Wednesday Resource: Unite for Literacy

What do deserts and books have in common?  According to Unit for Literacy, if a household has fewer than 100 books in the home, it is considered a book desert.  Did you know that in Erie, 50% of homes are considered book deserts?  (http://www.uniteforliteracy.com/corp/esri). Beat the book desert by accessing digital books at http://www.uniteforliteracy.com/. 

Article of the Week: Common Core Standards

Last week I touched on the increased expectations of Common Core Standards.  My entire teaching career has existed in the days of Common Core, so other than my own schooling as a child, I don't know any different!  I would assume most parents would say their only experience with Common Core is through the eyes of their children, not personal experience.

When I put on my parent hat for a moment, what I see my own children doing at school is much more rigorous that I ever attempted as a child.  I think that is wonderful!  As a mom, I want my children to be smarter, kinder, and more successful than their parents.  The downside of this?  It's sometimes hard for me to help them with their homework!  The 6th grade math homework that I see come home is more complicated than what I did in high school - yikes!  My kids bring home homework and tell me that they can't do it my "old fashioned" way.  Sound familiar?  The mom in my wants to say, "If it works, who cares how you get the answer?"  But the teacher in me is thrilled!  Let me tell you why...

I was the kid who could memorize a math formula, but never explain how I solved the problem.  I didn't understand how the Distributive Property worked, but I could solve a problem using the formula.  So one could argue that I really didn't understand math.  Today's students learn several different ways to solve a problem, respond to a story, and explain their thinking.  Each grade level learns fewer concepts, but studies them more in-depth.  We will no longer be producing the "Jack of all trades, master on none."  Today's students will master many concepts!  Common Core Standards tend to get unfair criticism most of the time.  With this week's blog post, I encourage you to take a good look at the Illinois Learning Standards to see just what is expected of your child. https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Learning-Standards.aspx

Classroom Spotlight: Benchmark Testing

The reading/RTI teachers were busy benchmark testing all week, so unfortunately we didn't observe any classrooms.  We did visit every single classroom to test students though, and loved chatting with all of the kiddos!

Wednesday Resource: Epic

We are fortunate to be members of a 1:1 district, where all students have individual access to technology.  Although iPads are sometimes used for fun and games, at Erie Elementary, we use them for learning.  One app that most classroom teachers use is called Epic.  Using the Epic app allows students to have access to tons of digital stories.  Our younger readers can take advantage of the read aloud function, and engage with videos.  This is a free app that you can try at home.  Visit www.getepic.com for more information.

Article of the Week: Journeys Curriculum

Last spring, classroom teachers spent several weeks piloting new curriculum in their classrooms to help choose a new reading series for our school.  Their recommendations were forwarded to the reading committee, where the new Journeys series was chosen.  The vote was unanimous!  We loved the technology resources, support materials, and the comprehensive program.  The increased expectations with Common Core Standards meant we needed to up our game at Erie Elementary (more on that next week!).  Although I won't be using the new curriculum as a classroom teacher this year, I am excited to use the support materials with small groups, and I can't wait to see our amazing classroom teachers implement the program.  My 6th grade daughter has used this program since 2nd grade with outstanding results.  Good things are in store for us this year at Erie Elementary!  Read more about the Journeys program HERE.

Back to School

I hope all of you are enjoying your last few weeks of summer vacation.  I had a fun-filled summer that included trips to soccer tournaments, Adventureland, and an amazing road trip through South Dakota and Wyoming to see Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Devils Tower National Monument, Minuteman Missile National Monument, and Wind Cave National Park.  I also spent my summer as a volunteer literacy and math tutor at GiGi's Playhouse.  I can't wait to hear how you spent your break!

I am looking forward to my new position this year, which will allow me to share my passion for reading with all students as the Title 1 reading teacher.  I received my K-4 reading endorsement in the spring, and will complete my masters in reading with a reading specialist endorsement in May.  We worked really hard to choose new reading curriculum for this year, and I am excited to help implement the series.  I also hope to promote new school wide literacy activities for students, staff, parents, and the community.  Be sure to stop in the new reading room during Open House to tell me all about your summer!