teacher: Daily 5 [getting the program started]

We use the Daily 5 in my classroom. From the website itself: "The Daily 5™ is more than a management system or a curriculum framework – it is a structure that will help students develop the daily habits of reading, writing and working with peers that will lead to a lifetime of independent literacy."

The Daily 5 is made up of 5 components. They are:
1. Read to Self
2. Work on Writing
3. Read to Someone
4. Listen to Reading
5. Word Work

I'll share how mine looks.

Before you start any good program, read about it and get yourself acquainted with it. I'm one of those people who like to get it all together then launch it so I don't have to worry about it again. Because if I leave something to be done, it'll never get done. In teaching, something ALWAYS comes up. So after I figured out what I wanted to do, I got myself organized. I made a list of all the materials I would need. Then I went shopping and got all the materials. Then I spent a few days after school getting it set up and organized in my classroom. Then I launched the program. 

The idea behind the Daily 5 is that students have assignments to complete in a certain amount of time. And they can make their own decisions about when and where to complete them. Here's their assignments:
1. They do independent reading (Read to Self)
2. They read to or with another student/partner, like buddy reading  (Read to Someone)
3. They do activities with spelling words, sight words, vocabulary words, etc. (Word Work)
4. They can listen to someone read to them or do books on tape (Listen to Reading)
5. They work on responding to writing prompts or free-write (Work on Writing)

But if you turn them loose, that means you've got to be SUPER organized or it'll end up being a complete mess. I had a few weeks where I had to tweak my plans and then I got the hang of it. After that, it ran smoothly all year!

First of all, when are you going to do the Daily 5? I liked to do it first thing in the morning. That way if I have students strolling in late (like I always do) they can immediately pick up and join us without me having to stop what I'm doing and get them caught up. In my classroom, the Daily 5 started out for 30 minutes and I increased the time each week until we reached an hour. And let me just say that an hour is a long time for Daily 5! But it truly worked for this group of kids. It may not work with a future group. Every class is different! But I definitely had to SLOWLY build to an hour. Turning them lose for an hour the first week would have blown their mind. They needed a lot of guidance and direction those first few weeks.


Next, look at your list of students and decide how many students can be doing what. Usually you can have 5-6 students doing any one component. At first I assigned students to a component (think Centers) and then as the year progressed, they were able to choose where they went. 

The students need a visual of what component they are to work on. Some teachers put it on their SmartBoard and move names around. I needed my computer to do attendance and other things so using the SmartBoard was out of the question for me. I started the year using a calendar pocket chart:

But I wanted to be able to give them specific assignments so I would need ANOTHER place in the room for that. So instead, I switched to an Organization Station Pocket Chart:

This chart has deep pockets that can hold books and papers. Which was PERFECT for my Daily 5 Chart! I would put their Word Work assignment sheet in their pocket. I could put books in their pocket that I wanted them to read. And I could pin their Daily 5 "location" on their pocket:

So I've got some explaining here. 
1. You'll see that each pocket has a clothespin with a paper tag on them. I used the Daily 5: Hollywood Style (click here) posters and task cards from Laura Starnes' Teachers Pay Teachers store.
I laminated then glued them onto clothespins with Rubber Cement. I changed these out each day. Yes, it took me a few minutes every morning before they came in. But it became such a part of my routine that I hardly minded the time it took.
2. You'll see that some students have a Gifted and Talented tag on their pocket. I made these tags using the Blank Calendar Squares - Movie Theme (click here) from Ayesha Walker's Teachers Pay Teachers store. I had a group of GT students that left in the mornings (twice a week) for their GT class. So they didn't have as many Daily 5 assignments as the other students.

So at this point you're probably wondering, "how did you remember which student went to which component?!?" I kept a binder, of course! I LOVE BINDERS!!!!! I could probably write an entire post on binders.

What was I talking about?

Oh yeah, a teacher's Daily 5 binder.

I had each students name next to a daily list of the components. I would simply highlight where I wanted them each day. I wish I could remember where I got this document. But you can find tons of similar pages if you search "Daily 5 choices" in Google or TeachersPayTeachers.com. In a typical 5 day week, everyone went to one component a day. I would assign them a component and they would do it for 30 minutes. Then they could choose their own for the second 30 minutes. Remember that an hour in the Daily 5 is a long time!!

