I'm Still Here!

In all my infinite wisdom, I signed up for my first grad class last month- not really thinking that the 4 week course would be that big of a deal this time of year. Well, I couldn't have been more wrong. Not only am I trying to close out interventions, collect and analyze data, but I am also trying to complete 4 months of grad work in 4 weeks. So...as soon as that final paper is done, I will return to the blog world. If anyone has any words of advice or encouragement, I'm all ears! Until then, have a great rest of your school year and check back-new ideas on the horizon:-)

She's Got the Look!

Just a quick post to let everyone know that one, of my two inspirations for starting this blog has a brand new look! Head over to The Plaid Apple and check out Kelly's awesome new color scheme.

An Invitation for Summer Reading

I'm really NOT trying to think about next year and summer vacation, but it's really hard to not start planning ahead. So, to guiltily be thinking ahead AND be productive, I started thinking about what we could do to keep our students reading over the summer.

The first gem I have come across is Goodreads.com. This site allows you to keep track of the books you read and have on your shelves, but would also be a great place to "gather" your students. You can create a group for your class, make them members and then everyone can comment, suggest and review books. This site has a great search engine, 1000s of titles AND shows the cover art for each book...an important feature to attract young readers.

If you click on the link in the sidebar, it will take you to my bookshelves. I have listed books I've read, mentor texts I've used for Reading & Writing Workshop, BOY read books (my latest passion) and PART of my professional book collection (I haven't finished the inventory yet). Like so many of you, the latter is a bit of an addiction.

                                                    My Nightstand at Home

                                             One of two cupboards at school

I'm working with my Reading and Media Specialist on a whole school summer reading idea, so stay tuned as we try and pull this together.

If anyone has great books that I need to add to my "shelves", let me know. Have a great week!

LEARNING CONFERENCE 2012

Hey Michigan teachers, if you're looking for a great summer conference, look no further! Check out LEARNING CONFERENCE 2012 being held in Birmingham, Michigan
June 20-21, 2012. All sessions will be at the Groves/Birmingham Conference Center.

 Click on the logo below to see a cool video!

If you want more info, visit www.birmingham.k12.mi.us

Finally Getting Started

I finally did it! After stalking, I mean browsing, through several blogs thanks to my neighbor passing on another of HER addictions (thank you Kelly!), playing with the idea of setting up a blog, having a conversation about my Personal Learning Network (PLN) and then literally being pushed off the cliff after a teaching buddy set up a blog account (thank you Joan!)... I am publishing my 1st post!

As an Instructional Specialist, I am a resource for teachers, an interventionist for students and wear whatever other hat someone can put on my head. Check back often for teacher resources and intervention ideas. I work in a K-5 building, so IT'S ALL ELEMENTARY!