that makes it seem so much more real than an ebook? Is it the fact that I grew up as a voracious reader and constantly had a book in my hands? Perhaps the sensation of holding a physical book is similar to the "comfort food" feeling of eating forbidden homemade treats I once enjoyed. Print books recall those happy childhood years I spent discovering the joys of reading. </span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Don't get me wrong - I'm a huge fan of ebooks - I love the fact that they don't take up space on my shelf and I don't lose them. I've been writing ebooks for the last 3 years and I've been purchasing them longer than that, so I obviously see the value in them. In fact, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/powerreadingworkshop.php">Power Reading Workshop</a></i> is available in digital form because ebooks are so darned convenient! But there's still something about a print book that grabs me. I wonder if children born today will have the same affinity for print books? Somehow I think not. Their "comfort book" feeling will be related to holding an eReader of some sort!</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">As I hold my first print first copy of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Power Reading Workshop</i>, I'm filled with gratitude for the many inspiring books that convinced me to try reading workshop, books like Steven Layne's <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Igniting a Passion for Reading</i> and Donalyn Miller's <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Book Whisperer</i>. I'm also grateful for the teachers who field-tested the strategies in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Power Reading Workshop</i> with their students and helped me fine-tune the program. </span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">As an avid reader myself, it saddens me that many of today's kids haven't discovered the joys of reading. So when I discovered the power of this approach a few years ago, I knew I had to share with others, especially upper elementary teachers like myself, teachers who would appreciate step-by-step directions for implementing reading workshop. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I set up a discussion group called Empowering Readers to help me tweak the process, and I'm indebted to those teachers for the terrific ideas they shared and the solid advice they gave me. Now that many of them have wrapped up a year of reading workshop, it's been extremely gratifying to read the success stories that have been sent to the group - stories of kids who love to read AND who have made tremendous growth on state reading tests. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Reading Workshop really does work! The method works when kids are reading print books, and it will work just fine when print books no longer exist. But in the meantime, I'll treasure my very first print copy of <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/powerreadingworkshop.php">Power Reading Workshop</a>!</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Note: If you would like to learn more about this approach, I invite you to join me in a webinar on reading workshop to be held July 21st. Visit my <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/webinars.php">webinar page</a> on <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/">Teaching Resources</a> for more information and to register.</span></div>Laura Candlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197589693576774035noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902484802479744509.post-56106132921106875272011-07-05T21:41:00.000-04:002011-07-05T21:41:26.345-04:00Reading the Educational River<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFp5oW1alEjWIT7H-P9ROkoc7AP6T1sjurqvV6crFjSOwbbBFdc-miEOoK4zClUNu6SxpPtLP-6QoUlCgj2xhT-sEn43aQC8p2AWH5fbsvWPtprtybqusmuaY0AZiQgnfqEKtXGSZZZeID/s1600/LauraLumberRiver.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFp5oW1alEjWIT7H-P9ROkoc7AP6T1sjurqvV6crFjSOwbbBFdc-miEOoK4zClUNu6SxpPtLP-6QoUlCgj2xhT-sEn43aQC8p2AWH5fbsvWPtprtybqusmuaY0AZiQgnfqEKtXGSZZZeID/s200/LauraLumberRiver.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Version>12.00</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/> <w:DoNotShowComments/> <w:DoNotShowInsertionsAndDeletions/> <w:DoNotShowPropertyChanges/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style> <![endif]--> <br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Yesterday my husband Marco and I ventured out before the heat of the day to kayak a quiet stretch of the Lumber River. It’s a beautiful, shady river that winds its way through rural North Carolina, and the current is swift enough to offer a challenge without being dangerous. <br />
<br />
One thing I love about kayaking is that within moments of sliding my kayak into the water, my stress levels drop to zero and my creative energies begin to flow. There’s something about the quiet stillness of the morning and the water swirling around my paddle that frees my thoughts to wander. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Yesterday I reflected on how each kayaking trip is a new adventure. After heavy rains, the water is high and flows over every sandbar, stump, or fallen log. Kayaking in high water takes energy, but it’s not difficult to make progress, even padding upstream. <br />
<br />
However, when the water is low, navigating the river takes skill and finesse rather than muscle power. You have to work hard, but it’s a different kind of work. You’ve got to read the river and anticipate obstacles lurking beneath the surface. It’s trickier, but successfully navigating the river when it’s low is far more interesting and rewarding than when the water is high. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
As I paddled along yesterday, my thoughts began meandering like the lazy river. Always seeking connections, I reflected on how kayaking is like teaching. When the educational funding flows freely and our students are motivated, we have to work hard but it’s not difficult to make progress. If we put in the time and energy, we’ll see results.<br />
<br />
Not so in a down economy or when we have difficult students. When the money isn't flowing or we lack support and resources, the challenges are much greater. Working harder won't necessarily yield results - we have to "read the river" to figure out what our students need and how to make sure their needs are met. Creative thinking trumps time and energy when times are tough. Making progress is more difficult, but it's also more rewarding. <br />
<br />
As I pondered the mysteries of teaching and kayaking, my thoughts drifted to my own teaching career. Last September, after 29 years of teaching, I retired from the classroom with plans to return full time this August. I love working with kids and wasn't ready to retire for good, but I was overwhelmed in my roles as teacher, author, and webmaster of <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/">Teaching Resources</a>.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, due to the current economic situation, it looks like I won't be returning to the classroom this fall as planned. I have mixed feelings about this turn of events because I really miss working directly with students. However, I've "read my own river" and the signs are pretty clear for the 2011 - 2012 school year. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">I believe that one day I'll be back in the classroom, but for now I'll focus on making a difference in other ways. I have to admit that I'll have more time to create new teaching resources, and I'll have time to collaborate with educators through webinars and workshops. I'll be able to finish my current book project and start a new one. I'm an avid reader, so I'll definitely devote more time to my neglected Kindle library. Best of all, Marco and I will have a little more time for kayaking! Life is good!</span>Laura Candlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197589693576774035noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902484802479744509.post-84957648156950975932011-05-10T10:50:00.002-04:002011-05-10T11:16:31.226-04:00Testing's Over - Now What?<span class="textfn12"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLW7p0TVW14ETV2oWUtJHd1cM9cxbY1ci12efxRElH2W8gbHv3MDVsZ8tKuyicso9PraTfTB89vV0fuBCmSumo9FMYMZiXc_OXq7XIDgti_sXtflXko1cucismUd0LgBp-8zswvl6AcYe/s1600/scienceoutside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLW7p0TVW14ETV2oWUtJHd1cM9cxbY1ci12efxRElH2W8gbHv3MDVsZ8tKuyicso9PraTfTB89vV0fuBCmSumo9FMYMZiXc_OXq7XIDgti_sXtflXko1cucismUd0LgBp-8zswvl6AcYe/s200/scienceoutside.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="textfn12">Keeping kids motivated and on task at the end of the year is challenging at best, especially after state tests are over. In fact, the more we prep kids for tests, the harder it is to keep kids on task after testing ends. Yet keeping kids motivated at this time of year is actually much easier than you might think. Since kids are more chatty and restless right now, it’s just a matter of funneling that energy into something constructive.</span> <span class="textfn12">Here are 12 effective strategies to turn students' end-of-the-year energy into instructional success.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textfn12">Each of the suggestions below is meant to spark your creativity rather than to provide detailed instructions. If you’re not already familiar with the strategy, you may need to do a little more research before you begin. To save you time, I’ve included links to helpful online resources from </span><a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/"><span class="textfn12"><span style="color: blue;">my Teaching Resources website</span></span></a><span class="textfn12"> and around the web.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textfn15"><b>Learning Centers</b></span><br />
<span class="textfn12">One of the easiest ways to keep kids on task is to create some simple learning centers and allow students to rotate through the activities with a partner. If you haven't used learning centers before, you might be surprised at how easy they are to implement. You’ll find ideas and strategies on </span><a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/filecabinet/centers.php"><span class="textfn12"><span style="color: blue;">my learning center page</span></span></a><span class="textfn12">.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textfn15"><b>Literature Circles</b></span> <span class="textfn12">If your students are bored by reading a basal text or doing test prep worksheets, they will definitely enjoy Literature Circles. The easiest way to get started is with Classroom Book Clubs, a relaxed and fun method that’s perfect for the end of the year. You can find loads of </span><a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/strategies/litcircles.php"><span class="textfn12"><span style="color: blue;">Literature Circles strategies</span></span></a><span class="textfn12"> on my website.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47AxPtS5CfgCkPNsjbW_8fSncEFY0fgJECbvQrvj3AsFAHjJ6EpeugKu7YJCaC_W7JUMcPzjySxqH4_Sq2miFSoeJ6cen7z7XVZwGN69opY5zfC1zTUktZOlt0NTy-yr08eHdK6ogTqYs/s1600/scrapbook+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47AxPtS5CfgCkPNsjbW_8fSncEFY0fgJECbvQrvj3AsFAHjJ6EpeugKu7YJCaC_W7JUMcPzjySxqH4_Sq2miFSoeJ6cen7z7XVZwGN69opY5zfC1zTUktZOlt0NTy-yr08eHdK6ogTqYs/s200/scrapbook+cover.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="textfn15"><b>Class Scrapbooks</b></span><br />
<span class="textfn12">Creating a </span><a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/filecabinet/seasonal.php"><span class="textfn12"><span style="color: blue;">class scrapbook</span></span></a><span class="textfn12"> is a terrific way to wrap up the school year. Let each student design his or her own special page. The front of the page can include their name, a photo, illustrations, and other personal touches. Have each student write you a letter about the school year and glue it onto the back of his or her page. Add a student-created cover, laminate all pages, and bind the finished product with plastic comb binding. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="textfn15"><b>Cooperative Learning </b></span><br />
<span class="textfn12">Cooperative learning activities are naturally motivating to students. Being able to discuss ideas and interact with other students is a sure-fire strategy for keeping kids involved. The key is to establish </span><a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/strategies/management.php"><span class="textfn12"><span style="color: blue;">clear guidelines for classroom management </span></span></a><span class="textfn12">so the fun doesn’t become chaotic.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textfn15"><b>Read Aloud Marathons </b></span><br />