So now they know where to go. But what do they do once they get there? Well, I had to ease them into it. I spent a few weeks going over the program with them. I explained and introduced a new component each week. So yes, it took about a month to get them ready. That's okay. None of them had ever done Daily 5 before and since I'm so obsessed with organization and structure, I didn't want a room of chaos when I used the program. Plus it's the beginning of the school year. I had a million things going on so it was easier for me to plan if I only introduced a new component each week. But if you've got a group that's done Daily 5 before, they wouldn't need a lengthy introduction. Or if you're in more of a hurry than me. =)





Anyway, so each student knows where to go, but how can THEY stay organized? Well, each student had their own Daily 5 folder.

In the pocket, each student had their own Daily 5 Check Off Chart (click here). I used the one from Angela Wageman's Teachers Pay Teachers store. I used post-it notes when I copied them to cover up the components that I hadn't yet introduced (as you can see in the picture above). I took these up at the end of the week and stapled them to all their Daily 5 assignments. Mostly so they could be held accountable for actually checking off their chart, and also to send home to let the parents see what we were doing.

Inside the folder was information about each component. I didn't want a million questions coming up when they were supposed to be working. I used a combination of posters from different sources. If you go to Pinterest or Teachers Pay Teachers and type in "Daily 5," you'll be excited to see all the resources out there!

So in each folder was information for the student about the guidelines and expectations of the Daily 5 in my classroom. For example, if they were needing help picking out a book, they had a handout about how to use "IPICK" (see the one in the photo above). If they were working on Writing, they had a list of writing prompts they could use. If they were in Word Work, they had a list of activities they could do and where to find them in the room.

The student Daily 5 folder took a lot of work to make. And as I introduced each new component, they had more handouts to add to their Daily 5 folder. Looking back, there were a handful of students who utilized this resource. But many of them never even looked at them again. I went over each handout using a PowerPoint presentation (this is how I introduced each component each week) so I was making the handouts anyway. But copying them and then getting the students to look at them again was another story. I will say that the parents liked it when they came into the room. And I loved how a student could ask me "what do I do?" and I could easily refer to their Daily 5 folder. But if you're limited on time and paper, you might skip the individual Daily 5 folder. I'll probably do it again next year, but only because I've already got them all made up! =)

So I've given you an idea of how I brought the Daily 5 into my classroom.
1. I did my research and learned as much about it as I could.
2. I organized my materials and spent a few weeks introducing it to the students.
3. Each student had their own Daily 5 folder, complete with a check-off sheet to list the components they've completed and information about each component.
4. I used a pocket chart to show the students where they belonged each day and to give them their assignments.
5. I kept a binder that listed the students and where they went each day.

My next posts will be about each component and what I did! Stay tuned! =)

organizer extraordinaire, part 1

It's the summertime. Well, technically it's still Spring until late next week, but when school is out---it's summertime no matter what the calendar says. It's also week 31 of my pregnancy. I spent my last few days on contract overwhelmed and exhausted.

I received my teaching assignment for next year and I shall remain in third grade. I am particularity excited about this because I will be starting the school year in the Labor and Delivery Ward of the hospital so I need everything to be as stress-free as possible. And moving back to 4th grade would have probably been more stressful than staying in third. But unfortunately this means I am moving to a new classroom. So I had to prepare my room for moving. I'd say I did a terrible job of it. And for that I apologize to the custodians. I really didn't prepare well and so when it came down to the last few hours of work, I regretfully began shoving things into plastic bins and on book shelves to be covered with butcher paper. Probably I should call and offer to come up and help them move because I left it far from easy for them. But did I mention I'm 7 months pregnant? My booty is staying home. I will say that packing up the classroom is one of my least favorite parts of teaching, but since you only do it once a year, it's not worth complaining about.

One thing that made packing up my room easier is my year-long obsession with organization. It can get costly, mind you, but IT'S SO WORTH IT!!!

As a teacher, you have a billion materials. Okay, that's exaggerating. More like a million. But basically they go into 4 basic categories:
1. Teacher Materials
2. Teacher Supplies
3. Student Materials
4. Student Supplies

And of course I have a very precise way of keeping them all arranged.

Here is how I started the schoolyear in my classroom:

Welcome to "Nealwood!" Like Hollywood, except using my last night. My entire room theme is Movies and Hollywood.

