Presenting for VDOE in Dulles!

We really enjoyed the warm reception that we received in at the VDOE English SOL Institute at the Dulles Hyatt.  There were an amazing crowd to present to, and we enjoyed getting to field questions and converse with many educators after the presentation.  Thanks VDOE for allowing us to present again this year!  We thoroughly enjoy sharing our passion for teaching reading!

What is a Reading Dump Sheet?

Last year Jessica and I were approached by our third grade team asking for a "Reading Dump Sheet". They had gotten a math one from someone else, and had not been able to find a reading dump sheet.  Honestly, we had never heard of them, but apparently someone came up with the thought that you could give your students of sheet of paper and allow them to dump their brain out on the sheet prior to taking test.  It is meant to include all of the key components of instruction for the year.  So, Jessica and I stated working on it and correlated it to all reading skills and strategies, as well as the graphic organizers that correlate to comprehension questions.  It was a really fun project for us, and we began teaching it to our students.  Of course, the kids that we had taught all year, quickly caught on as we had worked extensively in our reading notebooks, and on the Weekly Comprehension Scavenger Hunts which included all of these graphic organizers.  The kids loved it!  They began using it to practice with weekly test and practice test, as Jessica and I modeled "how to use" it.  It became a great tool in helping our kids remember how to answer different types of questions they encountered on the weekly test & year end test.

This gives you a sneak peek of the "Reading Dump Sheet".  It is for sale on our TPT store at A Love For Reading.  Check it out.  Teach it all year & watch your student's understanding blossom!

Email us, comment or place a question on our TPT store, if you have any questions regarding exactly how to use this resource.

Make Time For it! - Application Really Works!

Our school is in our 2nd year of the new balanced schedule, so we have 2 weeks - fall and early spring that we stop and do remediation with students that are falling behind, or neat extra help to get them back on pace.  (By the way, I love the new balanced calendar).

 As I worked with a small group of 1st and 2nd graders throughout that week, I realized more and more that application really works! You are probably saying, "What do you mean?".  What I mean is giving them time to apply skills that you have taught really, really works!  I know, I know...you do not have enough time, but my argument is that you must take the time!  If you do not take the time to allow them to apply their skills (practice), how do you know if they get what you are teaching?  I was amazed as I worked with my groups of students, how well they did on applying their skills.  I would review skills that had been taught in their classrooms daily, and then I would have countless activities for them to practice & practice some more on.  They had so much fun, and I did also!!  We worked & worked that week and the kids loved the interactive work, and games that we did together. It was really easy for me to observe them and know who and who didn't understand.  Then, I was able to offer more help to those that really did not get it.

Remember - Practice Makes Perfect, and you cannot be a good reader, apply phonics,comprehension or writing skills if you never have the time to practice those skills!  Step back & allow your students that time to practice what you are so diligently teaching them. You will be amazed!!!