sutton007

Do you remember when your friend moved away in grade school?  Or maybe YOU were the one that moved away during those elementary school years.  I can still remember the names of my classmates that moved away: Linda, MaryBeth, Martha and that was many decades ago. Do you remember how you felt...sad, confused, hurt, nervous, heartbroken or a combination of these?  Well, yesterday our class had to say good bye to one of our own.   Not only was this hard on the student who was leaving, but for many of the classmates.  Fortunately, the school knew in advance that the child was leaving which gave us the opportunity to make some preparations for his departure.   (When Martha left we had no idea - she just wasn't in school the next day!) Informing the class ahead of time (when the student was out of the room) and answering their questions made a difference in how students would deal with the change.  Speaking privately to the student moving allowed him to sh...

When it comes to reading, what's better than sinking your teeth into a good book?   For me, and for many others, it would be sharing our thoughts and ideas about that good book. Well, it's no different for 10 year olds! This year I have seen the empowerment of  "shared" reading with my students via a "book club."   Over the years students in my class have participated in " Literature Circles " mostly with success.  Somehow though, the groups seem to be driven by me (with specific roles for each participant) or by the choices of books that are available in bulk.   A few weeks back a student approached me for a book recommendation during our Media time.   I led her to a personal favorite, " Stone Fox "  by John Reynolds Gardiner.  When another student overheard, I suggested they read together.  A third student overheard the conversation and wanted to join in. Fortunately, I have several copies of that wonderful book.  This idea of reading...