Why I Never Choose A Theme For My Classroom

Why I Never Choose A Theme For My Classroom

Each year as I began decorating my classroom, preparing for a new group of children, I've held a special tradition. I never chose the theme-I let them. I believe this created a greater classroom community and sense of pride and ownership among myself and my students. Those four walls were by no means only mine. I shared them with 20+ people for 180 days. 
So how do you have your students choose a theme? Here's how I've done it.
1. In my welcome back letter, I asked each child to think of an animal that would make a great classroom name for our class. Thinking of the qualities of that animal and bringing any research in on the first day is encouraged.
2. Within the first few days, during classroom meetings I listed every animal child's suggestion. We took it VERY seriously. No one was allowed to shut down anyone else's suggestion.
3. We voted! This took several rounds of semi-finalists and finalists. The excitement and anticipation builds and a final decision was made!
4. Once the animal is decided, that became our entity for the whole year. They proudly wore that name, and no future class could use it again until they graduated from high school!
(Some of the names we've had were: koalas, tigers, pandas, gorillas, chinchillas, penguins, flying squirrels ) I kept a small poster with all the semi-retired animal names.
5. Once we had a animal theme established we found books, articles, and pictures to hang or display in the classroom library. Every notice I sent home had the animal image on it. The class newsletter and website had that image and a special name. I found small rewards or make printable ones with that animal on it. (I'm NOT a huge extrinsic reward giver, but a few small things like a teacher-made coupon, bookmark, or pencil is fine with me from time to time.)
My classes have LOVED this tradition and I hope yours will too! I would love to hear your feedback!
-Emily :))
TRT/OG



Seven Back To School Read Alouds For The Classroom

Greetings Reading Friends!
I'm staying at home with my children this year! I'll miss being in my classroom, but I feel like I am able to give back in a new way by sharing with a larger audience.
Many teachers have come to me over the years asking for book suggestions to read aloud to their classes in the first few days of school.
Sooo, here's my list of favorites!
1. The Important Book by: Margaret Wise Brown
I've always incorporated a get to know you writing activity with this fav. The finished piece makes a nice presentation for Open House night.
2. First Day Jitters by: Julie Danneberg
I love the perspective of the teacher in this book feeling nervous about the first day, which we don't find out until the end. Seeing the looks on my students faces at the end of the story was priceless.
3. Prairie School by: Avi
Noah thinks reading isn't important on the prairie, but his Aunt changes all that. Noah learns the power of reading and lifelong learning. There's great discussions to have about the importance of reading with this book.
4. Donovan's Word Jar by: Monalisa DeGross
Donovan collects words! After reading this short chapter book, I always started a class word jar with my class and we became word gatherers just like Donovan all year long! The ideas are endless.
5. My Teacher's Secret Life by: Stephen Krensky
The student narrator humorously explains what teachers do after hours at school. He's shocked to see his teacher outside of school doing things other people do!
6. Enemy Pie by: Derek Munson
This book has a powerful message of friendship. There's a fun Enemy Pie website to check after you read the book too!
7. And my most favorite? (drum roll, please) The North Star by: Peter Reynolds
 The message is simple, but powerful: Follow your own journey. See how the little boy in this story finds out. This book has incredible character-building life lessons. There's a North Star website as well with mini posters to print out and use during morning meetings. There's even a North Star classroom curriculum!
Feel free to comment on any of these books. I'd love to hear if you have a favorite not mentioned in my list. Happy New School Year!

Responding to Text

Greetings all! First of all, thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you're new to my blog or FB page here's some background about me. I blog about a number of things, but mainly best practices in literacy. I love having the opportunity to share what I've done successfully with my students for many years with a larger audience. After teaching 13+ years, I'm home in my role as a SAHM (and loving it!), but I also work with a variety of children, mainly elementary 1:1 with reading, writing (sometimes Math too) or Orton Gillingham instruction.  My OG certification training was extensive. It was a year long course with a 100 hour supervised practicum. It was rigorous and challenging, but well worth every minute! My Master's degree was in Curriculum, Instruction with a Specialization in Literacy. My years of teaching along with my training in OG have equipped me to help my students in a unique way, particularly my struggling readers and writers. I love watching the spark lit in a child when they finally see themselves making progress.

