…it’s time for Parent-Teacher Conferences?? I hope you have a chance to rest up this weekend. P-T Conferences makes for a marathon week, so please take care of you.
I’ve had the pleasure of being in a couple of classrooms this week in a couple of middle schools. Students, by and large, are ready to learn. Teachers have prepared these students for great success, providing structure, expectations and interesting content to keep them engaged. I know this is not an uncommon occurrence. It’s just such a pleasure to visit classrooms because I always see such wonderful lessons happening. Your joy of working with your students encourages me each and every time.
AL A CARTE (9/6/13)
Ten Facts Parents Should Know — Check out these marvelous brochures that you can share with parents at parent-teacher conferences. Especially terrific is “Ten Facts Parents Should Know about Reading” (in Spanish and Russian translations, as well). You are asked to send an email to Jim requesting permission to reprint. I got my permission in less than 24 hours. A few to share with parents might be nice to have at your table.
Class Dojo — This is an awesome website/app you can download for free that allows you to track student behaviors. Some teachers I know have reported that this is awesome for encouraging positive behaviors. And the avatars are so cute!
Plum Creek’s A’Comin! — The 2013 Plum Creek Literacy Festival will be Saturday, September 28, at Concordia University in Seward. This half-day can be counted for 3.5 hours of optional flex time after your required sessions have been completed. Dr. Tim Rasinski (Literacy Expert), Donalyn Miller (The Book Whisperer) and Dr. Ernest Morrell (current president-elect of NCTE) are some of the featured speakers.
Reader’s Theater — Looking for some tips and scripts for your classroom? The best site around is Aaron Shepard’s Reader’s Theater Edition. Be sure to check out the link “About Reader’s Theater Editions.” Great tips for everyone (new and veteran) who wants to use Reader’s Theater in the classroom.