Above is the view when you first walk in and turn to the right. This is my teacher area. Students are not allowed to wander back in this nook.  Look at all the tubs and bins and everything! This picture was taken the day before school started and I'm happy to say it remained this organized until I packed up last week! Of course I made some changes throughout the year to further my organization, but in the end, it was still neat and tidy!

Above is facing my teacher area. This is the view students would see all day long if I sat at my desk.You can see here that our classrooms are arranged in pods. So we have two sides of our room without walls! That's why I used a ton of shelves, bookcases, and bulletin boards to separate the classrooms.

The above photo is now looking at the classroom from the front. The students are arranged in groups. 

We are still in the front of the room in the above picture. Can you see my teacher area in the back? Can you also see my teacher neighbor making a funny face at me?

 The above picture gives you a good view of the back of the room including the entrance and the classroom library. Last year I used tape on the carpet to keep the students' desks straight but I can't use these lines with my new desks. Probably I should have pulled them up. But easier said than done.

 Above is from the back of the room, looking at one of the front corners.

The above photo offers a great view of the teaching area where I spend most of my day. This includes my SmartBoard. How do you like my stage curtains?

So now that you can visualize somewhat where I work all day, you can begin to understand how I organize things. If I need something to plan my teaching, it belongs in my teacher area.

You can see that EVERYTHING has a space. And each space is LABELED!! I made my own labels, but you can easily find them on TeachersPayTeachers.com or through Pinterest. Oh my gosh, thinking about labels gets me incredibly excited. There are so many cute ones out there. I wonder if I could get away with labeling everything in our house?!?

Anyway, let's continue on with how I organize my teacher materials. 

My first bit of advice? Color code your subjects. I color code each subject to make storing, filing, and organizing easier. 

Red - Science

Orange -  Social Studies

Blue - Reading

Yellow - Spelling

Pink - English

Green -  Writing

Purple - Math

Behind my desk are colored tubs that I ordered from Really Good Stuff.

Within each tub are books that I use to copy worksheets and assessments. These are the books I use most often so I keep them handy. You can see that I ordered two of each color, but I ended up stacking most of them because I didn't need two. But I have them there if I need them! I also keep a tall 4-drawer file cabinet behind my desk where I also store books and additional copies of worksheets, tests, materials, etc. I have a math drawer, science/social studies drawer, reading drawer, and writing/english drawer. There are lots of great tips on organizing a file cabinet. I was going to work on my file cabinet this year but a)I was moved to a new grade level and had to redo everything, and then b)I got preggers! Both of those reasons were enough to make me focus on other things.

Our Literacy curriculum is new. And all of the materials come in about 20 different boxes and files and tubs. So I consolidated. I asked for donations of 2.5 gallon bags from my students' parents. Then I took all the materials and put them in a bag. I keep them in plastic tubs also behind my desk. Then each week, I just grab the bag and all my materials are inside. This is where I can also keep original and additional copies of spelling tests, vocabulary practice pages, leveled practice pages, etc. and all the materials that come with the program for each weekly lesson. I started this mid-year and I am SO GLAD I did it.

 After all the copies for the week are made, I keep them behind my desk on shelves. Each shelf is labeled with a day. And each day has folders (color coded, of course) where I keep the copies. When it's time for an assignment to be distributed, I simply grab the folder!

After students have completed the assignment, they have a special place near my desk to turn in their work:

Yep, you guessed it. Colored coded completed work folders. Even the students get in on the color coding. You'll notice that the purple math folder laminated the tag folded over. When I realized this, I was faced with two options: 1. Hunt down another purple folder, print a new tag, glue it on, and laminate OR 2. Focus on more important things like educating my students.

I chose the latter.

Another idea is to color code teacher manuals. Here's what I do:

This will be all for today. Next time I'll continue to define a teacher as an organizer extraordinaire. Until then, happy summer!