Today I want to share with you a teaching tool I've used with my students that assists with crafting thoughtful reader's response. Many of you may have used reader's response journals over the years for students to reflect on what they've read during independent reading. It provides a nice window into a child's thinking and can be a valuable authentic assessment tool.

My students were required to submit a letter to me once a week about a book they were reading. During my early years of teaching I realized I was not providing enough modeling or practice to see any growth in their responses. Furthermore, the students that struggled with writing REALLY struggled with reader's response. They would dread the whole process and need an adult to sit by them to complete it. Changes had to be made.
I'm one of those teachers that even though I may teach the same lesson every year, I'm NEVER satisfied. I need to make changes (even little ones) every year in hopes of making it better. So here's what I came up with: the reader's response scaffold! It's a writing frame for students to use in their notebooks for however long YOU think they need to get the hang of crafting a deeper reflection. So here's the mantra I followed:

*I DO IT.

*WE DO IT.

*YOU DO IT.

That good ole gradual release of responsibility is critical if you want new learning ownership. And really, think about what a scaffold is in real life on a construction site...SUPPORT! Without it, what happens? Things come crashing down...at first. As you build more, less scaffolding is needed until none at all.

When I began for the first time I modeled it, CAREFULLY, with a book we all knew and read. This went on for a few days, sometimes longer. Then, we did one together. I think this step is even more important than they first, because they are no longer just watching you. They have to do it too! Plus, you need to watch for any misconceptions or misunderstandings. Clear those confusions up swiftly and allow kids the time to ask questions.

Finally, the big shift-THEY DO IT.  It's kind of like letting go of the bicycle after holding on to the back of the seat for awhile, but they can do it. I guess that's why I love how differentiated writing scaffolds can be. Some need them for a short time, while others longer. It all depends on the student. The feeling of ownership when they finally grasp how to craft reader's response it empowering. I encourage you to try scaffolded reader's response and let me know how it goes!
Here's the link to my TPT store to purchase my reader's response writing scaffolds.
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Readers-Response-Scaffolds-for-Fiction-and-Non-Fiction-751423

10 Fresh and Creative Ideas for Hooking Reluctant Readers

Background

It's the child that skims, or bounces from book to book but never finishes. It's the child that just can't seem to settle down or protests when it's time to read.  It's the child that just won't take any recommendations from parents or teachers when it comes to choosing books. The case of the reluctant reader can be a tough one to crack. I've worked with hundreds of children over 13 years, and I've seen these poor reading habits many times. Parents have come to me in conferences stating their child just doesn't want to read or can't settle into a book. One parent even offered a chance to receive a large gift if they finished a certain chapter book. Sadly, that reward wasn't attainable for the child. 

A Few Differences

I want to be clear and say you may work with a struggling reader, a reluctant reader, or both a struggling AND reluctant reader. A struggling reader may need support in fluency, phonics and decoding, comprehension or all of the above. I've worked with some children that despite their needs, they plug along and enjoy reading. The reluctant reader may not have any notable areas of weakness, but at times like a struggling reader, not enjoy the act of reading. A struggling and reluctant reader has the mountain to climb in becoming a successful reader who enjoys sitting with a good book. It is our job to learn about the children we are working with in a variety of ways. I'll share some ways I've done that in this post, as well as ideas for reaching struggling and reluctant readers which I have personally put into practice.

Where To Begin?

Climate is everything.

It's the strategic placement of books (even the covers facing out when on display, if possible) EVERYwhere. It's the organizational system for categorizing books, by genre, author, and topic. It's the cozy and inviting book nook, and the quiet reading spaces, that shows a child one thing: Reading is front and center in this classroom or home. But more importantly, it's not just the physical space. It's the attitude that exudes from a teacher or parent about reading that draws a child. Enthusiasm is an absolute MUST. Children learn by example as we all know, so naturally seeing excitement over books is contagious!

Reading Interests

Take time to find our your child or student's interests. I cannot stress this enough. Give an interest inventory. Share those interests so your budding readers find commonalities among their classmates. Have them bring in a favorite book (old or new) to share at morning meeting the first week or two of school. Interview and assess each child carefully. I've even sent a parent questionnaire home to find out a parent's impression of their child's reading interests.  When you put the pieces of the puzzle together that make up any reader, you'll be better equipped to plan your year with them. Reaching what we teachers and parents want: positive, uphill progress and lifelong learners is the goal.
Now consider taking your reading interests a step further! Gather a bag filled with all your favorite reading material and share what you like about them with your students. Invite parents, and the principal to do the same! When children see the adults around them as readers you make a greater impact. The conversation fills with excitement in the room! Years ago, my classroom paraprofessional shared hers with my class. She shared childhood favorites and what she likes to read as an adult. The real treasure was the reading log she had kept of EVERY book she had read for about 10 years with the dates and rating of each book. Every child wanted to know what she was reading when they were born. :) It was a perfect share and I was so grateful for the difference she made in the lives of our students that year.