<span class="textfn12">There never seems to be enough time to read aloud during the school year, so it’s wonderful to have more freedom to do so after the pressures of testing are over. Instead of reading just 10 minutes a day, I enjoy spending 30 minutes or more sharing great books with my kids. I recently asked teachers on Facebook to share their favorite read-alouds for the last month of school, and over 50 people responded. </span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/favreadalouds"><span class="textfn12"><span style="color: blue;">Read the complete list and add your own suggestions</span></span></a><span class="textfn12">.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textfn15"><b>Class Newsletters</b></span><br />
<span class="textfn12">Involve the whole class in this meaningful writing activity, and everyone will end up with a treasured record of your school year. Start by brainstorming all the special events that have occurred throughout the year, and then ask each student to write about one of the events. Select a few students to serve as editors who compile all of the stories into one newspaper. Add digital photos, scanned artwork, quotes about the school year, awards and accomplishments – the list is endless! To conserve paper, produce the newsletter in digital form and email it to parents. Be sure to print one or two copies for students to share in the classroom.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textfn15"><b>Fun Friday</b></span><br />
<span class="textfn12">A weekly incentive can work wonders to keep kids on task at the end of the year. Try to involve at least three teachers on your grade level in this weekly activity. Set aside a 30-minute block of time on Friday for “Fun Friday.” Each teacher signs up to host a different activity: Inside Games, Outside Play, or Study Hall. </span> <span class="textfn12">In order to participate in Fun Friday, students must complete all homework and other assignments for the week. Those who don’t do their work spend the time in Study Hall, while the others can choose between Outside Play and Inside Games. You can find a </span><a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/filecabinet/misc.php"><span class="textfn12"><span style="color: blue;">Fun Friday sign-up sheet</span></span></a><span class="textfn12"> to use with this activity on my Odds N Ends page.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textfn15"><b>Scrabble Tournaments</b></span><br />
<span class="textfn12">What could be more fun than a board game tournament that’s educational as well as exciting? Many families have Scrabble boards in their closets that they can lend to your class, and setting up a tournament is easy. You can find complete </span><a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/filecabinet/misc.php"><span class="textfn12"><span style="color: blue;">Scrabble Tournament directions and printables</span></span></a><span class="textfn12"> for the event on my Odds N Ends page.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textfn15"><b>Outside Learning</b></span><br />
<span class="textfn12">When the weather turns warm and sunny, everyone longs to be outside. Many activities like reading, writing poetry, doing science experiments, or playing math games can be taken outside. Ask students to bring beach blankets or towels for these special times. Even a few minutes spent outside for a read-aloud session can offer a quick cure for the end-of-the-year blues.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6Ju3qoOQI4dGDEmwnRzDQfzHes9ZvgiHxkZQ0qRgZbc2m2J-qcoMfktbYPC2JCjg-8AHpDrIpR7FwdOGB-VMU32OmjlqMH83UvQ4YKVmYFb69pMAbQQ9T1PuOpeATM2U2c1wsMZOoCWq/s1600/puffmobiles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6Ju3qoOQI4dGDEmwnRzDQfzHes9ZvgiHxkZQ0qRgZbc2m2J-qcoMfktbYPC2JCjg-8AHpDrIpR7FwdOGB-VMU32OmjlqMH83UvQ4YKVmYFb69pMAbQQ9T1PuOpeATM2U2c1wsMZOoCWq/s1600/puffmobiles.jpg" /></a></div><span class="textfn15"><b>Team Challenges</b></span><br />
<span class="textfn12">From Egg Drop Challenges to Tower Building, team challenges motivate students to think creatively and work together in order to solve a task. You can find many such activities that integrate math and science at the AIMS Education Foundation website. One of my favorites is to have kids create Puff Mobiles from straws, large wooden beads, and paper. Go to their website at </span><a href="http://www.aimsedu.org/" target="_blank"><span class="textfn12"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.aimsedu.org</span></span></a><span class="textfn12"> and search for the Puff Mobiles activity. You can also find these types of activities at the </span><a href="http://www.sciencenc.com/events.php"><span class="textfn12"><span style="color: blue;">NC Science Olympiad website</span></span></a><span class="textfn12">.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textfn15"><b>Ed Tech & Online Learning Games</b></span><br />
<span class="textfn12">I’m amazed at the number of free and inexpensive online learning games available. If you have a computer in your classroom, you have access to all sorts of online games such as the skill races at </span><a href="http://www.arcademicskillbuilders.com/"><span class="textfn12"><span style="color: blue;">Arcademic Skill Builders </span></span></a><span class="textfn12">or the stories read aloud on </span><a href="http://www.storylineonline.net/"><span class="textfn12"><span style="color: blue;">StoryLine Online</span></span></a><span class="textfn12">. I’ve also begun to research iPad and iPod apps for kids, and I’m excited at what’s already available. Take a look at the <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/ipadsined" style="color: blue;">11-page alphabetical list of educational apps</a> compiled by a group of teachers in North Carolina. You can also check out </span><a href="http://www.teachhub.com/news/article/cat/14/item/439"><span class="textfn12"><span style="color: blue;">20 Amazing iPad Apps for Educators</span></span></a><span class="textfn12"> or </span><a href="http://www.teachhub.com/news/article/cat/14/item/422"><span class="textfn12"><span style="color: blue;">Online Learning Games Kids Love</span></span></a><span class="textfn12">.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textfn15"><b>Multimedia Projects</b></span><br />
<span class="textfn12">Challenge your students to work alone or in teams to create multi-media presentations. Possible topics include anything from a recap of the school year to their dreams for the future. If you think "multi-media" means PowerPoint, think again. Check out </span><a href="http://www.prezi.com/"><span class="textfn12"><span style="color: blue;">Prezi</span></span></a><span class="textfn12">, </span><a href="http://www.animoto.com/"><span class="textfn12"><span style="color: blue;">Animoto</span></span></a><span class="textfn12">, and </span><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/"><span class="textfn12"><span style="color: blue;">Slideshare</span></span></a><span class="textfn12"> for some exciting alternatives. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="textfn12">With these strategies, learning is still the name of the game, but the learning goes far beyond tested skills. Your students will discover hidden talents and have fun doing so. Furthermore, the end of the year will become a time to celebrate, a time to share great memories of special times together. So what’s your favorite activity to keep students motivated at the end of the year?</span>Laura Candlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197589693576774035noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902484802479744509.post-25804253422298874042011-04-15T21:12:00.000-04:002011-04-15T21:12:00.709-04:00Spreading the Word about Reading Workshop<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Version>12.00</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/> <w:DoNotShowComments/> <w:DoNotShowInsertionsAndDeletions/> <w:DoNotShowPropertyChanges/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style> <![endif]--> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiga53jx6D47bzP7e54itqjsvOGXBvNr50jfD8pq4R4WFNc5wmxfhtCSgnlIUgtBiACOPYwyOjsSt0EVsw7Ow9o5KZ53GlHcTOTYNKVxpWvK8UjDQuUetQAAyAK72AJNkBjh4XCvtgi77y/s1600/ERCoversmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiga53jx6D47bzP7e54itqjsvOGXBvNr50jfD8pq4R4WFNc5wmxfhtCSgnlIUgtBiACOPYwyOjsSt0EVsw7Ow9o5KZ53GlHcTOTYNKVxpWvK8UjDQuUetQAAyAK72AJNkBjh4XCvtgi77y/s200/ERCoversmall.jpg" width="154" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Over a year ago I began writing my book, <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/empoweringreaders.php"><i>Empowering Readers: A Quick Start Guide to Reading Workshop</i></a>, and I have some exciting news to share. It's now available in digital form, but it will soon be available in print as well! I love the reading workshop approach, and I wrote the book to spread the word and to provide an easy, step-by-step guide to this method. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I had dreamed of having Empowering Readers published in print to reach a larger audience, and now it looks like that dream is going to come true! I just signed a deal with Raphel Marketing to publish the book in soft cover form, and I know the project is in excellent hands. The publisher wants to reformat the book, update its image, and give it a new cover. The plan includes me adding about 50 pages of brand new content to the existing manuscript. It’s actually going to be like two books in one because the new material is the Literacy Concepts Organizers ebook that I’m writing now. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The revised print version of Empowering Readers will be organized into two parts. Part I will focus on how to implement the Reading Workshop approach, and Part II will consist of over a dozen graphic organizers and foldables to be used in reading mini-lessons. If you already own Empowering Readers, don’t worry. The Literacy Concept Organizers will be available as a separate ebook and the entire print version of Empowering Readers will be available for half price to those who have already purchased the digital version.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">If you’ve followed my blogs and read my newsletters over the last few years, you’ll know that I love to collaborate with other educators as I create new materials. For the next few weeks, I’ll be working with the members of the <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/erlc.php">Empowering Readers Learning Community</a> as I write Literacy Concept Organizers. They will have full access to the new material and the final digital version. I’ll be asking for feedback from this group every step of the way. In fact, within a few days I should have a whole packet of graphic organizers to upload to the member website. If you would like to be a part of this project, take a moment to read about <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/erlc.php">Empowering Readers Learning Community</a> and how you can get involved. (<a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/erlc.php">http://www.lauracandler.com/erlc.php</a>) </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I’ll keep you informed about any news related to this project. The target date for the release of the book is July 1, just in time for my <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/workshops">Summer Workshop Extravaganza</a>! I'm excited to think that my book will now be available in many places online and in book stores, places where it can found by teachers who want to inspire their students with a love for reading.</span></span></div>Laura Candlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197589693576774035noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902484802479744509.post-67936160996567346422011-04-03T22:25:00.000-04:002011-04-03T22:25:07.245-04:00Writing Poetry From the Inside Out<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUcFYz2dr44d6OE7veT_aaF8c2c3FxlNcWgPuzoXFQqgc7O_5-tWbaH_ddE9dwgOvJr7r-m6H1UfYRggEPkI8N_1f7eysd3Q1A44vM2-QPtVh2DdrPh8QdlE86Gx3VNvmwuCEKkDDkquR/s1600/poetryscroll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUcFYz2dr44d6OE7veT_aaF8c2c3FxlNcWgPuzoXFQqgc7O_5-tWbaH_ddE9dwgOvJr7r-m6H1UfYRggEPkI8N_1f7eysd3Q1A44vM2-QPtVh2DdrPh8QdlE86Gx3VNvmwuCEKkDDkquR/s200/poetryscroll.