Prabe #11

We made it!  This is the second reading class where I have experienced the PRABE and it has been an exciting, but challenging experience.  I agree if we want our children to read, we must model this behavior, also.  With all that is going on in our adult lives, it is sometimes difficult to find time for leisure reading however, my reading time has improved.  I do try to get my ninety minutes in each week.  I have also begun to read more trade magazines. I really enjoy reading and since my class is reading everyday, students are beginning to recommend books to me.  That is the joy of reading together.  Thank you for your insight, your encouragement and most of all for sharing yourself and your love of reading with me. 

Finding the Right Reading Program

I have been reading several trade magazines.  I found an excellent article in the PD sourcebook:  teachersourcebook.org titled Finding the Right Reading Program.  It had definitions of the absence of fluency and comprehension.   Lack of fluency--- can't figure out words.  Lack of comprehension-- can't make sense of the material read.  Strategies for checking:
1.  Know the signs that help identify the types of reading problems.
2.  Find an assessment-guided approach.
3.  Look for cognitive-based exercises.

This was good information for me.  

hello it's been a very busy week!

Our class made stone soup and had a storyteller come in and read the book to us.  The soup was delicious... and everyone enjoyed themselves.  Just seems like there is so much work to do.  I have been praying and asking for guidance for the students in my classroom.  I have some with multi-year delays and some severe behavior problems.  The other day I got another epiphany and the focus became clear for this class. I relayed this information to my students and told them I had been praying about the class, but I've got my flow now.  One of the students dropped to her knees and said "Jesus, help us!"  Another student shouted "Where's the switch? We need to turn her off!"  They are honest but funny. 

I have been reading trade magazines and reviewing websites.  I will be facilitating a parent workshop on how to help students prepare for the state assessments online.  Along with Robotics and Spell Read and after school grant and on and on ..........just busy and really looking forward to the Thanksgiving and Christmas break.  So to you and yours have a wonderful, restful and blessed Thanksgiving. 

Website Reviews

For my reading time this week I did website reviews.  I am using several great websites in my classroom and the class and I logged onto Study Island for the first time.  The website proves to be very challenging and useful to all of the students regardless of their learning level.  It has reading, math and science.  We will be testing on all these areas in the spring and the website is specifically aligned to the standards. 

this week's epiphany!

Hello fellow facilitators of greatness!  This week has certainly been a challenge but we have overcome.  I am reading the book of Romans 13,14,15,and finishing chapter 16.  One of the verses that stood out to me is 15:14 "And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another."  Paul was a master teacher.  This is also our charge, admonishing one another full of goodness and filled with all knowledge.  Holding each other up in prayer and supporting the work that we have been given to complete.  Our gifts continue to make room for us as we demonstrate the love of God to our students, parents, families, co-workers and others as God allows us to cross those precious paths.  I encourage you to finish the race with victory!

An exciting FALL season has arrived!

And my three-year-old granddaughter is already excited about Christmas!  We've got to get it going Nana! 
Our class has been involved in the Anti-Bullying Awareness week and also Drug-Free Life campaign. When we, as teachers look at our students and their behaviors, we must always keep in mind that their environment has helped to shape their thinking and behaviors.  We must also realize that children are a by-product of their parents.  Old folks say "the fruit don't fall far from the tree."  And I've added my part..... it doesn't roll either!  We had parent teacher conferences this week and I had new revelations about my students.  The parent has ADHD and so does the student!  Anyway, eye opening revelations.  What can I say to my students?  We just have to accept them the way they are, love them unconditionally and pray from them continually.... More later.

Happy Birthday to me!

I am reflecting on the state of my birthday and making a state of my birthday address!  I am tremendously, wonderfully, phenomenally blessed.  I have seven children, five biological, two adopted,....... seven grandchildren and......... still standing!!!!!!  I praise God for my sixty-one years.  My children have risen and called me blessed...... and that makes every sacrifice and struggle worth going through.......