Now that the groundwork is set, here are 10 ways to establish a love of reading with your reluctant readers all year.

1.Set up a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly Mystery Reader to read to your class. Have a sign up sheet at Open House night for parents. Invite grandparents, the principal, your spouse or your own parents. All you need to do is send a quick reminder via email when it's their turn. It's very low maintenance but has long-lasting rewards. My students COUNTED on the Friday mystery reader. I read clues about them all week to build excitement and anticipation. Guest readers read a variety of things. Sometimes they'd read the first two chapters of a book just to whet their appetites. I loved that! That book would fly off the shelves after.

2. Take a trip to a local library. Sometimes having the librarian give the book talks is just enough to build more interest. Our town librarian showed a brand new section of graphic novels. Her book talk was a hit. The books were instantly checked out.

3. Read aloud. OK, I know this doesn't sound like anything novel, but I have to stress one point. By third grade I've conferenced with parents over the years that figured since they're child could read, they no longer needed to read to them! Children, especially reluctant or struggling readers, NEED to be read to continuously. It's hearing an expert reader in their ear that builds their listening comprehension, vocabulary, and so much more. Read those classics that are rich in vocabulary that they couldn't read themselves. If you're feeling like you don't have the best read-aloud voice as a parent,  try audio books and listen together in the car.

4. Try technology. I still need the physical book in my hand, but reading on my Ipad has its benefits too. There are tons of free audio book websites and inexpensive apps for children, and they get better all the time.  There are websites that show book trailer videos and they are fabulous! They'll even show you how to make your own.

5. Book choice is key. Letting children choose the books they read may lead to more investment than assigning books, as we know. The reluctant reader has a hard time with book choice. That's when guidelines with choice should be set. Here's an example:
First, I gave my reluctant reader a book bag during their conference. (perhaps a cool bookmark too :))Then, I would have plenty of books with me that I know may grab their attention, or I pop over to the classroom library with them. They needed to choose 6 books with me: 3 easy, 2 just-right, and 1 challenging and put them in their bags. They read those during independent reading time until they finished all 6 books. Checking in frequently was crucial.
The point here is you're embedding choice, but supporting their progress. Reading more easy and just-right books rather than challenging books ensures their progress. It also gives them a sense of purpose, organization, control and ultimately success when then complete all six books. These kids need to feel successful as readers.

6. Dust off the listening center! Kids LOVE listening centers.  Adults however, don't always see it as "real reading" because the story is being read to them. Audio books have numerous benefits and offer a valuable reading experience for any reader, but particularly for the reluctant or struggling reader.  You can even set up a listening center for two at a classroom computer by plugging in a splitter cord for two headphones to plug in and listen. I even like to play the audio version of a story for the whole class when reading a selection from a reading program or textbook.

7. Explore different genres and formats.
-Bring in graphic novels (this genre is exploding with popularity), or magazines like Ranger Rick, Zoobooks, or National Geographic for Kids.
-Find a series they'll enjoy, It's the comfort of knowing the characters and their usual problems that keeps a reader coming back for the next book in a series.  Amazon will even give you that little "you might also like" list of books when you search online for a book to buy. I love that! So if you're child has read Diary of A Wimpy Kid for the tenth time, and you want them to branch out, type it in and you 'll find books of similar interest. 

8. Use Outside Resources. The Junior Library Guild collects the most engaging and highest quality literature for subscriptions to schools. You can apply for a grant to have J.L.G. books come to your school on a monthly basis. They are all beautifully hard cover bound, and organized well by reading proficiencies and genres. I love that teachers get to choose their class preferences.
Another option is to either have authors come to your school or find a high quality bookstore that hosts author visits. The Blue Bunny in Dedham, MA is a treasured bookstore of mine. It hosts many children's authors and always has unique children's literature that appeals to a wide range of readers. Putting a face to a name after you've read a book is powerful!

