ACE MS Literacy Newsletter
Middle School Literacy | SEP 2017 YEAR 3: VOL. 1
In this Edition:
Balanced Literacy Focus: Independent Reading & Tight Transitions
Instructional Resources: 2nd Six Weeks Instructional Calendars & Writing Cycle
Upcoming PD: Bernabei, ACE Writing Academy
Announcements: Classroom Contest! & ACE Website
Celebrations
So much research proves the power independent reading can have, as an ACE feeder we have committed to providing this sacred time for the first 20 minutes of our block.
Click the link above for more on independent reading!
Listed below are our 3 goals for Independent Reading, let's spend the next few weeks perfecting this time in our block.
100% Engagement: Have you covered your M&Ms?
Management
- Have you rolled out independent reading expectations?
- Do you have a system for students to check out books and check them back in?
Motivation
Every ACE scholar is a reader! When mentoring a student into a lifelong reader, be sure to foster motivation by addressing these key items:
Just Right Book?
Interest?
Goal? (Lexile and Habits)
Purpose?
Environment?
- Self-Monitoring?
Data-Driven
Students know their reading level and reading goal.
Teacher Conferring
There are 5 parts to a 3-5 min. individual student conference.
Research
Decide (Use your narrative and expository prompting guides to decide!)
Compliment
Teach
- Link
Use a "Go" Signal to Launch Students
Do your students begin moving before you finish giving directions?
Do they turn in their seats, reach for materials, or begin standing and conversing with classmates before you even finish talking?
Do you find yourself gradually raising your voice, trying to get in that last bit of instruction before the din overtakes you?
The ‘Go’ Strategy
The ‘go’ strategy is a simple and effective way to stop your students from moving on—mentally or otherwise—until you’ve finished explaining all of your directions.
Here’s how it works. Just before giving your directions insert this one statement: “When I say ‘go’ I want you to…” (Then give your directions.)
As soon as you finish talking, pause a moment or two and say, “Go!” By giving this particular verbal cue, your students will learn to wait and listen until all directions are given before getting to work.
Click here to read full article!
Use Music to Transition
Instructional Resources:
Hot off the press: 2nd Six Weeks curriculum calendars (view 1st six weeks here)
When reviewing these calendars, pay close attention to the genre for the week. Select a great mentor text in line with the genre for the week and practice the SE’s listed for each day with that model text. Also- use the STAAR aligned question stems in the document to write your DOLs!
Writing Cycle Suggestion:
Feeling stuck getting your writing workshop up and running? Or maybe you’ve heard us talk about 11 minute essays and Grammar Keepers but not sure how to plan them into instruction?
Take a look at this writing cycle suggestion to get started!
Upcoming PD:
ACE Writing Academy: Mastering the Writing Block
*Supplemental pay provided!
Saturday, Sep 30, 2017, 09:00 AM
Onesimo Hernandez Elementary School, Maple Avenue, Dallas, TX, United States
Bernabei Fall Writing Workshop
Monday, Oct 2, 2017, 08:30 AM
Fort Worth, TX, United States
Announcements
Win a Classroom Library!
We are looking for the classroom that does the best job of supporting balanced literacy, is organized, and creatively fosters an environment that promotes readers for life!
Winner Receives: Classroom Library books, noise-canceling headphones, and class supplies!
Contest Rubric, click here!
Observation Window: October 9th-13th
Winners Announced: October 16th
ACE Website: www.acedallasisd.com
Celebrations
You can see the intense concentration, love of learning and cognitive engagement our students have experienced these first few weeks of school:)
Accelerating Campus Excellence
Email: jhealey@dallasisd.org
Website: acedallasisd.com
Location: 408 North Haskell Avenue, Dallas, TX, United States
Phone: 972 925 3669
Twitter: @ACEDallasISD