Hello!
Most of us are getting reading to begin our first full week of school. I'm very excited to try new research-based strategies for literacy in the classroom. I also plan to teach my student how to crochet again and to incorporate that into our literacy block. It was a great success last year and their assessment scores reflect their growth as readers.
In October we will begin our preparations for NaNoWriMo which will begin on November 1. This year I'm teaching 3rd grade so our daily word count will probably be less than the 250 words for my 4th graders. NaNoWriMo is an excellent project for young writers to build their confidence putting words on paper. As a writer, I know how daunting that blank sheet of paper can be. With NaNoWriMo, there is no right or wrong and it's pure imagination at its best. After the first week the students beg to have more NaNoWriMo time in the day!
I know Sleepy Bear is also excited to start-up his book club again for boys and girls. Moosey-Moose has had a fun-filled summer but that was mostly because he skipped out on doing his chores and left Sleepy Bear to do all the work. My students are already reading and responding to both Sleepy Bear and Moosey-Moose. You can do the same by clicking on the links in my list of websites.
I hope everyone has a fantastic year reading and writing.
Kathleen
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
What Is Currently In my Reading Stack
Hello,
I hope you are enjoying your summer and making your way through your stack of summer time reading books. I know I am!
Of course I've been reading along with Sleepy Bear and his book club for girls at Mockingbird Books. You can read his blog for all the details at http://SleepyBearWrites.blogspot.com Plus, I'm reading MY LIFE FROM AIR-BRAS TO ZITS by Barbara Haworth-Attard. This is a YA novel about a 14-year-old girl and her angst-ridden sophomore year in high school. It's quite entertaining! And, I'm reading LOCKED ROOMS by Laurie R. King to satisfy my Sherlock Holmes craving. Oh, and I mustn't forget my daily dose of the New York Times.
I'd love to hear from you and what you're reading.
Happy Reading,
Kathleen
I hope you are enjoying your summer and making your way through your stack of summer time reading books. I know I am!
Of course I've been reading along with Sleepy Bear and his book club for girls at Mockingbird Books. You can read his blog for all the details at http://SleepyBearWrites.blogspot.com Plus, I'm reading MY LIFE FROM AIR-BRAS TO ZITS by Barbara Haworth-Attard. This is a YA novel about a 14-year-old girl and her angst-ridden sophomore year in high school. It's quite entertaining! And, I'm reading LOCKED ROOMS by Laurie R. King to satisfy my Sherlock Holmes craving. Oh, and I mustn't forget my daily dose of the New York Times.
I'd love to hear from you and what you're reading.
Happy Reading,
Kathleen
Monday, July 6, 2009
Blogs and Book Clubs
Hello,
I want to remind everyone about Sleepy Bear's book clubs for kids. He hosts one for girls ages 6-10 in collaboration with Mockingbird Books in Seattle. Sleepy Bear posts his blog for this book club every Thursday. Currently the group is reading THE PUPPY PLACE books. Last month we read BABYMOUSE. Sleepy Bear asks questions of his readers, shares his thinking about what he has read, and learns new vocabulary words.
Sleepy Bear also hosts another book club for boys and girls, no age limit. Be sure to read along with him on his blog at http://sleepybearwrites.blogspot.com/
Of course I can't neglect to mention Moosey-Moose's blog, too. Now, Moosey-Moose is the adventurous one of the two. He loves to travel, but mostly he loves to get into mischief. He often finds himself in some peculiar situations. But, he learns how to problem solve and learns what he should do "next time." You can read all about his travels and adventures at http://Mooseymoosewrites.blogspot.comIf you would like one of Sleepy Bear's and Moosey-Moose's bookmarks (they're double-sided on business card stock, and glossy!), send me an e-mail with your address and I will mail as many as you want, free! My e-mail address is Kathleen@KathleenHunterWrites.com \
Happy Reading,
Kathleen
Monday, June 29, 2009
Summer Reading Is Here
Hello,
School is out for the summer - the time we've all been waiting for. Finally, a chance to catch up on our reading. And that goes for children of all ages, too. But with so many books to choose from, where should we begin?
A great resource for reading lists is your local library. I know the Seattle Public Library has pamphlets with reading lists for children of all ages. From preschool to middle school. Also, many of the local branches have specific summer reading programs.
And of course, you can join Sleepy Bear's book club online. Currently he has a book club for girls ages 6-10 in collaboration with Mockingbird Books in Greenlake, a neighborhood of Seattle. This month we are reading THE PUPPY PLACE books by Ellen Miles. Each Thursday Sleepy Bear writes about what he has read. Children can write to Sleepy Bear with their questions or findings. I personally read each blog comment to check for appropriateness before I publish them.
