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…
During Independent Reading, students continue to practice what they’ve learned during Modeled/Shared/Guided Reading. Independent Reading offers students additional opportunities to read. In order to become proficient readers, students must be provided with opportunities to read, read, and read some more!…
When I taught Kindergarten, we began to learn about letter names and sounds right away! We accomplished this by beginning to learn about our classmates’ names. Every day we played the Name Game. We started with “round one” of the…
Students use mini offices throughout the day. We make them as a class. Each student assembles their own office. Students personalize them (special words are added throughout the year). I no longer laminate them, as done in the past. Items…
Handwriting instruction begins in 4K at our school, with emphasis on letter formation at each grade level. By the time students enter first grade, they have a good foundation, yet still need practice. I start the year with a review…
We have over 3,000 books in our classroom. On top of those, we always have additional books from the school library and Door County Public libraries. We love books! We store the books in labeled tubs (of course!). September Bins…
We work together to establish classroom expectations. These expectations are our rules. They go hand in hand with our school-wide PBIS expectations. Our process? Whole Group Brainstorm: Students share ideas for classroom expectations. We try to aim for expectations that meet…
I get many emails asking if visitors are allowed to use the things they see on my website. Yes, yes, YES! That’s why I put it up on the web! 😉 Did you know that anything you create is eligible…
