From the Desk of Kelly Harmon
October 2014 Newsletter
Dear Educators,
-Kelly Harmon & Randi Anderson
Guided Reading Starts Now!
Here are a few tips for making your reading groups effective:
1. Clearly identify the learning target ( i.e. reading strategy and authors craft that you want students to practice). Be sure to use beginning-of-year assessments and observations of the students during reading to determine the learning targets for practice.
2. Identify students who need this practice. Remember, not every student in your class needs to practice every strategy or skill. Groups membership should be based on need rather than solely reading level. Some students may already be effectively applying the reading strategy and therefore really don't need to guided practice. Some students may be ready to move to a "book club" practice setting rather than guided reading. Read More...
Practice Matters!
As I travel around to different districts and schools, I've noticed a difference in definition when it comes to shared, guided and independent practice. Having common verbiage and practice is crucial to students' success.
Students need both guided and independent practice in order to develop as strategic, autonomous learners who can deal with cognitively complex situations. When learning new processes, strategies, and skills, students need frequent structured guided practice. This practice should be closely monitored by the teacher and provide students with feedback as they apply the new understandings and behaviors. Read More...
Teaching Writing Genres
The basics of Personal Narratives
- It's a REAL story (no fantasy elements)
- It's about YOU!
- It's a story (Problem/Solution or Problem/Theme)
The basics of Expository
- It's NONFICTION or true, factual information;
- It's NOT a story; and
- It EXPLAINS.
The basics of Imaginary Stories
- It is a story;
- It has FANTASY (Not Real);
- It has CHARACTERS and a SETTING; and
- It can be about others or yourself.
Fall 2014 Workshops
Guiding Readers: Strategies for Strengthening Comprehension
October 8, 2014
8:30am-3:30pm
San Antonio, TX
Learn strategies for assessing students’ literacy needs and planning instruction to match those needs. Participants will explore a variety of differentiation methods for grouping students for reading instruction. Click HERE for more information!
12+1 Strategies for Helping Your Students Master the Writing TEKS
8:30am-3:30pm
San Antonio, TX
Spend the day learning how to strengthen your writing instruction to increase students' writing skills. Learn research-based techniques and strategies to implement right away in your classroom.Click HERE for more information!
Literacy Centers and Reader's Theater! A Winning Combo!
8:30am-3:30pm
San Antonio, TX
Learn how to create meaningful learning stations activities where students work with partners or independently during small group reading time. Add a ten-minute-a-day reader's theater and you've created the perfect recipe for accelerating reading achievement. Click HERE for more information!
Texas Ipad Training!
Dallas, TX- Oct. 21, 2014
Houston, TX- Oct. 22, 2014
San Antonio, TX- Oct. 23, 2014
El Paso, TX- Oct. 24th, 2014
Join Kelly Harmon for a fun and interactive seminar focusing on practical ideas and strategies for using IPads and IPad Apps in the classroom. Click HERE for more info.
Texas Literacy Resurces
Email: kelly@texasliteracy.com
Website: www.kellyharmon.net
Location: 26440 White Eagle Drive, San Antonio, TX, United States
Phone: 817-583-1290
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Texas-Literacy-Resources/185551092170