Sleepy Bear is also in the process of starting his independent book club for boys and girls. Check out his blog for past selections. http://Sleepybearwrites.blogspot.com
Speaking of blogs. The research supports using blogs as a way for readers of all ages to increase their literacy skills and their technology skills! So, if you can't make it to the library, they can read the adventures of Moosey-Moose, too. He's at http://Mooseymoosewrites.blogspot.com
Happy Reading,
Kathleen
School is out for the summer - the time we've all been waiting for. Finally, a chance to catch up on our reading. And that goes for children of all ages, too. But with so many books to choose from, where should we begin?
A great resource for reading lists is your local library. I know the Seattle Public Library has pamphlets with reading lists for children of all ages. From preschool to middle school. Also, many of the local branches have specific summer reading programs.
And of course, you can join Sleepy Bear's book club online. Currently he has a book club for girls ages 6-10 in collaboration with Mockingbird Books in Greenlake, a neighborhood of Seattle. This month we are reading THE PUPPY PLACE books by Ellen Miles. Each Thursday Sleepy Bear writes about what he has read. Children can write to Sleepy Bear with their questions or findings. I personally read each blog comment to check for appropriateness before I publish them.
Sleepy Bear is also in the process of starting his independent book club for boys and girls. Check out his blog for past selections. http://Sleepybearwrites.blogspot.com
Speaking of blogs. The research supports using blogs as a way for readers of all ages to increase their literacy skills and their technology skills! So, if you can't make it to the library, they can read the adventures of Moosey-Moose, too. He's at http://Mooseymoosewrites.blogspot.com
Happy Reading,
Kathleen
Monday, June 22, 2009
Notes From the Classroom
Hello,
Today is our last full day in the classroom so I thought it appropriate to write about the classroom.
I don't use the word "amazing" very often because I think it is often over used. But in this case, I find it appropriate. My students have been truly amazing the past few months with their crocheting activities. I have watched them persevere through their frustrations of not being able to start a single chain stitch, their coasters looking like triangles instead of squares, lost hooks and knotted balls of yarn. Today, they are making gifts for each other of perfectly stitched scarves, square coasters, hats, blankets, and gifts for Sleepy Bear and Moosey-Moose!
During a portion of our literacy block I give them the choice of either reading independently or with a partner, blogging, or crocheting. I also ask them to "mix-it-up" so they are not always doing the same activity. Eventually, they came up with a way of doing it all! For example, a group of girls might sit in a circle at a table to crochet, except one girl will read while the others crochet. After the first girl reads 1-2 pages (they decide beforehand how much each person will read), then she passes the book to the next girl and the first girl will crochet. They continue around the circle until the literacy block is over. And it's not only the girls who are doing this. The boys are equally engaged in their crocheting/reading activity.
For those who choose to blog, they are writing to Sleepy Bear and Moosey-Moose about their crocheting projects and making them their own coasters and a scarves! Check-out their blogs for pictures and comments from the students.
The crocheting/blogging/reading combination has been a great success. My students' literacy skills improved, (we have test scores to prove it, too!), their verbal as well as written communication skills have greatly improved, they have advanced in their technology know-how, and their overall community in the classroom has been a pleasure to watch and be around.
Happy Reading!
Kathleen
Today is our last full day in the classroom so I thought it appropriate to write about the classroom.
I don't use the word "amazing" very often because I think it is often over used. But in this case, I find it appropriate. My students have been truly amazing the past few months with their crocheting activities. I have watched them persevere through their frustrations of not being able to start a single chain stitch, their coasters looking like triangles instead of squares, lost hooks and knotted balls of yarn. Today, they are making gifts for each other of perfectly stitched scarves, square coasters, hats, blankets, and gifts for Sleepy Bear and Moosey-Moose!
During a portion of our literacy block I give them the choice of either reading independently or with a partner, blogging, or crocheting. I also ask them to "mix-it-up" so they are not always doing the same activity. Eventually, they came up with a way of doing it all! For example, a group of girls might sit in a circle at a table to crochet, except one girl will read while the others crochet. After the first girl reads 1-2 pages (they decide beforehand how much each person will read), then she passes the book to the next girl and the first girl will crochet. They continue around the circle until the literacy block is over. And it's not only the girls who are doing this. The boys are equally engaged in their crocheting/reading activity.
For those who choose to blog, they are writing to Sleepy Bear and Moosey-Moose about their crocheting projects and making them their own coasters and a scarves! Check-out their blogs for pictures and comments from the students.
The crocheting/blogging/reading combination has been a great success. My students' literacy skills improved, (we have test scores to prove it, too!), their verbal as well as written communication skills have greatly improved, they have advanced in their technology know-how, and their overall community in the classroom has been a pleasure to watch and be around.
Happy Reading!
Kathleen
Monday, June 15, 2009
Notes From the Classroom
Hello,
In addition to writing about literacy research, ideas to try at home or in the classroom with your child, I am also going to begin writing about situations and anecdotes about the students in my classroom. These are those teachable moments or those 'AHAS" that are priceless.