over whelmed

My job:
1. Teach 6 subjects
    1. Math
    2. Reading
    3. Writing
    4. Spelling
    5. Science
    6. Social Studies
2. Teach character education
    1. Bullying
    2. Responsibility
    3. Respect
    4. Trustworthiness
    5. Citizenship
    6. Others as needed
3. Teach cursive
4. Create & type lesson plans for the above.
5. Make materials for the above.
    1. Smartboard presentations
    2. Activity sheets
    3. Assessments
    4. Activities
6. Prepare materials for the above.
    1. Print
    2. Make copies (20+ copies)
    3. Laminate (20+ copies)
    4. Cut (20+ copies)
    5. Staple (20+ copies)
    6. Glue (20+ copies)
7. Assess students over the above.
    1. Administer assessments/assignments
    2. Grade assessments/assignments
8. Create behavior plan to use in classroom.
9. Implement behavior plan.
    1. Printing behavior reports
    2. Classroom Economy
        1. Money
        2. Prizes
        3. Fines/Tickets
10. Create materials for behavior plan.
    1. Behavior chart cards
    2. Create behavior report
11. Technology
    1. Emails
        1. Coworkers
        2. Parents of students
    2. Online textbooks
        1. Manually enter each student and corresponding data
        2. Print information for parents
    3. Online programs (Accelerated Reader, etc.)
    4. District related (The Learning Institute)
    5. Class and School Website
        1. designing the website
        2. updating the website weekly:
            1. objectives
            2. assignments
            3. important upcoming dates
            4. current study guides and projects
    6. Maintaining classroom materials (computers, smartboards, Neos, etc.)
    7. Edline (posting grades in 6 subjects for 20+ students every week)
12. Communicate with parents about all of the above.
13. Professional Development
    1. Attending PD
    2. Planning and scheduling PD
14. Special education students
    1. Modifications
        1. Reducing assignments
            (Highlighting)
        2. Reading tests to student
        3. etc.
    2. Annual reviews/placements conferences during planning time
15. Below level students
    1. Response to Intervention (RTI) & tutoring
        1. Planning
        2. Creating materials
        3. Scheduling
        4. Tutoring in groups or individually
        5. Assessment
    2. Academic Improvement Plan (AIP)
        1. Create plan
        2. Conference with parent
16. School committees
    1. Meetings
    2. Tasks to be carried out
    3. Materials to be made and distributed
17. School related functions and activities
    1. Fundraisers- assemblies & collecting money
    2. School related assemblies (during instructional time)
18. Classroom design
    1. Planning
    2. Moving desks and other furniture quarterly
19. Administrative tasks
    1. Attendance
    2. After grading papers, record on paper, then put on Edline
    3. Lunch Count (counted and sent to cafeteria each morning)
20. Permanent Records
    1. Create new file for new students or K students
    2. Update records yearly
    3. Complete final update at the end of the school year (including writing portfolios, standardized
         test scores,  etc.)
21. Field Trips
    1. Planning
    2. Necessary paperwork for approval
    3. Permission slips & information sent home
    4. Write receipts as money is paid
    5. Tally money daily by 10:00am
    6. Turn in & witness counting of money
22. Standardized tests
    1. Preparation
    2. Provide information to students and parents
    3. Adjustment of schedules

zombie

In the back of my mind, I can hear The Cranberries' song Zombie. Don't think I didn't just go to iTunes and put it on.

I say you can define a teacher as a zombie not because we begin to look haggard and blood thirsty (though some would argue that we do) but because we turn into beings that do not sleep and move constantly with one thing on our mind. For me, the one thing on my mind is my class. I'm checking off and adding to a incessant to-do list.

In your head, in your head,  zombie, zombie, zombie... just took a lyrical pause there...

Anyway. Yesterday we started week 6 of this school year. I've been back and forth on how I feel about this school year. Here is what I think:

1. It might be the best group of students I've had yet. 
2. I LOVE THIRD GRADE. They are so sweet. And willing to learn. And trustworthy.
3. I LOVE MY TEAM! I have the best fellow 3rd grade teachers! I adored my fourth grade team so I was sad to move to a new grade, but in third grade I have felt welcome, valued, and loved! And I love them back!
4. My schedule is flawless. You know how every year you wish things were moved around? You can't get everything done, or kids are pulled at the wrong time, or lunch comes too late, or your planning time is too short, or whatever.... well this year, I LOVE my schedule.
5. The parents of the kids in this group are astounding. They are involved and supportive. I have gotten a lot of help from them. It helps that I've had a lot of their kids before. ;o)
6. We have new administration. A new principal. A new assistant principal. Our building has been turned upside down. But the changes have been good. It's tough to make so many new adjustments, but they have been sensational.