9. Share! Reading a book is largely a solitary activity as an adult. But for children, we need to make it social! Reading with partners, to younger students or siblings is one way to bring budding readers together. Sharing in poetry readings, reader's theater, book talks, literature circles where they get to choose the book (with guidance of course), can offer a reluctant reader a chance to branch out safely.

10. Provide follow up activities, extensions and enrichment. As a third grade teacher in Massachusetts, I had my students read and research famous people from the state. Then I had them present as that famous person. Parents were encouraged to take their child to the historic site their famous person lived or worked. One of my struggling and reluctant readers chose Henry David Thoreau. His parents took him to Walden Pond.  This brought his research alive! He was the best Thoreau I had ever seen present as a result of his new appreciation. Another teacher I worked with always dissected owl pellets after reading Poppy by Avi! I m not suggesting that each book be accompanied by a book report or diorama. Hooking these readers with a hands-on, authentic experience before, during, or after a book will make a deeper, more-lasting impression. We as teachers and parents owe that to our children.

If you are interested in where some of my ideas that I used in my own classroom came from here are some references. I appreciate and welcome your comments.

Thank you for reading!
Emily Gibbons www.facebook.com/TheReadingTutorOG

References

1. Beyond Leveled Books by: Karen Szymusiak and Franki Sibberson (Stenhouse Publishers, 2001)
2. Reading Essentials: The Specifics You Need To Teach Reading Well by: Regie Routman (Heineman Publishers,  2003)
3. The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller (Jossey-Bass, 2010)

Websites:
www.scholastic.com/teaching-ideas/beth-newingham

www.juniorlibraryguild.com

www.booktrailersforreaders.com

Five (less squirmy) Places To Read To Your Baby and Toddler

Before I had children, I daydreamed about seating them on my lap each night and reading them bedtime stories. Of course being a teacher, it was only natural that whatever age my someday children would be, they'd be ready to snuggle up on my lap for a good ol' read aloud.
Then...my twin sons were born.
Understand my husband and I are both teachers so the read aloud expectation? Very high.  Trying to wrestle them both onto my lap for a book isn't easy. I know, I know, they aren't even a year old, but...C'mon guys! Mom and Dad have great books! We do ALL the voices.My romantic daydream wasn't so romantic. I had two fussy, squirmy little boys not caring about what happened to Max when he became king of all Wild Things! 
Something needed to be fixed.
I was determined to find ways to turn them onto books, besides just letting them chew them.

Here's FIVE spots you may not have tried but they've worked well for us. Good luck!
1. The tub: Yup, grab those waterproof books and they will listen. If they squeak or rattle, even better.
2. While nursing or bottle feeding: I've been able to bang out several A.A. Milne poems during one of these sessions. Just need a few books nearby. Don't worry if they can't see the pictures.
3. Doctor's office: Our office gives books to our boys at each appointment. Jackpot!
4. While they are playing. I admit, I'd love to have them stop what they're doing, toddle over, and plop on my lap but that doesn't always happen. This is a great time to read one of those special gift books because they aren't close enough to tear the jacket off!
5. And finally..THE MOST POPULAR, LEAST SQUIRMY PLACE?
While they are in their high chairs! This works because we don't necessarily eat meals with them yet. I keep a basket of books on the table and they are all ears. You'll have a captive audience, which if you're a teacher like me, you'll enjoy. :) We actually have tears when we stop. So passing out a few board books for a good chomp fest seems to help.
I hope this encourages you to read more to your baby or toddler each day, no matter where, no matter when! Please comment on any other places that have worked for you! :))

Spreading The Word!

There has been a whirlwind of activity on my FB www.facebook.com/TheReadingTutorOG page this week!! I can't begin to say how grateful I am to several other like-minded page administrators out there that promoted me on their own pages. The Reading Tutor/OG is reaching a bigger audience as a result and the message is getting out there: Help our kids become successful readers and LOVE reading too.It's a tiny little page on a VERY big mission. I call that a tiny victory!
A HUGE welcome to all my new likers.  Having the opportunity to post, tweet, pin, blog about my passion for teaching is a dream come true. I fully admit I'm a little late to the rodeo in the blogosphere. I jump into things head first, (as many of you that know me will say), so sometimes I have to backtrack a bit. That's when I learn the most though. I love a challenge!
Many of you are winding down the school year (still), especially here in the Northeast. Snow days are nice at the time, but...well you know! For many, the last thing you want to do is think about school when vacation officially begins. This may be you, racing out to the Jersey shore or Cape Cod faster than you can say Common Core.