I'll begin with my student who is a reluctant writer and reading used to be a close second for his least favorite things to do. This student is a 3rd grader.
If you've been reading my blog then you know about my students crocheting in the classroom during our independent reading block. Well, a couple of weeks ago my cat, Angelo, broke his arm from a fall. Yes, cats are supposed be invincible when it comes to landing on their feet but not when they are trying to land on hardwood steps and avoid being caught by their sibling cat. This happened on a Friday night. On Monday morning, my students and I share one item from our weekend. I shared my story about Angelo and how he was going to need surgery later in the week. Needless to say, my students were very sympathetic and passed on their well wishes for Angelo. But one 3rd grade boy really surprised me when he gave me a ball of yarn for Angelo as a get well present. But it wasn't an ordinary ball of yarn. He had crocheted multiple colors of yarn together in one very long chain. Then he rolled up the chain into a ball. He also explained how he secured the ends so the ball would not come apart when Angelo played with it - after his arm was better.
I asked my student if he would write a note to Angelo that I could read to him when I showed him his gift. So, throughout the afternoon my student wrote the note. He asked how to spell Angelo's name and crocheted. At the end of the day he gave me his letter. I was shocked! I asked if he had help writing the letter and he said he wrote it all by himself. Well, the letter was perfect. It had capital letters, punctuation, and all the words were spelled correctly.
It just goes to show, given a purpose, kids will rise to the occasion. And, by the way, reading is now one of this student's favorite pastimes, especially when he gets to read to a group of students who are crocheting!
Happy Reading,
Kathleen
In addition to writing about literacy research, ideas to try at home or in the classroom with your child, I am also going to begin writing about situations and anecdotes about the students in my classroom. These are those teachable moments or those 'AHAS" that are priceless.
I'll begin with my student who is a reluctant writer and reading used to be a close second for his least favorite things to do. This student is a 3rd grader.
If you've been reading my blog then you know about my students crocheting in the classroom during our independent reading block. Well, a couple of weeks ago my cat, Angelo, broke his arm from a fall. Yes, cats are supposed be invincible when it comes to landing on their feet but not when they are trying to land on hardwood steps and avoid being caught by their sibling cat. This happened on a Friday night. On Monday morning, my students and I share one item from our weekend. I shared my story about Angelo and how he was going to need surgery later in the week. Needless to say, my students were very sympathetic and passed on their well wishes for Angelo. But one 3rd grade boy really surprised me when he gave me a ball of yarn for Angelo as a get well present. But it wasn't an ordinary ball of yarn. He had crocheted multiple colors of yarn together in one very long chain. Then he rolled up the chain into a ball. He also explained how he secured the ends so the ball would not come apart when Angelo played with it - after his arm was better.
I asked my student if he would write a note to Angelo that I could read to him when I showed him his gift. So, throughout the afternoon my student wrote the note. He asked how to spell Angelo's name and crocheted. At the end of the day he gave me his letter. I was shocked! I asked if he had help writing the letter and he said he wrote it all by himself. Well, the letter was perfect. It had capital letters, punctuation, and all the words were spelled correctly.
It just goes to show, given a purpose, kids will rise to the occasion. And, by the way, reading is now one of this student's favorite pastimes, especially when he gets to read to a group of students who are crocheting!
Happy Reading,
Kathleen
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Graphic Novels for Boys and Girls
Hello,
I've mentioned before the power of the graphic novel for the reluctant reader but I want to mention briefly how some are especially appealing to both boys and girls.
Sleepy Bear co-hosts a book club for girls at Mockingbird Books in Greenlake, Washington. We meet once a month and it is for girls ages 6-10. Our first book selection was the BABYMOUSE books. The students in my class also read Sleepy Bear's blog so they learned about the book club. Well, it's not only the girls who are enjoying the book club via Sleepy Bear's blog, but the boys are reading BABYMOUSE, too. I can't keep enough of the books in my classroom.
Fortunately for me, I enjoy reading the books just as much as Sleepy Bear and his book club buddies. The authors are a brother and sister team, Matthew and Jennifer Holm.
Happy Reading,
Kathleen
I've mentioned before the power of the graphic novel for the reluctant reader but I want to mention briefly how some are especially appealing to both boys and girls.
Sleepy Bear co-hosts a book club for girls at Mockingbird Books in Greenlake, Washington. We meet once a month and it is for girls ages 6-10. Our first book selection was the BABYMOUSE books. The students in my class also read Sleepy Bear's blog so they learned about the book club. Well, it's not only the girls who are enjoying the book club via Sleepy Bear's blog, but the boys are reading BABYMOUSE, too. I can't keep enough of the books in my classroom.
Fortunately for me, I enjoy reading the books just as much as Sleepy Bear and his book club buddies. The authors are a brother and sister team, Matthew and Jennifer Holm.
Happy Reading,
Kathleen
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