I wish I had someone follow me around all day writing down what I do. Because when I finally stop working, I wonder why I'm so exhausted and what I did all day. One day I sent my husband a text of everything I had to do--as I did it. Other than him wanting to strangle me for all the text messages, he was BLOWN AWAY with all that teachers are required to do. Then I got a mini-lecture about how typing text messages was wasting valuable time. Though I was somewhat disgruntled with his irrational scrutiny, I was inwardly happy that he finally understood that even text messages can't (and shouldn't) make it into my busy day.

It was simply for scientific purposes, so there.

The point was that between the emails to read & write, papers to grade, lessons to make and prepare, assorted paperwork to complete, I have to teach. I am on contract from 7:30 until 3:00 with one hour of planning time and a 45 minute lunch. But I'm expected to complete quite a bit.

All of these things leave me feeling like a zombie...

multitasker: unpack and prepare

Today was the first day back on contract. This morning we looked at our new math curriculum guide (known as "the map") and did some planning for the first week of school. Yay! Got that checked off my list. This afternoon we looked at our literacy map. I'm quite pleased with both. But having both of those documents in my hands reminded me that my classroom is no longer going to get my attention. Now I've got to sit down and plan for Reading, Writing, English, Spelling, Science, and Social Studies for next week. Luckily our district points us in the right directions. And luckily we did our planning for math this morning. Being a teacher involves a strenuous "before" process where we must plan what we're teaching then prepare the materials before we actually teach. It's all quite enjoyable though. I wouldn't be a teacher if it weren't. ;o)

I did get my classroom unpacked and partially set up. Three cheers for me! Pictures to come soon. I am patiently waiting for my new third grade materials to come in so I can finish my organizing and unpacking. I hope they're sitting in my room tomorrow when I walk in!

I did do a wee little craft for myself-- to get in the school spirit--

It's proudly hanging on my door next to a "Back to School" garden flag I got online earlier this summer. I'm really glad I caught Wal-Mart's back to school sale because I needed 6 boxes of crayons! To the outside world, I'm really embracing the return to school. But behind that door is a lady that's sad to go back! Who wouldn't be? I don't have kids so I get to sleep in everyday and then do whatever the heck I want! Which usually involves making stuff for my classroom and getting this house cleaned and organized. Like I said, whatever the heck I want. I managed to squeeze in a few good books this summer, too. Oh yeah, and a FABULOUS trip to Vegas and California. Let's not forget that. I dare say this might have been my favorite teacher summer yet! I'm sad to see it go!

But honestly I'll be glad to get back into a routine. And getting some exercise. Teaching means I stay on my feet all day and am constantly moving so at least I burn some calories. ;o) (I'm excluding the part of my day where I sit at my desk and grade 336 papers a week--I try to forget that part--)

This must be all for now. I've got a handful of things to get together to work on tomorrow!

Choy blog!

boxer

No, not the kind that wear boxing gloves and hit folks for a job. I mean the kind that put things in boxes for a living.

There's probably not a job like that. Well, maybe in a moving company. Every year come June, teachers have to pack up. So imagine having to put everything in your office in a box and cover your wall with paper. I'm sure there are many policies and procedures in the schools around the nation, but we get our room all packed up so that it can be professionally cleaned, painted, etc. And also so none of our things collect dust for the months of June and July. Let me pause here to say that there are places in my house that I haven't dusted since we moved three years ago. But my classroom? It'll be spotless! =)

I have been putting off going back to my room. But since I'm switching to 3rd grade (but not moving rooms), I've got a little bit more to do this year to get ready. I'm mostly upset that I won't be able to use my awesome banner that greets my students. I had it made last year at Stumps and it says 4th grade. Shame on me! I should have known better!

I showed up to do Check-In today, so I swung by my room. "Swung?" Is that right? It doesn't feel correct. See? Even educators question things! =) I took a few pics, sighed a deep, heavy, sigh, then promptly got the heck out of there before I hyperventilated! I GUESS I'll go in tomorrow and get started! 

**GASP** Where are my student desks?!?!?!?!!? The custodians told me today that I'm getting a whole new set since we're adding a third grade class (me). Now, most people would be THRILLED with new furniture, but the new desks are enormous and I'm not particularly pleased about it. I wish they had just left the old ones. Maybe I can do some bargaining and get the old ones back in here ;o)

So as you can see, I've got a lot to do. I guess this post would be more appropriate for the end of the school year, as that is when I am the "boxer." Starting tomorrow, I'll be the professional "unpacker." Yep, I'm making things up! Why not?!?

