The Literacy Connection
Reading Program
Texas A&M University-San Antonio
2017
November is NANOWRIMO!
National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to creative writing.
On November 1, participants begin working towards the goal of writing a 50,000-word novel by 11:59 PM on November 30.
Valuing enthusiasm, determination, and a deadline, NaNoWriMo is for anyone who has ever thought about writing a novel.
November Picture Book Month
Faculty favorite picture books are below:
Dr. Rebekah Piper
Dr. Ramona Pittman
Dr. Tasha Vice
She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World was written by Chelsea Clinton and illustrated by Alexandra Boiger. Clinton shares stories of American women who have been persistent in their efforts to shape the world for better. For so many, persistence is the defining quality needed to succeed. This is true of readers, too. That’s why I love this book. This is the perfect picture book for emphasizing mindfulness and resilience for readers who are working to overcome challenges and achieve their own dreams.
Dr. Jenny Wilson
Dear Mr. Blueberry by Simon James is my favorite picture book because of the fanciful imagination of Emily, the main character. While she believes that a whale lives in her garden pond, her teacher Mr. Blueberry remains intent on teaching her that a whale most certainly cannot survive in such a place. I love this book because as teachers sometimes we forget that truth might not be as important as the imagination.
Ms. Jeanne Cantu
U.S. Marines fighting in the Korean War found a bedraggled sorrel mare and taught her to serve as their packhorse carrying ammunition too heavy for soldiers to carry. The book details how the soldiers trained her and described her humorous activities with them. She marched in many battles and became the only animal to ever officially hold military rank and receive two Purple Hearts. This is an inspiring story of the brave horse who became a Marine. Sergeant Reckless: The True Story of the Little Horse Who Become a Hero is written by Patricia McCormick and illustrated by Iacopo Bruno.
Mrs. Sarah Collins
Ms. Deborah Gerth
A trip to the dentist – this is a topic that anyone can immediately relate to, so it makes a terrific hook toward audience interest. Doctor De Soto, written and illustrated by William Steig, proves to be a great oral read by the teacher for any level student as a reading/writing connection. Included are rich vocabulary and strong life lessons, such as helping others in the face of danger, overcoming problems, and staying true to oneself.
Ms. Mary LaFleur
Who doesn’t love a silly book? Are You a Horse? by Andy Rash is a hilarious picture book about a lovable cowboy on a search for a horse to ride. It’s a fun read-aloud for children of all ages with a surprise ending that’ll put a smile on your face. Saddle up for a good laugh and enjoy!
Mrs. Teresa Mata
The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams and illustrated by Megan Lloydhas been one of my all- time favorite books to share with my students. I look forward to the fall because I know I will be reading this book. The main character is an Old Lady who confronts various “parts” of the other characters. I like to get dressed up and get into character. I make the “parts of the character” and have the students act out the story as I read. The class loves to read along because of the repeated phrases.
I am a Reader! I am an Illustrator!
Wednesday, Nov 29, 2017, 05:30 PM
Stewart Elementary School, Rigsby Avenue, San Antonio, TX, United States
National Day on Writing
Texas A&M University-San Antonio celebrated by providing the campus community with the opportunity to reflect on the reasons they write. At four areas on campus, participants were able to think about why they write for themselves, for work, for school, and for home. The event was organized by Drs. Bridgman and Piper.
#WhyIWrite @ Work
#WhyIWrite @ Home
#WhyIWrite 4 myself!
“The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.” ― Mark Twain
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Tasha A. Vice is a new Assistant Professor of Literacy at A&M-SA. Tasha Vice was born and raised in Portales, New Mexico. She is married to her high school sweetheart, James. They have two daughters Trinity (16) and Liberty (6).
She first studied at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, New Mexico. There, she earned both a M.Ed. in Education and a M.A. in English Literature. During that time, she researched female characters in American Literature and explored interests in Gothic literature, Paranormal Romance, and classic film noir. While enrolled, Tasha Vice began teaching college reading. Dr. Vice has taught 4th and 5th grade music, 7th and 8th grade reading, college English, college reading, college writing, and college success skills.
After transferring to Texas, Tasha Vice studied at Texas Tech University where she earned a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction-Literacy where her focus was on helping struggling readers succeed. She looks forward to sharing her knowledge of teaching with EDRG students at Texas A & M- San Antonio.
Dr. Vice has published creative works in El Portal Magazine (Poetry, Photography, and Short Fiction) and has published articles for Texas DEPCO and JCASP in Education on the subject of Metacognition for Readers and Writers. She has presented conference papers evaluating the literary elements of fiction and papers on popular culture in pedagogy.
Tasha is always interested in learning something new. So, she has many hobbies including reading, writing fiction, studying music (guitar, clarinet, & piano), yoga, and spending time with her family.
Outstanding Alumni Spotlight
Elissa Gonzales, M.S.
