When my family visited our local butterfly garden a few weeks ago, none of us could have predicted … [Read more...]
learning during read-alouds: making connections and questioning (with siblings!)
We have been putting in a lot of pool time lately, but we've also been … [Read more...]
playing with money: counting, wrapping, estimating coins
This week our Smart Summer Challenge theme is Government--and what better way to start the week off … [Read more...]
questioning and connecting during read-alouds
I'm not going to lie--some summer days, I really think that if it weren't for … [Read more...]
cars 2: what you should do before you see the movie
Ka-CHOW! Have plans to see Cars 2 anytime this summer? Want to know how you can throw in a little … [Read more...]
learning during read-alouds: 5 things never to say to emerging readers
Sometimes it's very easy for teachers and parents to feel impatient with emerging readers. It's … [Read more...]
learning during read-alouds: activating schema
According to Rachel and Mary Gabriel, the "schema theory tells us that prior knowledge is essential … [Read more...]
learning during read-alouds: making connections
My kiddos are huge fans of popping pop beads, stringing beads, connecting nuts and bolts, and just … [Read more...]
making connections with nonfiction texts (and our new turtle friend)
Between the insane weather we've been experiencing over here (tornadoes! wind gusts! rain, rain, and … [Read more...]
learning during read-alouds: visualizing
Many of us have taken a moment now and again to encourage our children to find pictures in the sky … [Read more...]
pow! bam! wow! print referencing and onomatopoeia
I've said time and time again that read-alouds are an absolutely perfect time for sneaking in some … [Read more...]