On a different note, I found these at Mardel yesterday.

Perfect for my "Bucket Fillers" board!

It rained today. We have needed rain SO BADLY here in Arkansas. I was up at the school, trying to unpack some things from my car, then went to pick up my friend's mom, so the rain was really irritating me. I didn't let it (the rain) know though. I didn't want it to feel unwelcome. So I thanked it for coming and would it please stop by again soon (but not tomorrow around 9am when I'm going back up to the school to unload some stuff from my car again).

Tonight is the first night this week that I'm not going to be cutting out laminated things or working on some school project. What will I do?!?!?!?! Actually I'll be working on my school webpage. **giggling with delight** I quite enjoy working on webpages.

Until tomorrow! Peace out, bloggy!

reader

I think it's pretty important to like reading if you want to be a teacher. 'Cause you will do a lot of it. Of course, you could say that since you read all day at work you really don't want to come home and read anymore.

Crap, my whole theory here is flawed now.

Well, who cares!!

Currently I'm reading Lucky by Jackie Collins. It's a winner. So remember on Saved by the Bell when Zach and Kelly broke up? And Jessie, Slater, Lisa, and Screech all hooked him up with different people? Well he went on these dates. To see a movie. And one of the characters was this girl who chats nonstop about reading. She's read all of Jackie Collins novels, and she suddenly asks Zach, "Have you read Hollywood Wives?" Yes, I know each episode by heart. I quote them often and frequently ask myself, "What would Zach do?" "Course he's a lawyer now on Franklin and Bash now and it's just awful to watch him with other women when he should be with Kelly!

Oh my gosh.

I promise in real life I don't birdwalk like this.

Or do I?

ANYWAY, I started reading Jackie Collins because one of her books caught my eye at the airport when my bestie and I went skiing. I saw the book, immediately recalled the episode of Saved by the Bell where Jackie Collins was mentioned and became intrigued. I came back, went to the library, got all her books, and instantly became a huge fan. Another favorite author of mine is Jodi Picoult. I've read all her books. Ohmygosh I sound like Zach's date!!!!

I think reading is important because it takes you away to another time and place. It also gives you a great vocabulary. But, you could be like me and know TONS of words and use them all incorrectly and mispronounce them. It's really quite embarrassing. And somewhat amusing to those around me.

When you get home after spending all day with 28 fabulous kiddos (that number is debatable) you really want to unwind. Reading a good juicy book is a great way to do it.

Of course to balance it out, you really ought to read some children's books, too. During the school year I do that enough as it is. But during the summer, I try to see what all the fuss is about when it comes to certain children's literature. I've started Al Capone Does My Shirts and I have truthfully laughed out loud reading it. It's pretty funny! I might add it to my Read Aloud list. But I'm pretty exclusive when it comes to what novels I read to my kids.

I read every day after lunch for about 15-20 minutes. It's my most favorite time of the day. My kids write me letters or journals about how much they love the Read Alouds. I really get into it though. Not so much with voices (4th graders can be a little over that sometimes) because using different voices makes me feel silly. I try to read with a lot of expression. And I know when to read super fast and make them laugh, or drag out sentences and make them wait on pins and needles. And it helps that I've read the book so many times because I can look away and make eye contact with the kids and keep on "reading" the story. I'm exceedingly dramatic. Even those days when I have a headache or feel like giving busy work (which of course I never do, right?) as soon as I start reading to the kids, my mood turns around. I secretly want to come home and read to my husband but I think he might get a little freaked out.

It takes a few weeks to read a book when I'm only reading a little every day. So I try to have a brief recap
before I read everyday. Once I start reading a book, I know if my kids are into it or not. First, if they're REALLY squirmy, I know the book isn't a winner for them. Most kids squirm when they're sitting at my feet on the ground. But if I see A LOT of squirming, I know they aren't into it. Also, when I stop reading for the day, if the kids don't cry out, "Nooooooo!!!!!!" I feel like they aren't liking the book. I always feel so evil and mean when I tell them, "I'm sorry, I can't read anymore today!" But deep down I'm squealing with delight because they're so into it.

I have a few books I read every year and seriously get something new from them every time.

First of all, I like to start the year with Sideways Stories from Wayside School. Louis Sachar has some hilarious characters in this book. It's very light-hearted and silly. I use the copy that I read when I was in third grade. The pages are practically tissue so I have to be careful with it. ;o) But this book is adorable and there are a lot of activities you can do with it to start the year off.