And believe me, teachers NEED a break. However, think of this summer as a growth time too. I love that each year you get a big do-over if you're a classroom teacher. Consider the following:

1. If you haven't gotten on Pinterest...DO IT! The ideas are endless. I'm happy to give tips to anyone just getting started.

2. Join Twitter: I know many of you out there are thinking Twitter is only for following celebs. It's soo much more. You choose who to follow and there's always wonderful education information being tweeted around the clock. If you're curious, find me on Twitter, see who I follow, and follow them too! I will fully admit I follow lots of moms of multiples, being the fearless Mommy of twins that I am. However, I do follow some pretty interesting people and groups that are related solely to topics in education :)) 

And finally...

I'm working on a numerous projects right now, but there is one that I'm especially excited about. You'll definitely want it for your classroom. More details to follow...

If you like what you're reading here, please comment and even consider following my blog. As always i would love to hear about your tiny victories too. Thank you!!

Unpause!

As many of you are just beginning or about to begin your summer vacations, may I just take a minute to congratulate you on a job well done. Your vacation is well deserved in this profession. And like many of you, I always have a few things added onto my plate during the summer months. Rarely will you meet a teacher that isn't taking courses, or working a second (or third!) job.  I think most of us can agree it's important to recharge, rejuvenate and refresh ourselves even for just two months. And one of the nicest perks of teaching is you get a do-over every September! Not too many jobs afford you that opportunity.

So what has been going on these past few months since I've pressed pause on my blogging?
1. Spring Cleaning: (No, my windows aren't done yet!) I'm busy revamping, revising and adding products to my TPT store. One of my most recent products is really useful for teaching the digraphs sh, ch, th, and wh.
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Introducing-Digraphs-Pack-ch-sh-th-wh-725338
Adding resources for Orton Gillingham instruction is one of my goals because the online resources out there are very limited. If you are looking for a particular list for a lesson, let me know.
2. Pinning (No, not the tail on the donkey!) My Pinterest boards are fast becoming oneof my most important education resources. Everything I need this summer as I tutor students is pinned! Love it!
3. Networking: Getting the word out about Tiny Victories and The Reading Tutor has been an exciting process. I'm learning the ins and outs of reaching new audiences. What a journey this is!

Becoming Mobile

My seven month old twin boys are in the beginning stages of crawling. We've got belly crawling, backwards crawling, and rocking on all fours. They're seeking out their own tiny sliceof independence. Knowing this stage was coming I thought...God help us they'll be mobile soon! I'll admit it's a little scary but exciting too. So what do any new parents do? Childproof up the ying yang. We started with those annoying outlet covers, and then...GATES! More blockades, latches, covers to follow. Independence, but with limits. :)
Childproofing holds no guarantees as everyone knows to keep your child out of harm's way. I imagine the day I'll most certainly see two toddlers running in opposite directions. (I picture that happening at the beach.) By then I may have figured out how I'll clone myself to be in two places at the same time...or not. Bottom line, I want safety and protection in place and I'll do everything I can (sans cloning) to put preventions in place. Once again, independence-but with limits.
One month ago today, I dove head first into the pool of social media to devote more time into what I have a true passion about, teaching students to be successful readers and to love reading too. In a way I was learning how to take my passions for the first time and become mobile. Out of the confines of a classroom and at my laptop in my kitchen (in my pajamas), I practiced moving forward. Only difference was-no gates, latches or outlet covers. Just me and my humble opinions took off on a journey. So far, it's been nothing less than a tiny victory.
1. I've finally launched this blog which affords me the chance to write, write, and write! And as we all know the more you write the better writer you become.
2. I've opened my Facebook page www.facebook.com/TheReadingTutorOG which has helped me connect with friends and new faces. Finding new information to post is enjoying and a little addicting.
3. Twitter is surprisingly my new fav. Following like-minded and not so like-minded people from all over the world connects me in a way I never knew was possible.
4. My Teachers Pay Teachers online store http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Emily-Gibbonshas allowed me to share my resources with other teachers that want quality materials that will support all kinds of learners. So often teachers are wrapped up in their day to day routines, in a classroom and it can seem solitary at times. TPT allows new windows to open up filled with fresh ideas.
Becoming mobile along with my newbie crawlers has been an exciting journey. Creative juices are constantly developing and I love it. My boys inspire me for they show me how to look at life with boundless possibility.

