McDougle 3-5 Coach Connection
October 2014
Collaborative Literacy PD
Our first 3-5 Literacy Professional Development on Robust Vocabulary Instruction was a joint effort between 5 specialist from McDougle. Rosemary Campbell reviewed pertinent information covered from last year’s Vocabulary PD. Kris Dunn, ESL Specialist explained how the SIOP strategies and intentional planning assist students. Susie Applequist, Math Specialist, revealed that many words hold multiple meanings in Math and other content areas. She also shared how confusing Key Words can mislead students. Lisa Myles, AIG Specialist, informed the group that highflyers often know only one meaning and use of a word. Finally, Kim Mellor, 2nd Grade Teacher, shared her action research on vocabulary. She showed the group her 8-10 day plan for intentional vocabulary instruction and how she plans to conduct her research. From this collaborative effort teachers began work on their own Vocabulary Units at McDougle.
Read more about Vocabulary Instruction from Lois Huffman
Viva Vocabulary! Be More Nym-ble Part III
By Lois Huffman on August 18, 201
Lois Huffman will be submitting new Viva Vocabulary! posts every few months. Check out this month’s feature, Be More Nym-ble Part II, which is a follow up to this original post. READ MORE at www.ncreading.org
Meet Natalie Sayag
Palmer's Picks K-2
The Big Fat Cow that goes Kapow by Andy Griffiths, (note that's Griffiths with an s)
With a cadence and word choice that resembles Dr. Seuss, and a sense of humor that hearkens to Dav Pilkey, this book of short poems is an excellent choice for children who would like to read Captain Underpants, but still need the short, punchy sentences that one finds in One Fish, Two Fish. The poems (a highlight is "Lumpy-Head Fred") coupled with the scrawled illustrations make for a rewarding experience for a student moving towards reading on his or her own.
Palmer's Picks 3-5
P.S. Be Eleven by Rita Williams-Garcia
Having spent time with their mother in San Francisco during the height of the Civil Rights movement, the girls from One Crazy Summer are now back in Brooklyn, and have to reconcile their new worldview with the traditional ways of their grandmother, the new love interest for their father, and continuing change in the world around them during the turbulent 1960s. This book is an exemplary piece of historical fiction, painting a vivid picture of everyday life during an interesting time in history. Ambitious fourth graders and even fifth graders may need some context for the story, but the prose is engaging for all. Don't hesitate to read this, and the prequel, along with your child, and talk to friends and family members about their own experiences during the 1960s.
Palmer's Picks 3-5
Emperor Picketine Rides the Bus by Tom Angleberger
Finishing off his much-beloved series that started with The Strange Case of the Origami Yoda, Angleberger continues to keep his shockingly accurate tale of life in the testing age of schools full of Star Wars references. The casual dialogue, illustrations, and references to the continually popular space opera make this book feel like an easier read than it is, making it a great choice for students who might be hesitant to challenge themselves with longer books. At the same time, the series is still fun for accomplished readers looking for a book to relax with.