Kristi D. Listi, M.S.
Spotlight on Graduate Students
Kaila Ruin
Kaila is currently completing her student teaching at Stevenson Middle School (8th grade) in Northside ISD. Kaila started the Graduate Teacher Certification Program and continued on to pursue a M.S. in Reading. Kaila lists The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley as the last book that she has read for pleasure and one of her favorites. Kaila spent four years in the Air Force doing cyber security analysis, and she decided to further her education because teaching was her true passion. Kaila is from Warsaw, IL.
K. Rachel Snow
K. Rachel Snow is from Castroville, TX. Her favorite book is A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin. She lists movies, riffing, and writing as favorite hobbies. After being inspired by the Reading Program's faculty and her Graduate Research Project, she has decided to pursue a doctorate degree in creative writing.
Ebony Tinajero
Ebony is from San Antonio. Although certified as an EC-6 ESL teacher, she is currently employed as a substitute teacher with Northside ISD. Ebony's favorite book is Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. She enjoys crafting, reading, and window shopping. Something interesting about Ebony is the fact that she married her husband after knowing him for three months, and they have been married seven years.
Undergraduate Students' Spotlight
Josefina De La Rosa
Ms. Gerth would like to shine the spotlight on Josefina. "Every time she enters "Reading in the Intermediate and Middle Grades" course, she is always prepared and knowledgeable". Ms. Gerth believes that she brings that spark to classroom discussions and small group activities. During her group's oral presentation on Copper Sun by Sharon Draper, Josefina and her group sparked so much interest that her peers wanted to go out and purchase the book immediately. Ms. Gerth states that Josefina "will light up learning for every student into whatever classroom she enters". Josefina is pursuing an EC-6 certification. She is from El Paso, TX, and she enjoys gardening.
Josephine F. Tschirhart Harmon
Trent Mendosa
Ms. Cantu would like to shine the spotline on Trent. She states that Trent is an outstanding student in EDRG 3315 and a welcomed tutor at Southwest ISD. He is always engaged and interested in classroom activities and is committed to working with two young children at SWISD. Trent was born and raised in Seoul, Korea and just a few years ago relocated to the United States. During his high school years in Seoul, Trent mentored and tutored other students. Trent cites his interest in becoming a teacher to several excellent teachers he had. Trent’s degree plan includes Generalist EC-6 and Special Education.
Literacy Lock-In at Beacon Hill Elementary
The students enjoyed completing a book tasting activity, where they sat in a "restaurant" and used a book tasting menu to preview three different books. In addition, the students completed an art activity by using their comprehension skills (visualization) to draw a scene from their book.
The students were really excited to complete a scavenger hunt based upon finding items related to their book. The building's lights were turned off as the students used flash lights to work in pairs to find the needed items, in which they used IPads to take pictures or video of each item.
This was a well-attended event, and both teachers stated that they will attempt to have another lock-in in the spring for those students who were not able to attend. Two additional teachers, Ms. Frost and Mr. Kavulic, assisted Mrs. Barrera and Mrs. Puga-Aburto with the event. Mrs. Nelson, principal of Beacon Hill, attended the event, as well as Drs. Pittman and Wilson.
3rd and 4th graders
Book Tasting
Mr. Kavulic and Mrs. Barrera
Powering Up Your Literacy Skills Parent Workshop at Gates Elementary
Cohort I graduate students, Ariana Moreno and Angel Prado, conducted a parent workshop at Gates Elementary in San Antonio ISD. The workshop focused on increasing parents' self-efficacy to assist their children with literacy related skills such as comprehension. The purpose of the workshop was to also empower parents and to make them aware that they are their child’s first and most important teacher. Providing parents with literacy skills will enhance the child’s ability to have high expectations for their work. Parents were able to partner with the teachers by learning strategies utilized in the classroom and ways to implement literacy strategies at home.
Teachers modeled a read-aloud demonstrating the use of think marks and thinking stems. The parents practiced making responses in a double-sided entry journal. Parents were free to ask questions along the way. At the end of the workshop, the parents were able to pick up a free book and sign up online for a library card. Teachers and parents truly enjoyed the collaboration, and both groups look forward to more events in the future. The participants included seven parents, Drs. Piper and Wilson, Dorothy Abadias (Parent Liason for Gates Elementary), and Sonya Mora (Principal at Gates Elementary). The parent workshop was one part of two literacy initiatives the students enrolled in School Wide Literacy Leadership had to complete.
8th Grade Book Clubs at Woodlawn Academy
This semester, graduate students, Raul Flores and Annette Jones, have been running book clubs at Woodlawn Academy with 8th graders. Mr. Flores’ groups have been reading Diary of a Part Time Indian and discussing power and agency in families, while Ms. Jones’ group has been reading Wolf Hollow and discussing bullying. Ms. Jones will continue her book club until December because of such high interest.