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">What month could be more perfect than April for celebrating poetry? There’s something about the warmer weather, emerging new life, and rain-washed world that invites one to wander outside and find a quiet place to write. I can’t remember how or when I first learned to write poetry, but from that moment on, I found it to be a perfect way to express my feelings. I love the way a poem can capture emotions on paper, becoming powerful word-snapshots of everyday life. Poetry helped me as a teen to deal with my struggles and disappointments, as well as to celebrate my successes and accomplishments. From the trauma of moving to another state in ninth grade to the excitement of my first prom, poetry helped me capture it all on paper. Later, poetry enabled me to appreciate the beauty and majesty of the Earth, helping to put both my problems and my accomplishments into perspective. </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">As a teacher, I quickly discovered how easy it was to teach children and teens to write powerful poetry. Some of my best student poets have been those who previously hated writing! In fact, students with learning disabilities often outshine their peers in this area. They love the freedom to write anything and break all the rules, and after I get them started with a few examples, their words just seem to flow. What they write is almost magical. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">Teaching poetry comes easily to me because I’ve been writing poetry since childhood. But I also realize that others may not be as comfortable with this subject. Last week, in honor of Poetry Month, I decided to write out my strategies for teaching poetry to students. As I worked through the lessons, I created graphic organizers and examples to make the whole process really easy to implement. The result was a 26-page mini pack called <u>Writing Powerful Poetry: Using Imagery to Unlock Creativity</u>. You can find this resource and others on the <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/filecabinet/literacy/poetry.php">Poetry Page</a> of my <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/">Teaching Resources website</a>. On this page you’ll find links to poetry websites, two multimedia poetry project ideas, and information about great books for teaching poetry. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">If you’ve never taught your students to write free-verse poetry, you’re in for a treat. You’ll be amazed at how powerful their writing can be. Just a few days ago, Merideth Fisher wrote to me that she’s been using similar strategies with her students. In her own words,<i> “B</i><span style="color: black;"><i>y encouraging my students to write from “the inside out" rather from the "outside in," the kids' writing has been AMAZING!!! I'll never go back to teaching formulated poetry again. I've literally been reduced to tears when hearing some of the children's heart-felt writing.”</i> I agree, Merideth. I couldn’t have said it better myself!</span></span></div>Laura Candlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197589693576774035noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902484802479744509.post-2093685985508166832011-03-04T09:25:00.001-05:002014-03-04T11:43:46.644-05:0012 Ways to Motivate Reluctant Readers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://corkboardconnections.blogspot.com/2014/03/12-ways-to-motivate-reluctant-readers.html"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmA_1HKBUkE3AfkBhifjjzF40IAELa_cvWr2X4X_zpi_2Lz0ZQTAx28DlywYn3C-cqpG6BZXmygNOhTUf5AwfYEuAGOF6xis_-eU12vL9kJkPmFtjyuLndL3I7UEkV8QSHyazPL0vk1BV/s320/BookClubs1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
This post was moved to Corkboard Connections, and can be found <a href="http://corkboardconnections.blogspot.com/2014/03/12-ways-to-motivate-reluctant-readers.html">here</a>. </div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Laura Candlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197589693576774035noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902484802479744509.post-29113937978610609362011-02-05T15:32:00.001-05:002011-02-06T10:27:38.745-05:00Reading Workshop Made Easy<div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtXXz0N5BiY0-LARW9xoiWAnYZHwZISFGZwkUe5wmx5KsbGuFu2xAudIAHKMxBsIWesvogt8ihjgVYDDJ9_x_gl3dTHbBQd2jcEmQJYTplOoFBcTDnzshs1tDTHGpliGag9kjdJXsFkzY/s200/ERCoversmall.jpg" width="153" /></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">As an avid reader, I’ve been interested in the Reading Workshop approach for years. How could I not be enthralled with the concept? I loved the thought of my students all choosing their own books, curling up in cozy spots, and reading to their hearts content. <br />
<br />
But for some reason, I procrastinated. I guess the whole thing seemed too good to be true! Wasn't this just like SSR, and didn't studies show that SSR was not effective? How could students become better readers when everyone was reading something different? Truthfully, I was also confused about the day-to-day details of implementation. Honestly, I just wanted someone to tell me what to do to get started. <br />
<br />
I ‘d been reading a variety of inspirational books on reading workshop, but sometimes I just felt overwhelmed with by the concept. The devil is in the details, as they say, and I wanted some details! Then I read <u>The Book Whisperer</u> by Donalyn Miller and <u>Igniting a Passion for Reading</u> by Steven Layne, and I vowed to give it a try! I realized that there was much more to reading workshop than sustained silent reading, but I figured I’d work out the details along the way. I used some of the ideas that I had read, but I also adapted some of the strategies to fit my own needs. After a few weeks, things just seemed to fall into place. <br />
<br />
What happened next was amazing! Almost magically, my students began to love reading, and I could tell they were becoming better readers. I loved conferring with my kids individually about what they were reading, and I enjoyed our mini-lessons. They were making terrific progress on our quarterly assessments, and I realized that the reading workshop approach really could deliver on its promise.<br />
<br />
I’ve always enjoyed sharing ideas that work for me, and my specialty is making powerful teaching strategies seem easy. Despite all the inspiring books on reading workshop, there didn’t seem to be a simple step-by-step guide for people like me who wanted help getting started. So I went back through my notes to remember what I had done, and I began to write the book that became <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/empoweringreaders.php"><u>Empowering Readers: A Quick Start Guide to Reading Workshop</u></a>. I wrote an exact plan for each of the first 10 days as well as a chapter on how to take reading workshop to the next level with a series of instructional “power tools.” Then I enlisted the help of dozens of teachers who began using the strategies in their classrooms. They offered feedback about what was working and what needed fixing. I was inspired on a daily basis by the ideas shared by the <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/erlc.php">Empowering Readers Learning Community</a>!<br />
<br />
Now, after more than a year of writing and rewriting, I’m excited to announce that <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/empoweringreaders.php"><b>Empowering Readers</b></a> is finally complete! I recently asked the teachers who’ve been using these strategies to share some of their successes with me, and I was moved by the stories I received from them. I knew that the reading workshop approach worked for my students, but it was tremendously gratifying to read how empowering the program was to other students. Kids who didn’t like to read before now talk about books at home? ELL students actually cheer when they are given extra reading time? Something special is happening, and that something special is a new crop of kids discovering the joy of reading. <br />
<br />
If you need convincing about the effectiveness of the reading workshop approach, I invite you to read these <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/books/powerpacks/ER/ERSuccessStories.pdf">Success Stories</a> for yourself. Do you use the reading workshop approach in your classroom? If so, please share your own success story with me!</span><br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div>Laura Candlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197589693576774035noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902484802479744509.post-66219730747483997712011-01-01T00:18:00.000-05:002011-01-01T00:18:20.251-05:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLoR2MEhMK1E8tNUmeynHq_92YAeCz_6uzHKk4VYRHZAK4iCtfMI77Rs9yIf49LzMGsa7mwFIxblCCsH1cv0ZUoL0-4-_8Sbxx2JvsyiEHO3IGTJ17QFsL903qsyvZQUzLB_A-7n5Qn3qN/s1600/2011-100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLoR2MEhMK1E8tNUmeynHq_92YAeCz_6uzHKk4VYRHZAK4iCtfMI77Rs9yIf49LzMGsa7mwFIxblCCsH1cv0ZUoL0-4-_8Sbxx2JvsyiEHO3IGTJ17QFsL903qsyvZQUzLB_A-7n5Qn3qN/s1600/2011-100.jpg" /></a></div>Note: Would you like to hear a podcast of this blog post? If so, click here for the <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/MyFiles/HappyNewYearMessage.mp3">podcast</a> version or read my message below. <br />
<br />
Happy New Year! The past year has been wonderful for me, and I’m excited to see what 2011 has in store! Each year is more phenomenal than the one before, so this one is bound to be terrific! Last January I was in the classroom and had no idea that I would be taking a year off to explore new horizons, so who knows what this year will bring? <br />
<br />
<br />
When I started my blog, I decided to call it “Laura’s Voice” because I hoped it would be a way to share my thoughts and views. Ironically, up until now, most teachers who knew me through the internet had never even heard my voice! <br />
<br />
So it seems fitting to start 2011 by sharing my message using my real voice in my very first <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/MyFiles/HappyNewYearMessage.mp3">podcast</a>. I imagine that this will prove to be just a baby step for me because I’m already making plans to add video clips, live online training, screencasts, and more to the Teaching Resources site. <br />
<br />
Thinking back on 2010, one of the most important lessons I learned was about the power of gratitude. I discovered that gratitude is an amazing thing – it not only has the power to change our own lives, but it can have a tremendous impact on others. When we choose to look for things that please us and we express appreciation for those things, we magically find our lives filled with even more things to appreciate! When we share our appreciation with others, we have the power to lift their spirits and help them see their own potential. This is true in the classroom as well as in our personal lives. Gratitude truly does have the power to transform. <br />
<br />
So what am I thankful for this first day of 2011? The entire list would fill dozens of pages, so in the interest of time and space, I’ll mention just a few. <br />
<br />
First of all, I appreciate the educators who are a part of my online community. You share your ideas and insights with me through email, in discussion groups, and on Facebook. You continue to inspire me with your creativity, dedication, and generosity. It’s through you that I’ve learned about the web 2.0 tools that will allow me to connect and collaborate with people in ways I never dreamed possible. As an avid reader, I’m also grateful for the books you’ve shared with me, books that have renewed my passion for teaching, learning, and living. <br />
<br />
So what’s my new year’s resolution? It’s simply to spend more time appreciating all that’s good in my life and to take time to express my gratitude to others. With all that I have to be thankful for, I’m thinking that this will be one of the few resolutions that I actually keep!<br />
<br />
What do you most appreciate about your life in 2010? What most excites you about the coming year? As always, I look forward to your responses!Laura Candlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197589693576774035noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902484802479744509.post-816654802935223622010-08-17T22:47:00.000-04:002010-08-17T22:47:30.119-04:00The Power of the Self-fulfilling ProphecyTeachers sometimes joke, "I had a great class last year, so I guess this is my year to have the class from you know where." Everyone laughs, but how might those subconscious beliefs affect a teacher's actions . . . and maybe their entire school year?<br />
