Literacy Connections
A Roundup of Literacy Links and Connections
Spring 2016
Literacy Connections
Somehow it's May! How did that happen? I hope you're enjoying the (somewhat) warmer weather and are finding time to get outside and enjoy the new buds and blooms.
Remember, if you find information or links that you think would be good to share here on Literacy Connections, please email them to me and I'll add them to a future edition.
My Schedule
Wed PM/Thu/Fri - Pownal
Please remember I have flexibility! This is my general schedule, but I will adjust as needs arise.
If you have a meeting you'd like me to attend on a day I'm not in your school, let me know! I can arrange to be there or we can Google Hangout me in. As always, if you'd like to meet before, during, or after school, let me know and I'll make it happen!
General
Why We Need to See Each Other Teach
A few months ago, I was lucky enough to do some work with both Kindergarten and First grades around guided observation. There is so much power in watching our peers at work and this blog post outlines why we need to keep doing it (with a special thank you to administrators for helping/continuing to make it happen).
Grades K-2
(If you're a K-2 teacher reading this - I am working on a Demonstration Notebook for K-2 as well...)
Book Buzz
Grade K
When a little girl thinks that her best friend James has been saying bad things about her behind her back, she takes action in the form of the silent treatment. As they go about their day and James tries harder and harder to get her to talk to him, they both realize that true friendship surpasses any rumor... or misunderstanding.
A classic childhood situation is brought to life with humor and poignancy with energetic illustrations by Matt Myers and a simple, telling text by Liz Rosenberg.
Grade 1
Grade 2
For as long as she could remember, Diva lived at 11 avenue Le Play in Paris, France. For as long as he could remember, Flea also lived in Paris, France-but at no fixed address. When Flea fl neurs passed Diva's courtyard one day, their lives were forever changed. Together, Diva and Flea explore and share their very different worlds, as only true friends can do.
Grade 3
Perfect for fans of Babymouse and Chris Colfer's Land of Stories, this laugh-out-loud new comic hybrid series will turn everything you thought you knew about princesses on its head.
Grade 4
For Emma, her own dream can't come soon enough. Right before her mother died, Emma promised that she'd do whatever it took to fulfill her destiny, and she doesn't want to let her mother down.
But when Emma's dream finally arrives, it points her toward an impossible task--finding a legendary treasure hidden in her town's cemetery. If Emma fails, she'll let down generations of extraordinary ancestors . . . including her own mother. But how can she find something that's been missing for centuries and might be protected by a mysterious singing ghost?
With her signature blend of lyrical writing, quirky humor, and unforgettable characters, Natalie Lloyd's The Key to Extraordinary cements her status as one of the most original voices writing for children today.
Grade 5
Cassie sets out to uncover what is happening, only to learn that she is a member of an ancient bloodline that enables her to use the Spear of Destiny--a legendary object that can alter the future. Now running from a secret organization intent on killing those from her bloodline, Cassie must--with the help of some friends--decipher the clues that will lead her to the Spear.
Christina Diaz Gonzalez has created a fast-paced thrill-ride of a book, rich with riddles and myth, that young readers will not want to put down.
More Ways to Stay In Touch with Matt
Email: halpernm@rsu5.org
Website: www.mrhalpern.com
Twitter: @Matt_Halpern