Independent Writing Independent Writing offers students additional opportunities to write. In order to become proficient writers, students must be provided with many opportunities to write! During Independent Writing, students continue to practice what they’ve learned during Modeled/Shared/Guided Writing. We have…
You may have already read about how personalized learning works during our writing workshop routine. I continue to refine personalized learning routines in my classroom. Up until recently, my students have been working as a class using a class developed writing checklist….
I use a balanced literacy approach. I created the above visual to explain the components. Each component plays an integral role in developing strong, skilled readers and writers. Throughout my website you can find resources that align with a balanced…
Adding STEAM to your elementary specials rotation is doable. You’ll just need to evaluate what you wish to accomplish through your program offerings what block of time you have available what classes do you currently offer which of these offered…
I’ve previously written about our Words Their Way routines and shared several resources. This year we made a few changes that I wanted to share. Changes 1-6: Organization and Routine Don’t Cut Inside Envelop Add a Crayon Color Label Add…
Interruptions during guided writing, math, or reading are inevitable — no matter how many times you’ve practiced and practiced working independently! We’ve done the “IF, THEN” problem solving chart. While these types of lists help, they are not inclusive of…
You realize the benefits of STEM, but wonder when to add it in? Your day is already packed, and you can’t see where STEM fits? What about your Daily 5 time? Why not add another option to the choices that are…
Students have a lot of voice and choice in our classroom. Our classroom offers them flexible seating areas, learning options from which to choose during independent work time, and a plethora of tools readily available to help them orchestrate their work….
Today was our first day back from break! I knew that students would be excited to see one another. They get very social after long weekends! Our Daily 5 Room Maps are helpful during days like today! The maps serve…
Habitats is our focus prior to diving into our independent research projects (Informational Writing). We study six habitats including wetlands, ocean, forests, desert, tundra, and grasslands. As usual, our unit studies center on rich informational texts with a sprinkling of…