<br />
Think about the yearly "roster ritual" - that defining moment when an administrator hands us our new rosters and we quickly scan them to see who's in our class. We see names that we recognize, and we frantically try to remember what we've heard about these students. "Oh no . . . Johnny's the one who was always clowning around in Mr. C's class" or "Tameka is that nice quiet girl who helps Mrs. D after school." We've already begun to make judgments about students we haven't even met!<br />
<br />
What if statements like these are no more than self-fulfilling prophecies? It that's true, then perhaps we have far more impact on the type of class we get than we ever imagined!<br />
<br />
Every year I say the same thing on the first day, "Class, I have to tell you that I had a really awesome group last year, and I'll miss them. But the amazing thing is that every year, my new class is even better than the one before! I don't know how it's possible, but it's true. I can't even begin to imagine how amazing this class is going to be! I know we are going to have a great year together!" I say this with absolute sincerity because it's true! Maybe I just keep getting more effective as a teacher, or maybe this statement makes them want to be the best class ever, but it works!<br />
<br />
My friend and colleague Pat Calfee used to say something similar to her students every year. Her statement was something to the effect that she's not sure how it happens, but every year the principal seems to put the smartest and best students in her class. Of course they sit a little taller when they hear this . . . and they act like the smartest and best kids in the school!<br />
<br />
What do you think about your new students when you see their names on your roster? What do you tell your class on the first day of school? What subtle messages do you convey about their worth and their future success in your classroom?<br />
<br />
When you scan your roster, be encouraged by the thought that another teacher's "problem child" may turn out to be one whom you cherish the most! That quirky sense of humor or that restless, inquisitive spirit is finally appreciated and the student just blossoms under your attention.<br />
<br />
If the self-fulfilling prophecy is really at work in the universe, let's make sure it's working in our favor! Tell your students that you know they are going to be the most amazing class ever, and that's exactly what they'll become!Laura Candlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197589693576774035noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902484802479744509.post-57773625291271312532010-08-16T12:22:00.000-04:002010-08-16T12:22:57.183-04:00How to Earn 6,000 Scholastic Bonus Points<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImgyiSbDPuLwk03KMKglzpdXmpytmjrR0CrttE4PvzyO1PpC_yKk4B7XIynlan_D51kARtAXYQAB1qon_UNnP8_JMOpCoq7BV2H61PDTpsPuKd0nwTVl7-TgyaOoj7_MuxBQIUDe3c31E/s1600/bookknightpng2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImgyiSbDPuLwk03KMKglzpdXmpytmjrR0CrttE4PvzyO1PpC_yKk4B7XIynlan_D51kARtAXYQAB1qon_UNnP8_JMOpCoq7BV2H61PDTpsPuKd0nwTVl7-TgyaOoj7_MuxBQIUDe3c31E/s320/bookknightpng2.png" /></a></div>What would you do with 6,000 Scholastic Bonus points? Buy a class set of your favorite novel? Order sets of books for Literature Circles? Increase your classroom nonfiction collection? Order needed materials and supplies? Only a teacher would understand how we much we love those points! To us, the idea of earning 6,000 points with a single order sounds like hitting the jackpot in Vegas or winning the lottery! But believe it or not, with a little persistence and a plan, you can earn 6,000 points for your classroom this year!<br />
<br />
How can you cash in on this bonanza? Just compile one $200 order from a single September 2010 book club catalog. As impossible as it seems, putting together a large order is really quite easy if you have a plan. Last year I posted a step-by-step method for earning over 4,000 points, but amazingly, this year's deal is even better! A $200 order will now earn you over 6,000 points to spend any way you wish. Whether you teach at a high poverty school or an affluent one, you might be surprised at how easy this is to accomplish. When you let your students and parents know about your goal and why you want their support, you'll be astonished at the results! <br />
<br />
To download the step-by-step plan for earning 6,000 Bonus Points, go to my <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/backtoschool.php">Back to School page</a> on the <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/">Teaching Resources</a> website (<a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/">www.lauracandler.com</a>). You'll find a set of directions as well as a customizable parent letter and other helpful printables. All of these materials are free and ready to download right away. <br />
<br />
Skeptical? During the month of September last year, many teachers emailed me about their amazing success with this plan, and some of those teachers had never even put together a $20 order. Some of them were veteran teachers while others were brand-new to the classroom, but all were excited to start the year with thousands of bonus points to spend! <br />
<br />
And no, I'm not affiliated with Scholastic. I just love their books and materials, and I enjoy sharing strategies that help others make the most of Scholastic's back-to-school offer. I invite you to share your own strategies and experiences as well. Just leave a comment below or visit the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TeachingResources">Teaching Resources page</a> on Facebook. Let me know about your success and all the goodies you buy with your bonus points! :-)Laura Candlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197589693576774035noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902484802479744509.post-51275328938860465212010-07-26T15:54:00.000-04:002010-07-26T15:54:42.228-04:00Do You Ever Sleep?<style>
<!--
/* Style Definitions */
p.<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">MsoNormal</span>, <span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">li</span>.<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">MsoNormal</span>, div.<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">MsoNormal</span>
{<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">mso</span>-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">mso</span>-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">mso</span>-<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">fareast</span>-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">mso</span>-header-margin:.5in;
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">mso</span>-footer-margin:.5in;
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">mso</span>-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mH_7ii1GgOqKdGBvONSZYswQNDyJgUf5Vv72qR56h5Hlb0QienDJvEfecg7oAADnJ6U73025mkuQH-1ZsLVHkEgaCeGXyY7DV0eW-aeVsnZnAxO9VXkDFEYsB81bEVKVakrLI7k_NLwn/s1600/LCandler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mH_7ii1GgOqKdGBvONSZYswQNDyJgUf5Vv72qR56h5Hlb0QienDJvEfecg7oAADnJ6U73025mkuQH-1ZsLVHkEgaCeGXyY7DV0eW-aeVsnZnAxO9VXkDFEYsB81bEVKVakrLI7k_NLwn/s200/LCandler.jpg" width="145" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I hear this question frequently, often followed by, “teacher, author, consultant, webmaster . . . how do you do it all?” My response has always been that I love every bit of it and none of it seems like work. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">However, last spring I finally realized that I can’t do everything and do it well… even if I do love my work! Over the last year, I’ve been struggling with how to be a great classroom teacher while continuing to develop high-quality materials to share on my <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/">Teaching Resources</a> site. I had a terrific class, and we had a great year together. But my time away from the classroom was stressful as I tried to juggle everything else in my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">So after 29 years of teaching, it’s with mixed-feelings that I’ve decide to take a year off from the classroom to devote quality time to other projects. Fortunately, I’m eligible for retirement on September 1<sup>st</sup> so I don’t have to take an unpaid leave of absence. I'm not even thinking of this as a retirement, though, because I’ll be returning to the classroom for the 2011-2012 school year. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I know that I’ve made the right decision. but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy one. In my heart and soul, I’m a teacher and I’ll always be a teacher. I love writing books and developing lessons, but what I enjoy most is taking those materials into the classroom and using them with kids. But this year I’ll have to rely on other teachers to keep me in touch with the classroom. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Someone asked me the other day, “So what will you do with all your free time after you retire?” I just laughed because I know that I’ll be busier than ever! I might be officially “retired” from the classroom, but I’m certainly not retiring as an educator! Maybe I’ll get a little more sleep, but not much more! In fact, please don’t congratulate me on my retirement because I’m viewing this as a leave of absence. I’ll definitely be back in the classroom! </span></span><br />
</div>Laura Candlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197589693576774035noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902484802479744509.post-65776033105443138152010-02-21T11:52:00.009-05:002010-02-21T19:27:13.980-05:00Empower Your Readers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpN9ixk1E9klLbu0CLCTtla14f_m5ApmB7H8Gdqmd9Ut6xnf7ZmQ9Faq_UPpNRkpgpVkZbTa425O01bR9BaZ6KBFFZusflr16cnH7QVGCjJyakovPhRDFSnT46vqdxBysEXn5t0brjPnJ/s1600-h/empoweringreaders.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 140px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpN9ixk1E9klLbu0CLCTtla14f_m5ApmB7H8Gdqmd9Ut6xnf7ZmQ9Faq_UPpNRkpgpVkZbTa425O01bR9BaZ6KBFFZusflr16cnH7QVGCjJyakovPhRDFSnT46vqdxBysEXn5t0brjPnJ/s200/empoweringreaders.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440740854361629538" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Remember my earlier blog post in which I said I was abandoning AR? Many teachers have written to me to ask me how I'm teaching reading without AR and whether I'm happy with my decision.<br /> </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">My response has been that my students and I both love the way our reading classroom works, and it's proven to be very effective (based on comparisons with my grade level, school, and district quarterly reading scores). I'm using a modified Reading Workshop approach that I call the Power Reading Workshop. It combines the relaxed atmosphere of a Reading Workshop with individual accountability and goal-setting. My students love to read and actually complain when it's time for reading to end each day. "</span>Noooo<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.... I'm just getting to the good part!" "Just 5 more minutes...please!" When was the last time your students begged you for more reading time?<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">In fact, I'm so happy with how things are working that I'm working on a book to make these strategies available to other teachers. There are many wonderful books about how on the Reading Workshop concept, such as </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Book Whisperer</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Igniting a Passion for Reading</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">. However, my book will be a little different because it's a step-by-step approach to implementing a Power Reading Workshop. After much deliberation and input from other teachers, I've decided to call the book </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Empowering Readers: A Quick Start Guide to Reading Workshop</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Unfortunately, the book probably won't be ready until summer. I thought I could write it up in a month or two, but I'm still tweaking the strategies. I put together an email discussion group to give me feedback and test the ideas, and we've all found this project to be an exciting endeavor.