I know that God has a great sense of humor, and (thankfully) He always has plan that goes along with it. How do I know He has a great sense of humor? Well, I know this because next year I will be our school's new Title 1 reading teacher. (Of course, this is probably only humorous to me.)
For those of you who know me, I take my job as a teacher VERY seriously, probably too seriously at times. So, when my principal came and asked me if I would like the position, I looked at her and told her I didn't know how to teach reading! Well, long story short, I went home, prayed, talked to my husband, talked to my my best teacher friend (aka, partner in crime), and decided to jump way out of my comfort zone and take the spot!
That being said, I am excited and nervous all at the same time. Math and science have always been my strengths as a teacher. Teaching reading has been my weakness. So, me being me, I have spent much of my time this summer researching how to be an effective reading teacher.
The main point of today's post is to share with you some things that I have found this summer. I hope you enjoy them!
Inspired reading:
This book is not really a how to, it is a WHY to. I have committed myself to read every day, how else can I expect my students to read if they don't see me reading? I have also been inspired to keep my own reading log for the year. Not just with books I have read, but also with a list of books that I want to read. Not sure how I am going to incorporate that into a reading intervention program, but give me time, I will figure it out.
After reading The Book Whisperer I was on a quest for more books to read. (I now have a list.) I also did not want to break the bank doing this. I was so excited to reintroduce myself to the (gasp) LIBRARY! (I know, right?) My library is barely 3 miles away, the fact that I don't visit it more often is just sad!
So many technological changes make using the library so much easier though. I am able to go to my county library's web page and look for the books I want to read. I can then place a hold on them and the books will magically appear at my library! The library emails me when the books arrive and I go and pick them up.
The next exciting feature of the library is a new app called
This app allows you to "borrow" e-books. This app is simple to use. My county library there has many books to choose from, not just adult reading but also picture books! (I plan to use this app on the iPads I have for my reading groups.) You can also borrow audio books. For those of you that prefer to read books on your Kindle or Nook or whatever device you own, this is a great app for you!
Last, but not least, is a website that helps me keep track of what I have read, what I want to read and what my friends are reading. The site is new to me, I have yet to discover all of its capabilities, but I know that when I am in need of something to read, I will go there and see what everyone is reading to give me some ideas.
Last, but not least, this is the next book on my list to get started reading:
Whole Brain Teaching is hosting a book study to explore Chris Biffle's newest book. Stop by either the WBT website or the Book Study to learn more about Whole Brain Teaching. We look forward to seeing you there.
and with that,
Until next time................................
Deanna