Dad Did The Read Alouds

"Read it again Daddy." How many nights did my father hear these four little words? It was the bedtime routine. After a bath we'd curl up on the couch. Most of the time, it was books I had heard so often I had memorized them. I was a huge fan of the repeated read. (See my previous post about why you should reread those old favs.) I'm sure my Dad was probably thinking when will she ever get tired of hearing these? Or maybe sad at the idea that one day I wouldn't want him to read to me anymore. (That day did come sadly, but not for awhile.)

This morning I came across http://yano.co.uk/ 's link for the top ten books for Dads to read aloud. http://yano.co.uk/yano-reviews/book-reviews/
Instantly I was transported back to my living room couch, in my jammies, books in hand, ready to pass them to my father to read. What a basket full of memories to last a lifetime of Dad reading to me and doing ALL the voices. I can still here them in my head.  And I know from experience it isn't about all the money we spend on things for our kids, it's the time we spend with them that truly matters. Dad read every night, no matter what. So...here is a list of the top ten books I had my Dad read to me. Maybe it'll inspire you to read to your kids more often, call your dad, head to a library or local book store or just make time for them. Cheers to books!

10. Frederick's Alligator by: Esther Allen Peterson- No one believes that Frederick has a baby alligator in a shoebox under his bed. Great imagination here. Best line from the whole book? When the alligator comes out of the egg it says, "yonk, yonk."


9. Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs by: Judi and Ronald Barrett- I've heard the movie isn't anything like this book...and I'm glad! The Barretts team up to write about an amazing land-Chewandswallow. Illustrations are vivid. The whole book just appeals to the senses.

8. Helga's Dowry by: Tomi dePaola C'mon, a troll love story? What's not to love? I would crack up laughing at the antics of Boulder Helga and Tree Inga. Helga was too good for Lars!

   




 7. Arthur's Pen Pal by: Lillian Hoban Arthur's got some pretty strong opinions about what girls and boys can and can't do. (What big brother doesn't?) Paired with his little sister Violet, they have the usual sibling disputes. I won't tell you ANYthing about his pen pal!

 

6. Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree by Robert Barry: . OK- I've heard this book easily over a hundred times, and I still appreciate each character and the little rhyme that accompanies them. Good choice for the holidays along with sharing and reusing!


5. Any Berenstain Bear books by Stan and Jan Berenstain! I loved the Bear family. Coupled with some realistic themes and humor, there was always a nice lesson to learn in the end. (Messy Room really spoke to me back then)

4. Uncle Remus Tales- Who doesn't love a good trickster tale? These stories are classic! Brer Rabbit, Brer Bear, Brer Fox came alive when Dad read these. He had a special voice for each one of them.



3. The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper There's a train that carries toys and candy? Where can I get a ticket?! And then it breaks down? This little book has a compelling plot for kids. Plus, you have to love that message of persistence and determination.



2. Oliver Button Is A Sissy by: Tomi dePaola- Another dePaola fav. There's something so comforting about his illustrations. Oliver ends up being a star tap dancer despite what the bullies say or do. Hooray!

 

 And #1. (Drumroll please....) The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton! Hands down, this is my favorite illustrator of all time. Gorgeous details on every page, even the endpapers.Virginia wrote lovely stories for her two boys and this Caldecott winner is a beauty. The little house is stuck in the middle of progress, but time cannot erase the love she holds.


Thank you for traveling with me down memory lane. My own boys will be hearing these books over the next few years. (We're still in the board book department.) And of course, thanks Dad for reading to me every night no matter what. xo
** Feel free to add your favorites, share stories, comment on my books, etc.

HUG!

Hug by Jez Alborough basically has 3 words in it. But the word used the most is...you guessed it, HUG! I found this little gem years ago and fell in love with it instantly. You might say I wanted to give it a hug and say, "Where have you been?" I've given it as gifts a bunch of times. I've read it aloud to kids and adults. If you have put your hands on a copy-please do!