<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Last week I had an "ah-ha" moment about how to make this information available right now. Instead of making people wait until summer to buy the book, why not allow them to buy it now and participate in the discussion group as the book is written? It's like getting the book in advance, along with the support of an outstanding group of teachers during the implementation process. Each time I update the book with additional material, I post it to the discussion group files and make it available to all members. Our group is called the <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/erlc.php">Empowering Readers Learning Community</a>. When the book is complete, all members will have access to the final ebook.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />If you are interested in discovering more about the Empowering Readers Learning Community, visit <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/erlc.php">www.lauracandler.com/erlc.php</a>. You'll be able to download a preview version of the first 10 pages of the book and find out more details about how to sign up for the Learning Community.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /><br />As you consider starting a Reading Workshop in your class, it might help to read one member's comment to the group. Rita wrote, "I started using Reading Workshop the third week of January. I used your 10 day start up lessons. Laura, I have been teaching 41 years and this is the first time that I have ever felt that a reading program really got students excited about reading. I love the fact that the Reading Workshop approach allows students to select their own good fit books and they actually spend time reading. The atmosphere in my room is wonderful during reading period."<br /><br />Interested? Don't wait any longer to learn how you can inspire your students to love reading!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/erlc.php">www.lauracandler.com/erlc.php</a></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:10pt;color:black;" ><br /></span><p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"> </p> <span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:10pt;color:black;" > </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> </span>Laura Candlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197589693576774035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902484802479744509.post-82564140285279238592009-09-13T10:33:00.016-04:002009-09-13T11:36:10.333-04:00Mastering Math Facts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYPya4Wytnegl-axye6G3mUbgkrtRqpoG1kjH_nck-MVPxA_kQ6gDCA_vsHpAkGPo0KJ_5w-QEftcezXPBp1PdyzLt9cOBUl91qxwowXdJcGIqUGPA6py8YOQmArIHjnfg_CkGSaI_x1Q/s1600-h/power_pack_masteringmathfacts.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 154px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYPya4Wytnegl-axye6G3mUbgkrtRqpoG1kjH_nck-MVPxA_kQ6gDCA_vsHpAkGPo0KJ_5w-QEftcezXPBp1PdyzLt9cOBUl91qxwowXdJcGIqUGPA6py8YOQmArIHjnfg_CkGSaI_x1Q/s200/power_pack_masteringmathfacts.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380961843183683618" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Do your students know their times tables yet? Every year, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade teachers face the fact that their incoming students haven't mastered their basic math facts. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">If you're like me, you struggle with what to do about the Times Table Dilemma: Do we waste valuable class time teaching something they should already know? Or do we recognize that if they don't know their times tables, they are mathematically "stuck." It's not our job to teach them this stuff, right? But if we don't, we know they are going to struggle later.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">As a 5th grade teacher with 28 years of experience, I've wrestled with this dilemma many times. And I always come to the unavoidable conclusion that time spent mastering math facts now will save many hours of frustration later. Because of this, I developed an easy system for teaching math facts in a fun way.<br /><br />I love to tell my class my own story about how I learned the importance of mastering math facts. I myself was one of those kids who refused to learn her times tables in 4th grade. My parents found out during a Parent-Teacher conference, and they asked me why I wouldn't learn them. I'm pretty sure I said something to the effect that learning times tables was dumb and boring. I certainly remember feeling that way! My parents told me that it didn't matter how I felt about it - I would be drilling on times tables every night until I knew them! When I figured out they were serious, I buckled down and learned them in a short time. You know what happened? Amazingly, I realized that math really was much easier when you knew your math facts! I probably didn't admit it to my teachers and parents at the time, but they, in their infinite wisdom, were actually right!<br /><br />Times have changed in some ways, but not in others. Kids still need to know their times tables, but learning them doesn't have to be boring. There are all kinds of games, computer software packages, and Internet websites to help. Check out the <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/filecabinet/math/multiplication.php">Multiplication</a> page on my site for some free materials and great websites.<br /><br />Over the years I've developed a motivational system that has proven very effective in helping kids master their times tables. I call it the <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/books/mmfacts.php">Mastering Math Facts System</a>, and since I've been using it, 100% of my class masters their times tables each year. And when they do, I see a big jump in their overall math proficiency. A few years ago, one of my 4th graders saw his score on the state math test and announced to the class, "Mrs. Candler is a genius! She said that if I would learn my times tables I would do well in math, and she was right!" As a teacher, I live for those priceless moments!<br /><br />So last spring I compiled all the strategies, games, and activities into one big ebook: <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/books/mmfacts.php">Mastering Math Facts: Multiplication and Division</a>. I had a number of teachers field test the activities, and their students achieved the same level of success that I had observed. Best of all, their students enjoyed learning their times tables!<br /><br />Then teachers began emailing me to see if I had some resources for addition and subtraction, so I created the <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/books/mmfactscombo.php">Addition and Subtraction Add-on</a> book for them. It's not as complete as Mastering Math Facts, so it's designed as an "add-on" rather than a complete book.<br /><br />Why share this information now? Because I've found that it's best to start the Mastering Math Facts system within the first few weeks of the year. It only takes about 10 to 15 minutes a day and the activities are fun. The benefit of starting now is that your students will be proficient in the basics when you teach your multiplication, division, and fraction units later in the year.<br /><br />Because I think that now is the right time to start, I'm offering a special on <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/books/mmfacts.php">Mastering Math Facts</a>. If you buy <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mastering Math Facts book</span> for $21.95, you can get the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Addition and Subtraction Add-on</span> book (normally $6) for free.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">But there's only one way to get both books for the price of one</span>:<br /></span></span><ul style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><li><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Order the <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/books/mmfactscombo.php">Mastering Math Facts Combo</a> which is $25.95.<br /></span></span></li><li><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Enter "mmfcombo" into the discount code box and update the cart.</span></span></li><li><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The discount will take off $4.00 which makes the Combo price $21.95, the regular price of Mastering Math Facts.<br /></span></span></li><li><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This special is for a limited time only, so you'll need take advantage of it now if you want both books for the price of one.</span></span></li></ul><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">If you have use the Mastering Math Facts system, I invite you to post your comments and experiences below. Feel free to share other resources for teaching times tables, as well. Good luck!</span><br /></span></span>Laura Candlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197589693576774035noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902484802479744509.post-61720136071269611872009-09-12T11:22:00.013-04:002009-09-12T11:52:16.081-04:00T.G.I. Facebook<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEaoL_6YoOJd7DD4dz366OJdJxHiFHsAJ8MGGYLmaprLiRAspk5LVS-HhskdKkKbSr6hGQK9jN9oe55zsbQc7CRn8out9n2211MjFUbdQ9M5Ou42w3ine6kb8u9W8mRlQYkGLfMVgIhilz/s1600-h/facebooksnapshot.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380602261084588962" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 113px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEaoL_6YoOJd7DD4dz366OJdJxHiFHsAJ8MGGYLmaprLiRAspk5LVS-HhskdKkKbSr6hGQK9jN9oe55zsbQc7CRn8out9n2211MjFUbdQ9M5Ou42w3ine6kb8u9W8mRlQYkGLfMVgIhilz/s200/facebooksnapshot.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >When I set up a page for Teaching Resources on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TeachingResources">Facebook</a> last month, I had no idea what a blessing it would turn out to be for me personally. I figured it would be a great way for me to send out quick updates about new materials I added to the <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/">Teaching Resources </a>site. But I what I didn't anticipate was how Facebook would allow me to interact with others and ask for advice myself!<br /><br />Every year in the classroom is different, and every year I face new challenges, just like other classroom teachers. Last week I posted two messages about areas where I needed help, and both times I received dozens of responses in a matter of hours! The truly wonderful thing about this was that not only was I getting help, everyone who visited the page could benefit from the responses. One question was about needing some great math tutorial sites and the other was about how to teach kids about 9/11. Both questions resulted in some really useful information and websites.<br /><br />I've also noticed that other teachers are posting questions about their own classrooms, and teachers who have experience with these issues are responding. It's so uplifting to me to see these exchanges, and I'm very grateful to the teachers who have signed up as "fans" of the site. Where can I sign up to be a fan of all the fans? :-)<br /><br />For several years I've been setting aside a part of my Power Pack eBook earnings to support teachers and classrooms. I've donated some of the money to Donors Choose projects, and now I'm also going to start sharing it with Facebook fans of the Teaching Resources site. Every Friday I will give away a free Power Pack to one Facebook fan, and I'll also give a free Power Pack to the person who referred them to my site! On the last Friday of each month, I'll also give away two $25 Amazon.com gift cards. To learn more about the T.G.I. Facebook Freebie giveaway, go to <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/facebook.php">http://www.lauracandler.com/facebook.php</a>. You can sign up as a Facebook fan by going to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TeachingResources">http://www.facebook.com/TeachingResources</a>.<br /><br />Thanks to those of you who have been participating in the exchange of ideas and information on Facebook. You have blessed my life, and I'm happy to share some of my good fortune with you!<br /></span>Laura Candlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197589693576774035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902484802479744509.post-33472911584903809342009-08-24T22:09:00.008-04:002009-08-27T21:59:21.111-04:00Abandoning AR<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCFcj_1-dVQZFnuUNdJ9fiGyibvMHcnsHA74qVVo3xuHtLkFkhf8768Ke_uznHOy4AYhTd8c-C4PKr2irZwjLcEnfQyTZptotaCS41vQqEtMpmo6GQUt9EoQTbDjPLmU8dbs__cYq5C9k/s1600-h/Class+of+2009+-+Feb+010.