Jen's Jottings from the Classroom

Recently I discovered a resource I thought I would share about reading and vocabulary (click this link  Word Building ).  The Yale Center comprised this resource and I would like to point a few things out to those who have struggling readers. Children need to read and reading aloud is a great way for children to hear what they are saying.  It is also great for children to hear others read aloud - teachers, parents, grandparents, siblings, mentors, etc. Audiobooks are another great way for children to read, hear vocabulary, and hear what fluent readers sound like.  I like both Learning Ally and Bookshare but children can also read on a tablet such as a Kindle or other device.  Libraries may offer ebooks such as the 3M Cloud Library and they have a variety of books to listen to as well. The Yale Center suggests news radio - satellite radio programs are readily available. Writing vocabulary - saying each letter as they write a word or using cursive and sayin...

It's been a while since I have been able to sit down and read a book purely for enjoyment.  That is one of my goals for the summer - to read at least one book for enjoyment.  Here are a few that have peaked my interest because someone suggested it, talked about it, or was on a book list.

During my final semester of my Master's degree I found myself joining a variety of online communities and organizations related to literacy.  Here are some links with a brief description: International Literacy Association (ILA): a global organization aimed to connect educators, researchers, and experts in the field of literacy. ReadWorks: A non-profit organization for educators to find curriculum, content, and training.  ReadWriteThink:   Partnered with the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) this website provides a variety of materials for educators, after school programs, and even parents. Texas Association for Literacy Education  (TALE): promote literacy for all Texans Literacy Coaching Clearinghouse : part of the National Council of Teachers of English to promote literacy

Adams, C., & Pierce, R. (2006).   Differentiating instruction: a practical guide to tiered lessons in the elementary grades . Waco, Tex: Prufrock Press. Inclusion and differentiation are frequently-used words in the education field for teachers and administrators trying to meet the needs of all students in their classrooms and schools.  The authors are not only professors at the university level they also are professional development speakers that provide consultations with schools.  Differentiation has not always been taught to educators and this book provides the opportunity to help educators learn a model to assist students in their classrooms to be more successful. Our administrator gave this books as a summer reading suggestion to our teachers so they could understand how to teach to all students.  It’s unfortunate that many teachers don’t understand differentiation in their classrooms.  As a special educator, differentiation was widely discussed...

            When I began working on my teaching philosophy a few years ago I wasn’t too sure who exactly I enjoyed learning from but I did like important pieces from a variety of educators.  Working in a Title I school I find myself working with students who are trying to meet the needs of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.  Jean Piaget is another educator who I find myself relating to as I teach children with disabilities.  By understanding Piaget’s theories, educators can understand where children are in their learning.  And finally Lev Vygotsky is another educator I respect and hear from professors.             Abraham Maslow developed his theory, Hierarchy of Needs, in 1943 after studying human development.  He believed people would obtain a goal if they were motivated enough to fulfill their needs.  For example, if one decides to attend a social event such as a dance they...

Mr. Myers is a New York Times best-selling author who has written over 100 books.  He grew up in Harlem after his mother died when he was two years old.  His love of reading happened after being teased about his speech impediment. Mr. Myers dropped out of high school to join the Army; after he struggled finding his place in the world he began to write.  Mr. Myers became an ambassador for the Library of Congress and encouraged children to read.  In this video for PBS, Mr. Myers talks about reading is not optional. To survive in life today one must read because almost every job requires some form of reading. http://youtu.be/nUJ37nrfNV4