So why the post about Hug? My seven month old twins have recently learned to do just that...hug.  They hug me, they hug Daddy, one even started hugging the other. MAJOR cuteness beyond your imagination. I consider this a T.V. (tiny victory!) for my boys. They haven't even gotten the pleasure of a good ol' HUG read aloud and I'm super impressed. They're learning how to respond to requests and show affection too. What a proud Momma day for me.

We learn in this life how to respond to each other's requests in so many ways. We could answer promptly, take action, offer advice, ignore, even chide.  Hopefully a need is fulfilled. 

How do we fulfill a struggling reader's needs? Do we know what warning signs to look for? Do we know what resources to offer? Are we responding to a child's request to be learn even when they may not be announcing it. Many times a struggling reader will express zero interest in reading. They'll find the task to be an exhausting chore. Every teacher can think of a child that fits that description.

Today I leave with an important list of warning signs for recognizing dyslexia. If a child you know has 3 or more of these warning signs it may be a good time to speak with their teacher. It just might be the first step to helping them become a successful reader. http://www.bartonreading.com/pdf/Dys%20warning%20signs.pdf And just like my boys learned to respond to me and each other, we too can respond to our students needs. Have a week full of T.Vs!

Turn Your T.V. ON!

What? A teacher asking you to turn your tv on?! No, not quite. I mean turn your tiny victories (T.V.) on. What small things have you accomplished that have made your day a little better? Creating my facebook page and finally mustering up enough courage to blog are mine.  Consider this your spot to turn your T.V. on and post. I'd love the message of tiny victories to spread!

Presently, I'm amazed at the wealth of information there is to sort through on a daily, no make that hourly basis. Feeling a little scattered, even a bit naive as a result. (You may get that impression after reading my posts sometimes.) Much like choosing the right produce at the supermarket, how do I sort through and select the best (or shall we way the freshest?!) information to pass along to people? Sometimes it's a timely photo, a page of tips and strategies, a video or even an event. Surely you've come to read my blog to gather some new information, not wonder how many diapers I change for twins in a day. (it's a lot, yes I stockpile boxes of diapers in my attic, we'll leave it at that) How do you other bloggers do it?

I leave you today with a link to the author Annie Murphy Paul. She has graciously taken it upon herself to "follow" me on Twitter, for which I am thankful, especially after setting up my account just days ago. Something about her "helping people understand how we learn and how we can do it better."  sparked my interest. Maybe after reading her latest book, Brilliant, The New Science of Smart I'll have better strategies for passing along my daily produce to all of you!  In the meantime, check out her site and blog.

And so I'll end this short post in the words of a certain well meaning dance instructor trying to teach my then soon to be husband and I how to slow dance in front of our wedding guests, "The less time you're out there the better." (we then changed our choice of music promptly.) Thanks for liking, following, subscribing, etc! :)
T.V.!

Tiny Victories

Why is this blog called Tiny Victories? We all have major events that are life changing. They shape us into new people entirely sometimes. But day to day we get down on ourselves. The old "can't see the forest for the trees" line rings true. So what keeps us going? The little successes do. I call them tiny victories. I've have some pretty challenging trials in my life. Some were downright uphill battles. It was the tiny victories that kept me on the path. (journaling too) When I first became a Mommy to twin boys it was things like, I bathed them and they didn't hate it, or I learned how to make my own baby food that made my days feel just a little more positive. I wrote them down, and they're validated. Hey, who doesn't love to feel validated?!

Children need tiny victories too. I've worked with hundreds of children ages >1-12 over the years. This blog is written for them. It's for their parents seeking ways to help them succeed. It's for teachers looking for resources to help their students. 

Today I checked out www.readingrockets.org again. What an amazing resource for kids, parents and teachers. It's endless! I put a widget on my blog directing you to resources for struggling readers.
So, I found this little gem on reading rockets and put it on my facebook page, www.facebook.com/TheReadingTutorOg Audrey Geisel, Dr. Seuss' wife shares inspiring stories about the famous author. His first children's book was rejected 27 TIMES before getting published! Furthermore, I learned from Audrey that Random House rarely edited his books at all!  Read Across America day beginning tomorrow, (and it's Dr. Seuss' birthday) why not get in the spirit and watch this video! It solidified for me why I've loved his books.  Check it out at http://bcove.me/uvwzfetr
Finally- If you like this blog, please subscribe to it. You can share some of your own tiny victories with me. Thank you and Happy Friday!