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 145px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCFcj_1-dVQZFnuUNdJ9fiGyibvMHcnsHA74qVVo3xuHtLkFkhf8768Ke_uznHOy4AYhTd8c-C4PKr2irZwjLcEnfQyTZptotaCS41vQqEtMpmo6GQUt9EoQTbDjPLmU8dbs__cYq5C9k/s200/Class+of+2009+-+Feb+010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373719957145485058" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style="" lang="en-US">Like many elementary educators, I’ve lived with the Accelerated Reader (AR) program for the last decade.<span style=""> </span>I’ve gone from using AR to define my reading program to using it flexibly as just one tool in my instructional toolbox. But this year I won’t be using it at all. <o:p></o:p></span></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span lang="en-US">Because of recent changes in the way AR operates, my school has decided not to support the program. We can continue to use it until a problem arises, but there won’t be any tech support. I’ve decided to abandon it altogether and just go cold turkey into a new year without AR.<span style=""> </span>Why do I feel like I’m jumping off a cliff into unknown waters, not just changing my reading program? <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span lang="en-US">Tomorrow is the first day of school. I wonder what my students will think when I announce that we will not be using AR this year? I can just imagine their shocked faces. No AR???? Some will stand up and cheer, but others will feel lost without the program. I have similar mixed feelings. On the one hand, I know that the AR program does not produce joyous readers. On the other hand, I’ve found it to be a useful tool for tracking reading progress. It does get results, but at what cost?</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span lang="en-US"> Face it - how many adults would enjoy reading if we knew we had to pass a test after finishing each book?</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span lang="en-US">Luckily, I just finished reading a wonderful book called </span><a href="http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/book_whisperer/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;" lang="en-US">The Book Whisperer</span></a><span lang="en-US"> that will help me make sense of my decision to abandon AR completely. The author, Donalyn Miller, would probably be horrified that I found any value whatsoever in AR!<span style=""> </span>She uses a “reading workshop” approach to deliver instruction, and passionately advocates for student choice in reading. She believes that to become better readers, students need to read more during the school day and become engaged with their texts in meaningful ways. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span lang="en-US">I guess in my heart of hearts I’ve known for a long time that AR was nothing more than a security blanket. It was an easy system for tracking progress, but it didn’t do much to foster a lifelong passion for reading. Promoting the joy of reading is a worthy goal; however, in today’s climate of accountability, it’s also important for students to perform well on standardized tests. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span lang="en-US">This year I’m on a mission to do both - promote the joy of reading AND increase reading achievement. I hope to inspire my students to grow as readers, challenging them to tackle increasingly difficult texts and a variety of genres. We’ll establish a climate where independent reading time is treasured and student choice is respected. I’ll create mini-lessons to teach skills, but mostly I’ll encourage my students to read, read, read! <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12;" lang="en-US"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >AR won’t have a place in my classroom this year. It’s past time for me and my students to grow up and leave that security blanket behind!</span><span style=""><span style="font-family:verdana;"> </span> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="" lang="en-US"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Laura Candlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197589693576774035noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902484802479744509.post-33039872115871729252009-08-22T16:20:00.018-04:002009-08-22T19:34:00.184-04:00How to Earn 4,000 Scholastic Bonus Points<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFHV48IDVX-7QdFUNr_aWMGEkUsvX2HrRQ3EhR6PoAniRiX8JFCHNUqjUkbf98QkNapzsZRS3Pvn3u2V5Y0P3FzMAbRgTLnFhyBA4E_4b0lwxkbnkX-Vchd5WlbJ3QCiBaYOVvMiATk7f/s1600-h/bookdog.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 144px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372910310844431858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFHV48IDVX-7QdFUNr_aWMGEkUsvX2HrRQ3EhR6PoAniRiX8JFCHNUqjUkbf98QkNapzsZRS3Pvn3u2V5Y0P3FzMAbRgTLnFhyBA4E_4b0lwxkbnkX-Vchd5WlbJ3QCiBaYOVvMiATk7f/s200/bookdog.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;">Every year I cross my fingers in August, hoping that Scholastic will repeat its back-to-school deal. This deal is so terrific that I love to share it with other teachers!<br /><br />Did you know that with a little bit of know-how and persistence, you can get 4,000 Bonus Points in just a week or two? I've been able to do this every year for at least 5 years, whether I worked at a Title I school or a more affluent one. I've created a system that works every time! Read on to learn how you can do this, too!<br /><br /><strong>How to Earn 4,000 Bonus Points</strong> </span><br /></span><div><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>The Deal:</strong> </span></span></span></div><ul><li><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#000000;">Put together a $200 or larger order from one catalog and you'll get 20 times the Bonus Points! With a $200 order you'll get 4,000 points.<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#000000;">The larger the order, the more points you'll get up to 10,000. Don't panic about how you'll get a $200 order when you usually can't get a $10 order! Just read on. Follow my system and you can do it! It works!</span></li><br /><li><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#000000;">If you don't want to do this on your own, you can work with another teacher or your grade level. After you get the 4,000 points you can call Scholastic and have the points distributed to each person's account according to the amount their class contributed to the total.</span></li></ul><div><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#000000;">Secrets of Success:</span></strong></div><ul><li><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#000000;">Make sure you have a Scholastic account. If you don't, go to </span><a href="http://www.scholastic.com/bookclubs"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#000000;">www.scholastic.com/bookclubs</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#000000;"> to set one up. Then hunt around your school for a September catalog or wait for one to be mailed to you.</span></li><br /><li><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#000000;">Look through the Scholastic September catalogs for the ones that offer 20X bonus points for getting a $200 order. <em>Choose one and only one catalog</em>. You have to get together a $200 order from one catalog to qualify, and if you send home 3 catalogs you'll never make it. Just pick the one that has the most books that would appeal to your students. Choose Lucky, Arrow, Tab, or whatever, but make sure it has the 20X bonus point offer.</span></li><br /><li><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Compose a letter to send home to parents with the order form. See the sample </span><a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/backtoschool.php"><span style="font-size:85%;">Scholastic Arrow Book Letter </span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">on the Teaching Resources </span></span><a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/backtoschool.php"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#000000;">Back to School page</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#000000;">. </span></li><br /><li><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#000000;">If you haven't set up online ordering, do that at this time. I've found that parents order more books when they are using a credit card online. Go to </span><a href="http://www.scholastic.com/bookclubs"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#000000;">www.scholastic.com/bookclubs</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#000000;"> to set this up. Do not activate the option that gives parents 500 more book choices at this time or parents may place orders in that catalog. You want all the orders to come from the catalog you chose earlier. Write down your Class User Name and Password for reference.</span></li><br /><li><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#000000;">When you give the order form out, devote some class time to discussing the books. Have the kids highlight the ones they like and allow students to tell the class about books they love. Tell them that if the class can get a $200 order, you'll be able to buy over 100 books for the classroom! </span></li><br /><li><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#000000;">Distribute the letter and go over your book picks with the kids. Require them to get the letter signed by a parent even if they don't think they want to order. That way the parents will be aware of your goal and may want to help out, even if they don't usually order books.</span></li><br /><li><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Make a deal with students. If the class gets a $200 order, anyone who places an order will get a free book pick worth $3 or less from a future catalog. You can use the </span><a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/backtoschool.php"><span style="font-size:85%;">Scholastic Coupon </span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">on Teaching Resources to do this.</span></span></li><br /><li><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#000000;">If you have access to a computer, demonstrate how to place an online order. That way your students can help their parents with this process. Make sure they know the Class User Name and Password.</span></li><br /><li><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:85%;">As the orders come in, keep a running total on the board. Do not post individual student names and the amounts of their orders! Just announce the daily total. You can also use the </span><a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/backtoschool.php"><span style="font-size:85%;">Scholastic Stars $200 Countdown </span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">on Teaching Resources. Each section is worth $10, so you can color in the sections as you work to reach your goal of $200.<br /></span></span></li><br /><li><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#000000;">If you have a parent night or open house, put out some extra order forms and be sure to mention your class goal. If you have a copy of the Scholastic dictionary, display it. Explain why you want the bonus points - to order free books and materials for your class.</span></li><br /><li><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#000000;">If the deadline passes and you are close to $200, send out another message letting parents know how close you are to the goal. If you have parent email addresses, send them a note and include a direct link to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Scholastic's</span> ordering page. You can also combine orders with another teacher to reach that goal and share the points later.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Other Strategies</strong> - Have you developed any strategies for cashing in on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Scholastic's</span> September deal? Please share your experiences!</span></span></span><br /></p><div></div>Laura Candlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197589693576774035noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902484802479744509.post-42919754693314319572009-08-16T21:50:00.005-04:002009-08-16T22:06:42.725-04:00First Day Dilemma<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcEJEtYbZbCM852ui1O3WTRQ0R1KARhajw5WBlwczs1JGFvp0kagLnXFxGSYRflDhjp8zQLE6Ynypu9c6bHO5RtmQKtn8MLXHPJdMgP4Iz8cTS6cSiWWk2uqABWiPSi8kpCHfGZ72MoUK/s1600-h/teamvenn.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcEJEtYbZbCM852ui1O3WTRQ0R1KARhajw5WBlwczs1JGFvp0kagLnXFxGSYRflDhjp8zQLE6Ynypu9c6bHO5RtmQKtn8MLXHPJdMgP4Iz8cTS6cSiWWk2uqABWiPSi8kpCHfGZ72MoUK/s200/teamvenn.