Artists and Writers

Digital Communication-You are ROCKING IT!

Thank you to all of our Sappington teachers.  I am excited to say that each and every one of you has established a digital communication routine, be it facebook, a blog, or schoolwires.  That is HUGE!  If you would like to "stalk" your neighbor, be sure to click the link to this document.  I have tried to find each of your online portals so please let me know if something is incorrect.

Each week, I would like to highlight a particular classroom.  This week, be sure to check out Ms. Gardner's Blog.

She includes pictures, updates, explanations, and includes details.  This is a perfect way to involve the families to know what is going on in your classroom.  Parents can really talk with their child to bridge the home/school connection.

Thank you all for sharing such great information with our families.

David Gets in Trouble!

Mini-lesson Topic:  Adding detail through illustrations.  After reading this book with very little text, students discussed the importance of adding detail to their illustrations.

They then headed back to their seat to start storytelling through their own choice images.  After adding details to their picture, they added text.

Creating a Writer's Center

As teachers are getting their writer's workshop up and running, we have noticed many great areas set up for our young writers.  One important element is having a variety of papers available for students to choose what they would like to write about.  The key here is student choice.

In Kindergarten, this might be a simple picture.  In first grade, it might be an illustration with a few words.  Second graders might be adding a few sentences with more detail.  Most importantly, students see themselves as authors with a story to tell.

Launching Writer's Workshop

Many of you have been working on building stamina for your young writers.  As they are developing lists and brainstorming what they write about, I think it is important to help them focus their writing on a particular, specific topic.  This anchor chart really helps to clarify this skill.  Check out these other tips on launching a writer's workshop.

Building Reading Stamina

Great way to keep students focused and organized on where they are going read.  No time wasted on finding a reading spot.

Using a visual is a great way to keep track of how many minutes your students are working up to.

Charts like this can really help students to know exactly what is happening during reading and writing workshop.

Miss Gardner's Third Grade Class: Take a Sneak Peek into Room 43

Miss Gardner's Third Grade Class: Take a Sneak Peek into Room 43: It's getting close to being finished! I can't wait to meet everyone!

What a great way to build a sense of community before your students even arrive.  Give them a "virtual tour" of your classroom to learn about the different parts of the room.

Are you ready?  Another exciting school year is almost upon us.  I hope +Angie Moehlmann , +Christine Mertzlufft , +Mary Driemeyer +Maria Clancy +Rebecca Keller +Laura Handrahan +Laura Howard +Nancy Boughman +Kaye Rueschhoff +Mary Kay Scott , +Sarah Valter +Samantha Whorton +Katherine Crawford +Dana Fisher +Karen Czaicki   are ready.