Teach Outside the Box

My third graders had a blast exploring “hook” sentences this week! Essentially, a “hook” sentence is any sentence or phrase (usually within a narrative) that captures or recaptures the reader’s attention, either through surprise, humor, or interest. This week, my objective was for my students to begin using “hooks” as introductory sentences in their journal entries, with the purpose being… Read More

My students are rocking and rolling with daily journaling, and I have two personal objectives for the next two weeks: 1) Informally assess what they already know, identify challenges, and plan for my Interactive Writing instruction 2) Allow students time for free creative writing (without prompts) to foster a LOVE and excitement for writing Thus far, my objectives are being… Read More

For the past five years, I’ve been using the same “menu” format for Literacy Centers and have modified it as I’ve taught first, second, and third grade.  Prior to that, I’d tried every system in the book…stations in the classroom, mobile tubs, wheels, rotated charts, assigned centers…all of which “worked” for the most part, BUT left me with the same… Read More