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370745888308762098" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Most kids would be surprised to know that teachers are every bit as nervous as they are on the first day of school! Why do we worry so much? Perhaps it’s because we know that the first day of school sets the tone for the rest of the year. We want to get it right on Day One or we may pay the price all year!</span> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">But the problem is that we hear conflicting messages about what the first day of school should look like. Veteran teachers used to tell newbies that it’s best not to smile until Christmas – that way the kids know you mean business. I don’t think anyone really believes that advice anymore, but we should we go to the other extreme? Should we seat kids in teams right away, or should they be in straight rows for the first few weeks of school? Should the first day of school be fun, or should it be a time to learn the rules and classroom procedures? </p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">Personally, I think we can do both on the first day of school. In fact, if we want to establish a caring classroom climate, I think we <u>must</u> do both on the first day of school. We need to let kids know that our classroom will be a fun place to learn, but it’s also a classroom with clear rules and procedures. <span style=""> </span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">One of the big considerations for the first day of school is how to seat students. Should they be seated in rows or teams? If they are in teams, should they pick their teammates? </p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">My view is that the best way to teach kids how to work in cooperative learning teams is to start teaching them that way on the first day of school. If you put them in rows on the first day, then later when you put them in teams, your students may think it’s play time. </p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">My kids are placed in teams from the very first day of school. When my students arrive in my classroom, they will find a nametag on an assigned seat for the first day of school. That seat will be a part of a team of four students, and we’ll begin learning appropriate ways to interact in teams. Throughout the day, we’ll do several fun team-building and class-building activities, and each time I’ll share specific procedures for movement and conversation. For the next two or three days, I will mix them up in different teams so they can get to know their classmates. Then on the third or fourth day I’ll create more permanent, mixed-ability teams. At no time do I let them pick their own teams. Sometimes they may choose a partner for an activity, but their teams are always assigned by me. </p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal">For more information on how to create mixed-ability teams, visit the <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/strategies/teamform.php">Team Formation</a> page on <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/">Teaching Resources</a>. You can also find information and diagrams about how to arrange seating to foster cooperative learning activities. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">What’s your experience with team formation? Do you like to put kids in teams on the first day of school or wait until you teach other classroom procedures? My way is just one way . . . and I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic. </p>Laura Candlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197589693576774035noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902484802479744509.post-7662777279010732742009-07-30T20:46:00.011-04:002009-07-30T21:34:28.402-04:00Time for a Test Drive!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOP5Tur9cTfbin3kBRVZJY2rt7QvtWYzKrQKJIKeISqAiU-FYNMxkWpPbESNsRmOJ_haNX1LeR7jWqnPFlcnoQ3RKmwy2diiOL0IhxjhnTNAWmHyO5XvDoBtyiuHudvbX3kj10CTAwGR1d/s1600-h/newsite.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 104px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOP5Tur9cTfbin3kBRVZJY2rt7QvtWYzKrQKJIKeISqAiU-FYNMxkWpPbESNsRmOJ_haNX1LeR7jWqnPFlcnoQ3RKmwy2diiOL0IhxjhnTNAWmHyO5XvDoBtyiuHudvbX3kj10CTAwGR1d/s200/newsite.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364424961008810818" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I've been working on this new site for months and months, and it's time to let other folks take a look! It's sort of like when a new store is about to open and they let people in a few days before the grand opening. You have to make sure all systems are working! My site will be taken offline late Friday night so that we can make the switch, but for right now I'm going to reveal its "secret" location. Saturday morning you'll be able to get to it by going to www.lauracandler.com.<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Before you click on the new site link, please be aware of the following:</span><br /><ul style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><li>Navigation is very easy, but one confusing aspect right now is getting back to the Home page from within the site. You can use the link at the bottom of the page, and when the site goes live you can click on the post it note at the top. Unfortunately, right now clicking on the post it goes back to the old site.<br /></li><li>Some people using Internet Explorer 7 have experienced a problem with the drop down menus. Unfortunately, this problem can't be resolved. When we try to fix it, a problem crops up somewhere else. However, you don't need the drop downs if you just click on the main headings or use the links at the bottom. The problem is solved if you upgrade to IE 8 or use Firefox.<br /></li><li>I was planning to switch to a new shopping cart system, but it's proving to be problematic. For right now we are sticking with the shopping cart/PayPal system currently on the site.</li><li>The search feature is only returning pages in the old site, but that should change soon.<br /></li></ul><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Want to give it a try? Go to </span><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="http://www.lauracandler.com/newsite">www.lauracandler.com/newsite</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and poke around a bit. The shopping cart should work just fine.</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">To celebrate this special occasion, I'm offering a special 30% discount on all my Power Packs! Just enter the word "<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;">newsite</span>" into the Discount Code box in the shopping cart after you make a selection. This discount will apply to everything in the shopping cart! Be sure to click Update before you check out to make sure the code is applied to everything.</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">If you find any problems, let me know by sending an email to lauracandler@att.net. I want everything to be perfect!</span>Laura Candlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197589693576774035noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902484802479744509.post-30422235532796055832009-07-26T09:30:00.012-04:002009-08-01T09:20:05.412-04:00How Do You Feed a Happy Thought Rock?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtt-Xv159g_zyt6AxcDQMIdK6vgf6y9YlTGD1CJjHPERpc4hsFt-ueiAx8T3E8tJoSMmoxKlnA_1y7pFhG8YhIG2ygto7bZtpbKE0J5mY7niMUIA9nX09kE0xGlvdJRviwaK0YXPvvdqAS/s1600-h/happyrocks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtt-Xv159g_zyt6AxcDQMIdK6vgf6y9YlTGD1CJjHPERpc4hsFt-ueiAx8T3E8tJoSMmoxKlnA_1y7pFhG8YhIG2ygto7bZtpbKE0J5mY7niMUIA9nX09kE0xGlvdJRviwaK0YXPvvdqAS/s200/happyrocks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362761563403725394" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" lang="en-US"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Remember the pet rock craze years ago? Recently I discovered a positive- energy twist on this old idea. Marie Bryant, a visitor to my <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/">Teaching Resources</a> site, sent me an unusual gift - a box of rocks! However, these were no ordinary rocks. Each rock had been hand-painted with a unique happy expression by her husband, Wayne Dalzell. They were adorable! Included in the box was a small stack of cards labeled Care and Feeding. The back of each card said to feed the rock by telling it a happy thought every day. I was enchanted by the idea!</span><o:p></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: verdana;font-family:verdana;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-size:100%;">The timing of the gift couldn’t have been better. The rocks happened to arrive the day before two of my students had to retake the state reading exam. I let them each pick out a rock and told them to keep it in their pockets for good luck. I also gave them each a Care and Feeding card and asked them to follow the directions. They were so proud of those rocks! Watching them with the rocks gave me another idea - what if we wrote our happy thoughts in a journal, kind of like a gratitude journal? What a great way to focus on the little positive things that happen every day! So I created a small journal and shared it with Wayne. He liked it and created his own pages for the journal which were even better than mine. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: verdana;font-family:verdana;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-size:100%;">Through several email conversations with Wayne and his wife, I learned that he is a custodian at a California school. He has been giving away his rocks for years just to spread joy to others, and he has lots of great stories about the positive impact they’ve had. He began giving the rocks as rewards to the students with the cleanest classroom each month, and before long he had painted hundreds of Happy Thought Rocks! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: verdana;font-family:verdana;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-size:100%;">I was so touched by the gift of the rocks and by what Wayne is doing that I wanted to share the information with others. I set up a page on my site with the free printable journal and the information about how to order Happy Thought Rocks for your own students or for family and friends. Wayne’s prices are extremely reasonable - in fact, considering the fact that he paints each rock individually by hand, I’m not sure he can even make a profit at those prices! However, at this point he’s more interested in spreading joy to others than in getting rich. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="" lang="en-US"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: verdana;font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >Can you think of a better way to start the year off than by giving your students an adorable gift and having them journal and share their happy thoughts? Wow! The positive energy you generate from this one small investment could totally transform your school year! I’ll keep you posted about how the happy thought idea goes with my students this year, and I’d love for you to post comments here about your experiences with them. Visit the <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.lauracandler.com/happythoughtrocks.php">Happy Thought Rocks pag</a><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.lauracandler.com/happythoughtrocks.php">e</a><a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/happythoughtrocks.php"> </a>on my site for more information and to download the free journal. Make this school year special by pumping up the positive energy in your room from Day 1!</span> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="" lang="en-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="" lang="en-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="" lang="en-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>Laura Candlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197589693576774035noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902484802479744509.post-5834239135728365622009-07-18T09:36:00.002-04:002009-07-18T10:00:47.171-04:00New Site on the Way!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlurcqyXdS8SZ6clW-zQxhwKfdeGUrjkK41N2m-ZO7z5i-iJFfJZk4Ty3yp2oHZgTaHhE0Te9zlbwUVev3JAZ3XSVVWLosQGQaZjJy0PB2JEBh8w3XSs4MOr0-ogBu598SMFa9QCMgLkJ/s1600-h/newsite.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 116px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlurcqyXdS8SZ6clW-zQxhwKfdeGUrjkK41N2m-ZO7z5i-iJFfJZk4Ty3yp2oHZgTaHhE0Te9zlbwUVev3JAZ3XSVVWLosQGQaZjJy0PB2JEBh8w3XSs4MOr0-ogBu598SMFa9QCMgLkJ/s200/newsite.