Indian in the Cupboard. A Magical Fantasy sort of book. This book gets them every time. The idea that a toy could come to life and you get to take care of it is absolutely splendid. It's highly entertaining to students. And I really enjoy it, too.

Please tell me you've read Holes to your class. I have never seen the movie, though.

This is a fine point to tell you that I refrain from watching the movie version of any book I've read (with the exception of Twilight). I just don't want the movie to ruin my visualizations. Especially if I intend to read the book again. I'm certain that no actor could capture the character like I have in my head. And call me a snob, but I might be the best visualizer ever.

So anyway, I haven't watched Holes. And my kids ask me every year if we can watch it because they loved the book so much. I always make up some excuse why we can't watch it because I don't want to see it! Once, my neighbor showed her class the movie (we have open classrooms) and I BEGGED her to show it when my kids were in pull-outs so that I couldn't see or hear it! Hahaha!! How selfish am I? Anyway, the book is just plain spectacular. And that's all I can say about it.

I like Bud, Not Buddy. It's historical fiction so I can pull a lot from it. The young man in the story is extremely witty and very brave. And at the end, there's a huge twist that the kids never see coming. I love to watch their jaws hit the floor when I get to a certain chapter.

Bridge to Terabithia is one that I go back and forth with. I always read it but some years I do a novel study with it and let them have their own copies. Some would argue that it's somewhat mature in its content about friendship and loyalty. But mostly, I love that it shows children being....children. Pretending. Playing outside. Looking beyond the outside of others and seeing the good inside. Dealing with things they don't have the capacity to understand or the vocabulary to express. It's so realistic. And every year I let some tears drop at the end. As I read to them a certain part of the book, I keep one eye on the page and the other on them. If I can really get them deep into the book while I'm reading, their faces will change with every word. As soon as I hear the sniffles, I know I've got them--hook, line, and sinker. I usually have some parents contact me because their child comes home with heavy hearts from that book. But it's SO. GOOD. At the end of the book I have the students write a letter. The letter is from Jess, written to Leslie. And I won't say too much in case you haven't read it, but the letters these kids write are astounding. It's amazing what a child will walk away with.

I have to get to Number the Stars every year. It's a quick read and it's historical fiction so I can--again--tie in a lot of lessons and activities with it. The kids are always on the edge of their seat when I read this book. And I could probably sit all afternoon and listen to their predictions. This novel is perfect for discussing how good readers make predictions. It comes so naturally with this text. And most of the time the kids aren't correct---so it's a great opportunity to talk about when our predictions don't happen. My favorite thing is to be wrong when I make predictions! I love being caught off guard and surprised!! =)

Perhaps my most favorite book to read is Maniac Magee. In fact, I could probably write an entire blog post about it. I choose books to read aloud that I remember from my childhood. But this book was introduced to me by a friend. So the first time I read it was as an adult. I laughed, I cried, I yelled, I smiled. The book does it all. There are so many incredible lessons to be learned from this book. But mostly I like to use the main character, Jeffrey Magee, as a role model. Because he has so many heart-rending things happen to him in this book and he's still the most respectable, honest, admirable child character I've ever read. And he's really clever and quick-witted. If you haven't read this book to your class, you might read it alone first. There are some heavy themes and weighty expressions used which make it an absolutely phenomenal story--but can make others get a little uncomfortable. Every year--it never fails-- I have a parent show up to check a kid out or help with an activity and they come in at the worst time. It'll always be when the bully is attacking Maniac and using some malicious language. I have to assure the parent that in context the words are absolutely necessary. The author, Jerry Spinelli, captures moments and feelings with words like an artist. I usually feel like I'm there with Maniac through the entire story. I feel what he feels. Although it's fiction, deep down I really want to think like Maniac. Jerry Spinelli has written a character that will stay with you forever. Not sure what I mean? Go read it. You'll understand. But beware, it's too good to read just once.

I think I have successfully defined a teacher as a reader with this post. I don't know how many people will read this, but I hope at least one person can walk away from this and read one of those books. And know how important it is to READ! If I didn't read like I do, I probably wouldn't write like I do. It's that engrained in me.

On a lighter note, I am really proud of the USA Ladies Gymnastics team at the Olympics tonight! They are nailing the vault!

Night Night!