Building Readers at Home Parent Workshop at Will Rogers Academy
Myrna Chavarria, graduate student and Cohort 1 teacher, worked with her campus staff at Will Rogers Academy in San Antonio ISD to offer 1st and 2nd grade parents a workshop entitled, Building Readers at Home: Teachers and Parents Working Together. The purpose of the workshop was to inform parents of the crucial role they play in building their child's early literacy skills so that they can instill the love for reading into their children. Specifically, oral development was highlighted, and parents were given ways to increase their child's oral language by talking to-, reading to- their child, telling him/her family stories, and making sure their child speaks in complete sentences.
The parents were then given the opportunity to experience reading a fluency passage and tracking their oral reading rate. Parents, also, participated in a reading comprehension activity that focused on questioning strategies to utilize at home. The workshop was provided in both English and Spanish and had 56 parents to participate. The event was attended by the Assistant Principal, Mrs. Silva and the Implementation Specialist, Dr. Holly Hill. Other teachers helped cook the spaghetti and sauce, while high school students assisted with passing out plates.
Myrna Chavarria led a workshop session
Teachers who assisted with the spaghetti dinner
Parents participated during the workshop
Professional Development on Co-Teaching in Northeast ISD
Summer Garrison, graduate student, led a successful Professional Development on Coteaching at Hidden Forrest Elementary. This is a part of her larger research project concerning coteaching and its impacts on teacher efficacy.
Early Childhood Book Club At Carver Library
Family Literacy Night - Camp-Read-A-lot at Hillcrest Elementary
Throughout the evening, drawings were held, and the students were able to win backpacks and a camp package which included books, a throw, and chocolate with marshmallows. At one station, the students were able to make S'mores with chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows.
The event included participation from several volunteer teachers from each grade level, Jane Carrera (Parent-Family Liaison), Pasty Nester (School Librarian), Adriana Mayces (Cohort I Graduate Student), Mayra Hernandez (Hillcrest teacher and Cohort II Graduate Student), Ilse Flores (A&M-SA Student Intern), Mr. Zapata and his PALS students, Jennifer Sanchez (Principal), and Dr. Pittman. San Antonio Youth Literacy (SAYL) and the San Antonio Public Library provided information for parents. The event was held November 15th from 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Mayra Hernandez helped students make headwear
Students made S'mores
A student won a camp package
Students listened to a read aloud by the camp fire
SAYL and San Antonio Public Library
Priscilla Gallardo announced the next winner
Ilse Flores assisted at the Book Swap
Adriana Mayces helped a student with sight words
Students used shaving cream to spell words
Graduate Students Meet at cafecollege to Work on Their GRP
What is Patricia Leffew Currently Reading?
Ivan, a silverback gorilla, who lives in captivity at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, along with his friends Stella (the elephant) and Bob (the dog). After Ruby arrives (baby elephant) Ivan realizes that changes must be made. In the end Ivan and Ruby are sent to a zoo, where they try to adjust to a new way of living.
Patricia states that she used this book as part of her novel unit for the Secondary Reading course with Dr. Wilson and that she loved the book so much that she decided to use it with her class.
Literacy Organization Spotlight
Texas Association of Literacy Education (TALE) is an affiliate of the International Literacy Association (ILA). TALE's mission is to promote literacy that will enhance the lives of all Texas citizens personally, socially and economically. TALE hosts an annual conference each year, and in 2018, the conference will be held February 23-24 in Canyon, Texas at West Texas A&M University. TALE also has several publications including a journal and a newsletter. If you are interested in learning more about literacy in Texas, advocating for literacy initiatives in Texas, or providing service to the organization, please consider joining. Membership is $10 per year. For more information, visit http://www.texasreaders.org/ .
Faculty and Students Publish in TALE Yearbook
Class Registration
$500 Scholarship for a Full-Time Preservice Teacher with a 3.0+ GPA
Calling all Reading Specialists. . .
Reading Specialist Certification Exam
The Reading Specialist Certification exam (Test Code 151) is given on a continuous basis. Please check http://cms.texes-ets.org/ for more information. For the Reading Specialist Certification Preparation Manual, click the following link http://cms.texes-ets.org/files/6113/5722/7998/reading_specialist_151.pdf. Please check with your Faculty of Record for more details.
Reading Specialist Exam Review Session
November Literacy Events
November 2-5, 2017- Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER) Annual Conference in St. Petersburg, FL. Dr. Piper was accepted to present "Cultivating Effective Literacy Professionals: A State-Wide Analysis of Teacher Educator Perceptions and Preparation Approaches". For more information on the ALER: http://www.aleronline.org
November 16-19, 2017- National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Annual Conference in St. Louis, MO. Graduate students, Lauren Morgan and Summer Garrison, will present "Creating an Inclusive Classroom of Ideas and Cultural Differences: Initiating Change in a Sensitive Classroom". For more information on NCTE: http://www.ncte.org