40 Book Challenge

Yes, I know my blog title is "Stepping into Science", but I also happen to teach English Language Arts and Reading to my group of fifth grad homeroom students. I also am a firm believer that good reading instruction should happen across the curriculum, not just within a specific discipline.

During my sophomore practicum in college, I observed my own 4th grade teacher. During that time, I noticed that she challenged her students to read 40 books during the school year. Last year, during my first year of teaching, I contacted my teacher, Ms. B, and asked her if she could send me her resources for it. She directed me to Donna Miller, the creator of this wonderful idea. Miller's idea is to challenge students to read outside their comfort zone and experience new books.

My students really took the challenge to a whole new level last year. One student alone read 160 books in the school year. This year, my students are also getting excited about this challenge. I changed my genres from last year, and really tried to include a little bit of everything. I have already heard wonderful things from my students' parents about the challenge. I hope this year will be as successful as last year.

Here are the requirements for the 2015-2016 Challenge:

40 Book Challenge Genre Breakdown

·         Mythology- 2

·         Poetry- 2

·         Biography or Autobiography-2

·         Historical Fiction-2

·         Realistic Fiction-2

·         Informational Text-4

·         Mystery-2

·         Graphic Novel-6

·         Science Fiction-2

·         Newberry Honor or Newberry Winner-2

·         Free Choice Chapter Book-12

·         Traditional Literature/Classic-2

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Tutoring Summary # 1

About 3 weeks ago I was at the school I did my student teaching in. I stopped by my co-op's classroom to say hello. During our conversation, she offered me a tutoring position with one of the student's I had taught. The mother had asked for a tutor to help her daughter stay on reading level throughout the summer. I was very excited for the opportunity and jumped at it. I spoke with the mother and with my co-op to gather ideas of what to focus on during our sessions.

On Monday, July 1, 2013 I had my first tutoring session. It lasted 2 hours. We focused on math and reading.  I will also do some writing with her.

Before we began learning I showed and explained all that I had for her. She has a writing journal in which I would like for her to write in daily. It can be a letter to me, a story she makes up or a description of what she has done during the day. I showed her the reading folder she has, her homework folder and her reading journal too.  Then I gave her the option of whether to start with math or reading.

When she said math, I was able to assess where she needs the most help. I gave her two timed math fact pre-tests. These were only using the numbers 1-10. The first one was an addition paper. The second one was a subtraction paper. After that I gave her another “pre-test” with a variety of math topics learned in 2^nd grade, such as time, money, and comparing numbers/fractions. 

We then did some reading. She picked out a book for summer reading. I also picked out a non-fiction book for her to read. It was a biography on Harriet Tubman. Then we read another fiction book called Jamaica's Find. We also worked on some sight words. It was a great time and I am excited to see her progress. =)

 

Teachers Summer Reading

I have always enjoyed reading during the summertime. I would always read books on the summer reading lists, even the ones above my grade level. I felt it would make me smarter, but I really just wanted to read numerous novels.

That same idea of reading during the summer has continued into my educational career. I am always looking for new books to read so my knowledge of the craft can improve. I have a long list of books that I hope to read in this category. I just bought one yesterday at the book fair at one of the Elementary Schools. It is called 75 Reading Strategies: Boost Achievement and Build a Life-Long Love of Reading by Danny Brassell.

What books do you read to keep in touch with the educational field?

Classroom Libraries

I am SO excited for my own classroom one day. I enjoy looking at books for my own room. I fully believe in having a GREAT classroom library. Today while I was subbing, I stopped by the Scholastic Book Fair. I picked up several new books for my classroom library.

1. When I Grow Up by Al Yankovic
2. Pete the Cat Rocking In My School Shoes by Eric Litwin
3. No Jumping on the Bed by Todd Arnold
4. Twinke, Twinkle Little Star by Jane Cabrera
5. Meet the Monsters by Billy Wrecks
6. Pinkalicious Fairy House by Victoria Kann

The new books for my collection. =)

Check out my board on pinterest for my wish list of books- http://pinterest.com/mstamer790/classroom-library/

I am very excited to have my 1st Pinkalicious book for my classroom library!