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359796857748013138" border="0" /></a><br />If you are follower of the <a href="http://www.lauracandler.com/">Teaching Resources</a> site, you probably know that the site is getting a complete makeover. I'm excited that if all goes according to plan, the new site should be ready on August 1st! In the meantime, I'm giving you a sneak peek at the new design.<br /><br />I hired <a href="http://www.dougbrowndesign.com/">Doug Brown Design</a> to come up with the overall concept and do the design work, and now my daughter Wendy and I are uploading content and connecting all the links. We also have a programmer working on the shopping cart and other technical elements. It's lots of work, but it's so exciting! I'm finding files in the File Cabinet that I put there years ago and completely forgot about. It's like doing summer cleaning and reorganizing at home!<br /><br />What's new and improved about the site?<br /><ul><li>More attractive, professional design and layout</li><li>Reorganization of site contents into 4 major categories with subcategories<br /></li><li>Shorter pages with less scrolling</li><li>Drop-down menus<br /></li><li>Clear, consistent navigation system</li><li>Search engine to search the File Cabinet and Strategies section<br /></li></ul>The most frequent question I get about the new site is whether I'll still have a File Cabinet with free materials. The answer to that is a resounding YES! I'm not changing anything about the content of my site - just its appearance and navigation. All the old content will still be there.<br /><br />When the time comes to go live with the new site, please help me spread the word! My old site has a lot of great content, but it's outdated and difficult to navigate. My new site will combine the best elements of the old site with a clean, professional look you will love!Laura Candlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197589693576774035noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902484802479744509.post-17674034783372624292009-06-06T14:05:00.000-04:002009-06-06T14:38:27.024-04:00End of the Year: To Teach or To Celebrate?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VuAa2IqCQ3Q70MXH2lGmsG7bPYxb5qIuGSNBkE8uo2Cf16w04smPJvB83tVIQ9wuHBHZbwyxDAOs8o7x5jd_mmERiLrVoLDYnKnbZQdt7gA7Xost2LV_bexC4mNaJUBL3FgL1Ezb9B0Z/s1600-h/candlerreading.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 151px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VuAa2IqCQ3Q70MXH2lGmsG7bPYxb5qIuGSNBkE8uo2Cf16w04smPJvB83tVIQ9wuHBHZbwyxDAOs8o7x5jd_mmERiLrVoLDYnKnbZQdt7gA7Xost2LV_bexC4mNaJUBL3FgL1Ezb9B0Z/s200/candlerreading.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344285428172683906" border="0" /></a><br />I have a confession to make . . . it's the last week of school and I've stopped teaching. I know I'm supposed to teach until the last day of school, and I really did try. I know the common wisdom is that teachers should continue with instruction until the last day of school in order to keep each day as normal as possible. But I found that the more I tried to teach, the more my students resisted learning anything new. Don't get me wrong - I have a wonderful group of students. It's just that at the end of the year, their brains are fried and so is mine! They couldn't sit still, and they couldn't focus on instruction. I was using every management trick in the book to keep them on task. I finally gave up last Tuesday when I realized that I had spent the whole day fussing at them and we were all miserable.<br /><br />My ah-ha moment came when I wondered why I had no memory of last year being so miserable for everyone. Then I remembered that last year I spent the last week doing fun activities to celebrate our time together as a class. We made a class scrapbook, created personalized autograph books, wrote reflections, played math games, and had a Scrabble tournament.<br /><br />So last week I ditched the instruction and planned some activities that we could enjoy together at the end of the year. I'm reading aloud more and we take more time with our class meetings. We are making our class scrapbook, learning math logic games, presenting reader's theater plays, and enjoying class kickball games. The kids voted on class awards that will be presented on Wednesday along with a photo essay of our year together. I'm posting some of my end-of-the year activities on my website (www.lauracandler.com) although I know many people are out for the year.<br /><br />My conclusion? The end of the year is not for academic learning . . . it's for celebrating as a class. It's for recognizing accomplishments and solidifying friendships. It's for creating memories that will last a lifetime!Laura Candlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197589693576774035noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902484802479744509.post-46799400419229811412009-03-08T13:56:00.000-04:002009-03-08T14:38:09.505-04:00Save the Rain Forest!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBZfQyK6RN1qx2grnMGo5AZUmhhOuThiwxyo0nMvEX5zl6JiLXWVEyHGHre_hGLyDQn3bqB7TfFwOGdssqAqUejPkTBWKVd4sj_r3yuW-M9fPUBjiwBv-bFvBIPf91SO4RHXvdDGB2m3d/s1600-h/rftshirt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBZfQyK6RN1qx2grnMGo5AZUmhhOuThiwxyo0nMvEX5zl6JiLXWVEyHGHre_hGLyDQn3bqB7TfFwOGdssqAqUejPkTBWKVd4sj_r3yuW-M9fPUBjiwBv-bFvBIPf91SO4RHXvdDGB2m3d/s200/rftshirt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310886972750469474" border="0" /></a>I'm excited that our school is starting our Adopt-an-Acre campaign which is run by the <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.earthfound.com">Earth Foundation</a>. I've worked with this project for almost 10 years, and it's so gratifying to be able to teach my students about the rain forest and offer them a chance to make a difference. The Earth Foundation heads up a huge project involving thousands of schools across the United States. They provide educational materials to teachers such as lesson plans and DVD's that explain why the rain forest is so important.<br /><br />The Earth Foundation's main focus is raising money to save acres of rain forest through the sale of t-shirts and other items. The t-shirts are high quality and have wonderful designs, so they're very easy to sell. (See the sample design above.) One acre of rain forest is saved for every ten shirts sold. At the end of the year, they take the hundreds of thousands of dollars that are raised and use it to buy a tract of land in an endangered rain forest. This year the Earth Foundation is working with Conservation International to save the rain forests of Madagascar.<br /><br />One exciting aspect of the project is the fact schools that save 100 acres or more can send one teacher to the rain forest for free! Last year our school met this goal, and one of our teachers was randomly selected to take the trip. It was a 10-day trip to the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica, and she said it was a fabulous trip! I know we can do as well this year, and I would love to be the one chosen to take the trip. However, there are 6 other teachers on my grade level who are also heavily involved in the project so we will just have to wait and see. :-)<br /><br />This year I decided to set up a web page of resources on my site to help other teachers who might want to participate. On that page I explain how our school was able to sell 1175 shirts and save 117.5 acres last year. We were third in the nation in sales, and it was our first year participating! You will find all the letters and forms that we are using, along with some tips for success. Click on the link to visit my <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.lauracandler.com/science/rainforest.htm">Rain Forest Resource</a> page.<br /><br />I hope other educators will decide to get involved with this project. Sales are down this year due to the economy, and the Earth Foundation needs to sell a certain number of shirts in order to purchase land in Madagascar AND get started with the project again next year. They have been involved in this campaign for almost 20 years, so it would be a shame if their good work came to an end this year. If you are interested, just call Kellie at the Earth Foundation (1-800-5MONKEY) and ask her to send you a kit to help you get started. It contains teaching materials, DVD's, and sample t-shirts. Tell her you heard about it from me!Laura Candlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197589693576774035noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902484802479744509.post-7806228428121701822009-01-04T08:28:00.000-05:002009-01-04T21:32:08.490-05:00Rethinking Praise<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajJUQ3yed0QZkwYqZOPf2iWl8aEfw4DtRCBZ2qBPMMN4inwCec-0doAIXLr39jN6oZwelv-Tqh-FdKDHEOmByPIEBa7eIOpfHbTzPLJu9aWAk8n73M1l_PwqLbFMW50dVGDErIDtU2v13/s1600-h/skiblog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287442579660050738" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 231px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajJUQ3yed0QZkwYqZOPf2iWl8aEfw4DtRCBZ2qBPMMN4inwCec-0doAIXLr39jN6oZwelv-Tqh-FdKDHEOmByPIEBa7eIOpfHbTzPLJu9aWAk8n73M1l_PwqLbFMW50dVGDErIDtU2v13/s200/skiblog.jpg" border="0" /></a>I recently discovered that learning something new just might be the best way to improve my own teaching. A few days go I experienced a powerful lesson about praise. I was learning a new style of cross-country skiing, and it was quite a challenge for me. I'm very comfortable with the "striding" style of that sport, but I had never tried the more athletic "skating" style. It looked fun, so I decided to take a lesson. Wow! It's been years since I tried anything that physically challenging! I felt completely uncoordinated and off-balance the entire 90 minutes! The instructor was wonderful, but she had the nerve to do something that I do every single day in the classroom . . . she praised me when I was struggling! The problem was that hearing "good job" when I felt like a duck on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">skis</span> was more insulting than encouraging. I knew that I wasn't doing a good job, and the praise did not ring true. What I would have liked to hear was, "Keep on working - it will get easier in time." Experiencing praise from the standpoint of the learner really opened my eyes and made me rethink the role of praise in learning.<br /><br /><div><div><div>This ah-ha moment may have been partly due to the fact that the role of praise was already on my mind. A few weeks ago I read "<a href="http://wellesleyhigh.wikispaces.com/file/view/Perils-and-Promise-of-Praise.pdf">The Perils and Promises of Praise</a>," an article by Carol <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Dweck</span> that appeared in the October 2008 edition of <em>Educational Leadership</em>.This article examined two kinds of praise that teachers often give students and the long-term effects of praising in those ways. It seems that how we are praised may impact how we view our own intelligence. Some students believe that intelligence is a fixed trait - that people are just born with a certain amount of intelligence. Others believe that they can develop their intellectual abilities by working hard and learning more. As it turns out, praising students for being smart causes them to adopt the former attitude, with quite damaging consequences. Students who think their intelligence is fixed become easily frustrated when they face a challenge. Their self-confidence is tied up in "being smart," and they are afraid that if they ask questions, they won't seem smart. On the other hand, when students are praised for working hard and putting forth effort, they don't worry about appearing smart. Instead, they are willing to tackle challenges and try new experiences. This article is a must-read for any teacher or parent. </div><div><br /></div><div>There's a happy ending to my cross-country ski story. I didn't give up, and after a few days of sticking with it, I was able to navigate my way around the green beginner trails of Tahoe Donner Ski Area. The weather was gorgeous and I had a wonderful time skiing with my family. Maybe I'll be able to tackle those blue trails next year! I must have had teachers and parents who praised me for working hard rather than being smart, because I've never worried about asking questions. In fact, I have discovered that the more you know, the more you realize you DON'T know! My new year's resolution is to use praise more effectively in the classroom, never giving false praise and always praising students for their efforts rather than because they are smart.</div></div></div>Laura Candlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197589693576774035noreply@blogger.com3