Beginnings

I love the phrase "Learning is Messy."  For it really is.  A teacher needs to be comfortable with the process of teaching that is not clear cut.  Students need a spiral of learning concepts.  A concept is introduced and returned to throughout the year.  That's why I love The Daily 5 and Cafe Menu.  Reading management and goal setting are wonderful ways to scaffold student learning and create independent readers and writers.  We have been recording our reading stamina and have made it up to 25 minutes.  We are able to write independently for about 15-20 minutes so far.  There are still a few students who have difficulty reading and writing the entire time.  I believe the key to reading enjoyment is to find books that they REALLY enjoy reading.  I also have a few kids who try to take Diary of a Wimpy Kids books, even though the books are too hard for them to read.  My goal by the end of the year is to have a class full of students who sincerely LOVE to read!!!!!!