LNW is Underway in Nixa

Anchor Charts

Classroom anchor charts are being created by teachers and students highlighting specific guidelines or behaviors for performing a particular literacy task. As students learn new strategies or information, they can be added to ongoing anchor charts. Generally, the charts are created during mini-lessons and are referenced as scaffolds or reminders for students as needed throughout Reader's Workshop and the school day.



Set expectations for making good book choices.

Let students know what Reader's Workshop will look like.



Post student expectations for behavior during Reader's Workshop

.

Remind students of their role during Independent Reading.

Students are never too young to begin using anchor charts.

Teachers refer to anchor charts often, so students will do the same.

The Value of Studying Poetry

Poetry is the most undervalued resource in literacy education.  Reading and discussing poetry develops the imagination, exposes students to poetic language, helps readers go beyond literal meanings to consider figurative language and symbolism, and provides opportunities for students to enjoy the rhythms and rhymes of language.  To support readers, teachers provide opportunities  for students to read and discuss poems often.  Poetry should become an integral part of Reader's Workshop.

Beginning the Year with Word Walls

Start with a blank word wall.  The word wall grows as the year progresses.  Add words gradually, so that new words are meaningful and the wall is not overwhelming.  Be selective about what words go on the wall.  Make sure words are accessible to all students.  Can you see and read the word wall from each student's desk?  Word walls provide the correct spelling for high-frequency words students use often in their writing.  Make sure that word wall words are spelled correctly in all work students do.

Explaining Common Core to Parents

Reading Specialist Jen Jones (Hello Literacy blog) from North Carolina posted this parent handout that does a great job explaining key ideas of Common Core and ways that parents can help their students learn at home.

Key Ideas for Parents About the Common Core a Handout

Beginning of the Year Assessments

The beginning of the year is a busy time building relationships and assessing students to drive instruction.  Please see the following assessment schedule:

LNW - District Assessment Schedule K-6 August 2013.docx by angiemcguirk

LNW Assessments
Use the above link to get LNW assessments all in one place! :)
You will have to sign in to view the documents.

LNW PD Calendar

Want to find the LNW PD calendar?  You've come to the right place! 

*Take a look at the right hand sidebar. 

*Under "Links" you will see "Calendar".

*Click on "Calendar" and there it is!