Teacher T.A.L.K

A snow day? Really? It’s true! The hard part is that I am torn over it. Part of me really wanted one, the other part knows that snow days mean longer days in the spring. In turn, this means we are just delaying the school year. Let alone, we are losing valuable learning days now. Kids don’t take in as much information the closer we get to summer break. I have no scientific evidence to back this up, just plain old experience. So as much as I enjoy the day off, I can’t help but think this one less day I have to make a difference with my kids. It’s no secret that testing is right around the corner. So, today I will be planning what to do with the kids when we are together to make up for today….this, in between hot chocolate, snuggles with my daughter, and maybe a movie.

April is National Poetry month.  What a great way to get kids engaged in reading while having fun doing so.  Poetry is a great way to get kids engaged in text because it’s short, vivid and can even be funny!

Our Title I students have been using poetry all year to practice their fluency.  We also discuss the main idea of the poems, talk about figurative language, and also do reading responses based on the poems.  All of these are simple activities you can do to help celebrate poetry month in your class.

I have listed several quality websites below that offer lots of great ideas, lessons, podcasts, and more to celebrate poetry month.

1. Reading Rockets Poetry Month – activities, lessons, ideas
2. Poetry Powerpoints – various forms, poems, styles and ideas
3. Poetry Resources for Teachers - includes a Daily Poetry Podcast, slideshows, printables, activities, lessons and more!
4. 30 Ways to Celebrate Poetry Month – New York Times lesson plans
5. 30 Days of Poetry - Learn a different form of poetry each day with examples and activities
6. Magnetic Poetry Page
7. Giggle Poetry - Funny poems, poetry theater, and MUCH more!

Who knew there were so many vocabulary resources out there!  I know this has been a constant discussion between teachers all over all building.  Many of our students lack vocabulary knowledge which we know hinders their ability to make connections and predictions to texts they are reading, which ultimately effects their comprehension.

I have recently come across two great websites that can be easily incorporated into your reading block.  Both sites offer pictures, easy to read definitions, and example sentences.

• Weboword – shows simple pictures and definitions.  Their word bank is more uppper level and not very extensive.  However, you can have your kids submit their own drawings to go along with vocabulary words you are doing in class.
• Word Ahead- Vocabulary Videos:  Has over 500 words with pictures and sentences that kids can listen to .  This is yet another site where students can also upload their own video clips of vocabulary you are working on class.

I am amazed at the vocabulary resources that are everywhere!