#INspirEDlit
Vol. 15
Teacher Appreciation Week: May 6 - 10, 2019
The Literacy team wants to take a moment to say a huge “Thank you” to the extraordinary educators, coaches, and administrators who make a difference each and every day. Education can be a thankless job, but please know, we see you and all you do! Every day you are appreciated.
National Teacher Day:
“In 1953, Eleanor Roosevelt persuaded the 81st Congress to proclaim National Teacher Day—a day to honor teachers and recognize the lasting contributions they make to our lives.”
–National Education Association
“We need many changes and, I am sure as the years go on, we will need more. But we have done a very good job in giving education to the children of our country and I hope we will continue to do so. One way to encourage teachers is to do them honor on National Teachers Day.”
"Open Letter to Teachers"
John Spencer created a thank you to all the teachers out there who are making a difference.
Please take a few minutes to watch this inspirational video.
Literacy Summer Professional Development
Please join the Indiana Department of Education as we collaboratively
open the next chapter of Hoosier Literacy!
All preschool through grade 12 educators and administrators
are welcome as we will have sessions for everyone!
Locations and Dates:
June 6 at Clarksville High School
June 17 at Lafayette Sunnyside Intermediate
June 19 at Jasper Middle School
July 8 at Lake Central High School
July 9 at Raymond Park Middle School
July 23 at Woodlan Jr/Sr. High School
July 25 at Plainfield High School
Literacy Framework Phase II
The Literacy Framework is still in development. Elementary practice examples will be published in May! Use this tool as you curriculum map and plan for next school year.
We want to hear from you! Please follow this link to complete a brief survey about the Literacy Framework.
Ideas and Insight
Kindergarten Updates
For the latest updates about Kindergarten requirements, check out the House Enrolled Act 1001 -- Kindergarten Entrance and ADM Funding guidance. Click here to visit the IDOE Kindergarten webpage.
You can also find kindergarten readiness documents in English and Spanish! These are awesome documents to utilize for incoming families.
End-of-Year Reminders and Ideas
Recycling Markers, Dry Erase Markers, and Highlighters:
Don't throw away old markers at the end of this year! Crayola has a program called ColorCycle that accepts all brands of plastic markers including dry erase markers and highlighters. For more information, see the Crayola site here.
10 Free Elementary Websites for Summer Learning:
1. My Storybook- Create your own story and watch it come to life!
2. Wonderopolis- What are you wondering about?
3. Nat Geo for Kids- Learn all about geography and fascinating animals.
4. Into the Book- Go "into the book" to play games that practice reading strategies.
5. ABC Ya- Practice math and reading skills all while playing fun games!
6. PBS Kids- Hang out with your favorite characters all while learning!
7. Storyline Online- Have some of your favorite stories read to you by movie stars.
8. Highlight Kids- Read, play games, and conduct cool science experiments.
9. Switcheroo Zoo- Watch, listen, and play games to learn all about animals!
10. Fun Brain- Play games while practicing math and reading skills.
Please note, IDOE will not publish a June newsletter, but will be back in July with fun-filled ideas to energize you for a new school year! Stay tuned!
Summer Reading Recommendations
Teach Like A Champion 2.0
By: Doug Lemov
This teaching guide is a must-have for new and experienced teachers alike. Over 700,000 teachers around the world already know how the techniques in this book turn educators into classroom champions. With ideas for everything from classroom management to inspiring student engagement, you will be able to perfect your teaching practice right away.
Lead Like A Pirate
By: Shelley Burgess and Beth Houf
Pirates are on a constant quest for riches, but PIRATE leaders seek even greater rewards: amazing schools, engaged students, and empowered educators who know they are making a difference. In Lead Like a PIRATE, education leaders Shelley Burgess and Beth Houf map out the character traits necessary to captain a school or district. You'll learn where to find the treasure that's already in your classrooms and schools--and how to bring out the very best in your educators.
Grit
by: Angela Duckworth
As educators, we are always trying to build "grit" in our students.
Angela Duckworth shows anyone striving to succeed that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent, but a special blend of passion and persistence she calls “grit.” “Inspiration for non-geniuses everywhere”.
Literacy & Tech: Thought of the Month!
In the classroom and at home, students use Popplet for learning. Used as a mind-map, Popplet helps students think and learn visually. Students can capture facts, thoughts, and images and learn to create relationships between them.
Connect on Twitter!
1. Tweet about all things LITERACY using #INspirEDlit
2. Follow the hashtag and connect with other coaches and educators
3. Follow @EducateIN for the latest updates from Indiana Department of Education