#INspirEDlit
Vol. 9
Happy October!
Literacy Framework Reading Foundations
WHEN: Friday, October 26, 2018
WHAT TIME: 9:00 a.m.to 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Indiana Association of School Principals
If you are available and interested in this work group, please fill out the form below! Since this section of the standards is smaller in scale, we will be selective in attendees. We will let you know ASAP if we need you for this day. If you are not chosen for this work group, we will definitely keep your name for our work groups in Phase II of the framework.
Ideas & Insight
National Bullying Prevention Month
For information and ideas about how to incorporate bullying prevention practices into your instruction, visit StopBullying.gov. Here are some books you can use to cultivate empathy and start discussions about being kind in your classroom.
A Bad Case of Stripes
By David Shannon
This is the story of young Camilla Cream, a closeted lover of lima beans and worrier about others’ opinions of her.
Bystander
Eric is the new kid in seventh grade, but in one shocking moment, he goes from being a bystander to the bully's next victim.
Crossing Lines
By Paul Valponi
Volponi, who’s taught teens on Rikers Island how to read and write, asks a big question with this book: Do you want to be the person who fits in with the crowd or the one who stands up for what’s right?Writing Contest for Grade 4!
Did you know that there is a statewide essay contest every year for Indiana’s fourth graders to show what they know about Indiana?
On December 11, Indiana turns 202 years old! The contest has four winners and the winning classes are invited to downtown Indianapolis to help celebrate Indiana Statehood Day at four participating locations: the Indiana Statehouse, the Indiana State Library, the Indiana State Museum, and the Indiana Historical Society.
You can read more about the contest here.
Community Spotlight: Joe Melo
"I’ve been an educator for 19 years as an ELA and ENL teacher. Currently, I'm the ELA coach at Highland Middle School in Anderson, Indiana. I thoroughly enjoy working with teachers on improving instruction, curating resources, and developing curriculum. I have a natural enthusiasm for doing all I can to empower English teachers at the middle school level. I was thrilled to participate in the development of Indiana’s Literacy Framework last spring. I work to equip teachers with new tools that make their jobs easier. For example, I created a colorful and easy to navigate web portal with all the most vital resources our teachers at HMS need. By modeling creative classroom methodologies, I help teachers with their everyday challenges. Recently, following concepts from Kristina Smekens, I launched a campaign on reading comprehension strategies, focusing on the reading comprehension skills using visual imagery of umbrellas and raindrops. To generate excitement, I installed an umbrella display in each classroom as a reminder. I'm very confident in our ELA team, and we have a great rapport, camaraderie, and forward-thinking ability to maximize our classroom impact."
Literacy & Tech: Thought of the Month!
1. Text-to-speech apps assist students with learning disabilities
2. Word clouds let students think outside the box
3. Digital project-based learning encourages comprehension
4. Game-based learning is more engaging
5. Collaborative tools boost writing skills
6. Electronic word reference makes for smarter dictionaries
What ideas would you add? Let us know at #INspirEDlit!
Connect on Twitter!
1. Tweet about what you are excited for this year using #INspirEDlit
2. Follow the hashtag and connect with other coaches and educators!
Rose Tomishima
Sarah Parks-Reese
Jordan Pridemore
Secondary Literacy & ELA Specialist
@INelaPridemore