Reading Actively

So, you can probably tell by now that I'm a teacher. I've taught 3rd,4th,5th, & 6th grades over the past 14 years, and this year I am working as an instructional coach. I was really worried about taking this position, since I thought I'd miss working with the kids. However, it turns out that I still spend a good deal of every day working in classrooms. So, I get to interact with more kids than ever!
One of my priorities as a coach is to help teachers meet Common Core Standards in their classrooms. To that end, I've been noticing a common theme. In most classrooms students want to passively read text and wait for the adult (or overachieving student) to do the thinking for them. I know that I've often experienced this phenomenon in my own classroom.
I've been working on creating a set of materials that would help teachers to teach the skills mandated by Common Core and give their students immediate practice with those skills. I really want the students to take ownership of good reading strategies, so I want to give them support and independence in one piece. Take a look at the end result. I've created organizers for students to use as they read for each of the 4th grade literature standards. Hopefully, this will attain the goal of making them more active readers as well as more confident readers who think as they go. Take a look and let me know what you think!

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/4th-Grade-Literature-Common-Core-Standards-Printables-996959

My First Blog

I feel like a child going to kindergarten or a teacher before the first day of school. I'm entering a whole new unknown world and afraid of what people will think of me. Is my outfit cute enough (my background appropriate)? Is my hair ok (what about the font)? Will they like my new bookbag (is the layout ok)? But most important, will they like me?
In keeping with the first days of school sentiment, let me participate in an activity that I often require of my students. I usually ask my students to create a "Me bag." You know the one where you send them home with a brown paper bag and they fill it with 5 objects that will introduce them to their classmates?
Well, here's mine:


 

My family means everything to me! I was lucky to marry the love of my life, and we love being parents to those 3 crazy kids!

 

I love being a soccer mom! I never would've guessed that I'd enjoy attending the games as much as I do!

 

 

My daughter loves horses, so I do too! We spend a lot of time at the stables (although she does more than I). Her love of horses has literally changed her life. She has become more confident, less Prima Donna, and more conscientious.  

I love decorating my classroom as much (if not more) as I do my house. I put a lot of time, energy and money into it every year! My library is one of my favorite places in my room. Which, of course, makes sense. Reading is one of my favorite things to do!

 



 

I truly believe that there is no profession as important as teaching. Specifically in a district like mine, where poverty and violence are rampant, students need adults who care about them and invest in them. This note really puts it into perspective. We are everything to some of our students!

So, there you have it. That's me in a paper bag! I'm excited to begin this blogging journey. I hope you'll join me.

Krystal