Kelsey's Coaching Corner
December 2018
Teachers' Choice Book List
The International Literacy Association published the Teachers' Choice Books for 2018, so if you are looking for some new titles to share with your students this is a great place to start. The list includes short blurbs about each book and provides suggestions for students K-8. (Click on the link below to see the full list.)
Literacy Tech Tip
I learned about this website by reading a newsletter written by Cindy Hadicke. The site called, "Skype a Scientist", matches scientists with students for up to an hour of Skype time with a real scientist. K-12 classrooms can sign up and choose from many types of scientists including oceanographers, archaeologists, chemists and many more. One really cool feature is that teachers can request under-represented or minority scientists. For example, if you really want to encourage your female students or first generation students to pursue a career in science this gives you a way to promote that connection through a role model scientist with a similar background. The site also provides a lesson plan for the Skype session and a lot of other awesome science links for teachers and students. This would be a great opportunity for your students to practice writing and higher order questioning skills before, during and after the Skype session. Check it out with the link below:
Helpful Ideas for the Holiday Season
I've collected links to some fresh brain break ideas, easy rewards and games to help your kiddos with both focus and fun during the holiday season.
3-minute Brain Breaks
I did the "plates" one with my kids last year and it was such a simple and easy way to get everyone moving and relieve stress. As a bonus, the kids and I always ended up laughing together! :) https://minds-in-bloom.com/20-three-minute-brain-breaks/
Free or Inexpensive Rewards for Students
Upcoming Literacy Activities, Meetings and Events:
- December 5- USD 371 SIT Team Meeting @ 12:30
- December 5- Free Webinar Family Literacy: Empowering Families As Readers https://www.litnetks.org/calendar/2018/12/5/free-webinar-family-literacy-empowering-families-as-readers
- December 7- USD 371 Mindy Applegate LiNK Visit
- December 12- USD 476 Angela Lawrence LiNK Visit
- December 12- Free Webinar Sharing Family Literacy Data https://www.litnetks.org/calendar/2018/12/12/free-webinar-sharing-family-literacy-data
- December 14-LiNK survey due- click on the link below
- LiNK Data-driven Decision-making: INSTRUCTION
- December 14- USD 476 MTSS meeting
- December 17- USD 371 Angela Lawrence LiNK Visit
- December 18- USD 476 Mindy Applegate LiNK Visit
- December 19- USD 476 Maria Ortiz-Smith LiNK Visit
Contact Information
Kelsey Hedlund, Instructional Literacy Coach/Reading Specialist
Email: kelsey@usd371.org
Website: https://www.usd371.org/hedlund-1
Phone: 620-846-2283