This Week in Photos: 10/6-10/10

October 10, 2014.Reading time 6 minutes.

Second grade students continue working on their Library Advertisement posters. Each group is creating a poster to advertise their assigned section of the library. I asked students to consider: What makes your section of the library exciting? What makes it special? Why should people check out from your section? Once all of our posters are […]

Student Book Review: Jalen’s Review of Warriors, Book 1 by Erin Hunter

October 9, 2014.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Warriors, Book 1 by Erin Hunter You should read this book if you like cats and highly descriptive books. Also, if you like reading about the importance of loyalty, friendship, family, and leadership then you’ll love this book! By the way, if you read this book you will learn about warrior code and Clan battles. […]

The truth about graphic novels

October 9, 2014.Reading time 1 minute.

Ashley FitzGerald, Johnson’s incredible instructional coach, sent me this video on why graphic novels are worthwhile reading materials for our students. Although graphic novels have been embraced in many schools worldwide, some teachers and parents still struggle to see a “comic book” as a legitimate choice for growing readers. “We are realizing more and more […]

This Week in Photos: 9/29-10/3

October 3, 2014.Reading time 3 minutes.

Three year old pre-school students took a walk outside this week, and had the difficult job of choosing just ONE leaf to bring back inside! After reading the book I Am a Leaf, by Jean Marzollo, we put our scientist hats on to study leaves up close. We wanted to answer the following questions: Is my leaf […]

Student Book Review: Lowell’s review of Old Yeller, by Fred Gipson

October 3, 2014.Reading time 1 minute.

Old Yeller by Fred Gipson I think you should read this book because it paints a picture in your mind. The description of the book is incredible. The book has a lot of depressing and hard moments, but that only makes it better. I had a lovely time and I read it twice, I loved […]

Dance Mat Typing

October 1, 2014.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Our third and fourth grade classes are using the online program Dance Mat Typing to practice their keyboarding skills. Strengthening these keyboard skills will make students better and more well-rounded digital citizens, prepare them for the rest of their school career, and set them up for success later in life. Plus, the game is fun! If […]