Number 1:
PowToon! Have you seen this? It's so fun and so easy! And of course FREE- or I wouldn't like it. You can make fast and easy presentations/videos to jazz up your life! I am already thinking of some fun ones I want to make- they will be about Guided Reading, so that might not be as fun as I'd like to think-but still! Check it out!
Number 2:
An APL (Assistant Principal of Literacy) in DCPS told me about this book this morning- and by 11:00 a.m. I was the proud owner. This book takes what we know about Balanced Literacy and good teaching and couples it with a fresh look at how we approach those things now in the light of the Common Core State Standards. Don't tell anyone, but it's gonna rock my world! I have already devoured the chapters on Guided Reading and my highlighter was put to work. Several of the quotes are already in my PowerPoint for use in January's PD Day in the District of Columbia. Woo hoo! Melissa is learning new things and gaining new ways to think about things I knew!
Another book, yes, but a different topic! This book is a new take on Writer's Workshop. Well, not really a new take, but some reflection by teachers who have been doing it as long as I have! Literally- she is only a year older than me. So it is neat to see her take on things, her learning curve, her triumphs and trials. My highlighter is at work again inside this text too! That feels good. It's been a while since I've had time to read professionally. It's a MUST if you ask me. So I'm going to see if I can finish these two by the end of November- worse case- by the New Year?! Wish me luck.
Do you have a favorite thing? Don't keep it a secret! Tell me in a comment!
