Texas Literacy Resources
May 2014 Newsletter
Hello Educators!
The end of the school year is fast approaching! Can you believe it's May already?! With the end in view, we know that awards, parties, and goodbyes are all ahead. Here are some ideas to help you have an outstanding end of the school year!
Award Ceremonies
Spice up your awards this season and host a "Red Carpet" Awards show! Use red butcher paper to create a real red carpet for your students. Grab a mic and flashlight (spotlight) to create the movie star atmosphere! Invite family, friends, and staff to join in on the celebration.
Yearbook
Create a 2013-2014 virtual yearbook for your students that they will treasure forever. Take your class pictures from the school year and use iMovie or Photostory (FREE!) to produce a short movie of the school year. Your students will love seeing their year turned into a movie. Play the virtual yearbook at your end-of-the year party or awards ceremony.
Award Ceremonies
Spice up your awards this season and host a "Red Carpet" Awards show! Use red butcher paper to create a real red carpet for your students. Grab a mic and flashlight (spotlight) to create the movie star atmosphere! Invite family, friends, and staff to join in on the celebration.
Award Ideas
- Instead of giving the traditional awards, give awards like "Most Likely to a Millionaire" or "Fashionista Award." This is a great way to celebrate the strengths and positives of every student!
- Most Likely to be President
- Best Smile
- Mathematician Award
- Future Teacher
- The Voice Award (best singer)
- Fashionista
- Most Likely to be on a Reality Show
- Most Athletic
- Class Comedian
- Future CEO
- Rapid Reader (Fluency)
- Superb Speller
- Future Author
Yearbook
Create a 2013-2014 virtual yearbook for your students that they will treasure forever. Take your class pictures from the school year and use iMovie or Photostory (FREE!) to produce a short movie of the school year. Your students will love seeing their year turned into a movie. Play the virtual yearbook at your end-of-the year party or awards ceremony.
Literature Circles for Summer Reading
Will your students be engaged in reading for enjoyment this summer? Even though they aren't at school, ensure that they keep reading by setting up virtual literature circles. Check out Kelly's blog post for virtual literature circles. You'll discover online tools that get students excited about reading and discussing books throughout the year.
Summer 2014
Workshop Offerings
San Antonio, TX
Learn dozens of practical, easy-to-use ways to utilize the iPad as an instructional tool to accelerate student learning and save you time!
Learn practical strategies for using computer applications in your K-6 classroom!
Learn how to plan and implement ELAR routines and instruction for the beginning of the school year!
Learn dozens of practical, easy-to-use ways to utilize the iPad as an instructional tool to accelerate student learning and save you time!
Learn practical strategies for using computer applications in your K-6 classroom!
Learn how to plan and implement ELAR routines and instruction for the beginning of the school year!
- Literacy Centers and Readers Theater-A Great Recipe for Purposeful Practice in the Reader/Writer Workshop Classroom-Aug. 1, 2014
Chicago, IL
- Best Use of iPads and iPad Apps to Enhance Learning-July 7, 8, 9, 2014
One-Day intensive iPad Pre-Institute followed by Two Institute Days featuring 28 new and unique iPad workshops to meet the specific needs of your classroom or school
To Register, visit the workshop link for information.
Visit Our Blog!
Texas Literacy is now blogging! Check out and follow our blog for ideas for your classroom. Click HERE to visit!
Need Help Improving Your ELA Program?
The instructional consultants of Texas Literacy Resources can help you assess your current program strengths and define areas for improvement. We'll help you create an action plan that results in student growth. We specialize in:
- Curriculum writing and planning
- Professional Coaching
- Seminars in Balanced Literacy, Writing Workshop, Literacy Centers, Literature Circles, Guided Reading, Research-based Strategies Highly Effective Teachers Use
- Analyzing data
- ELAR Instruction
- Response to Intervention
- Technology integration
Let us customize a training for you! Please contact us for more information.