Mentor Texts

 

 

Can you believe it's Christmas!  Hannah is experiencing her first finals as she winds up her first semester at Texas A&M.  She really enjoyed her education class and learned a lot.  She loves college and that makes me happy.  It's easier to miss her when she's so happy.  I am looking forward to her being home during Christmas break. I probably won't see much of her as she and her friends are already planning their time together, but just knowing she is at home for awhile is enough!   I love hearing the floor above me creak as she gets out of bed in the morning or the sound of her running up the stairs. I love the way she comes in at night and shares her evening activities with me.  I can't wait to see her!

 

As I was looking ahead at ELA skills, I was reminded of the importance of mentor texts.  Mentor texts provide authentic literature to model reading and writing skills.  Not only are they good for ELA skills, but can be used in math, science, and social studies.  A few of my favorite mentor texts are discussed below.  I hope you can find some you can use!

 

Compare and Contrast

 

          The Rough Face Girl by Rafe Martin can be used when teaching compare and contrast skills.  When paired with Cinderella or any other version of Cinderella, students can compare and contrast the two stories.  Another Native American Cinderella story is Sootface by Robert D. San Souci.  A double bubble map (below) is a good way for students to organize their thoughts about how the stories are alike and different.  The names of the two versions would go in the large middle circles.  Where the circles connect down the middle, the students would put how they are alike.  The outer circles would show how they do not connect and are different.  Many activities for compare and contrast can be found on Pinterest such as the anchor chart pictured demonstrating how to use a bubble map.  From Google Images find a picture of Rough Face Girl and another Cinderella version.  These pictures would go in the middle of the circle.  The students would tell how the stories are alike and different.  They must also site text evidence to prove how they are alike and different.  This would make a great group work activity. 

 

 

 

                      

 

 

Cause and Effect

 

Some of my favorite books to teach cause and effect are pictured below.  Not only is The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash fun to use with cause and effect, but it can also be used as a mentor text to teach sequence.  The fun thing about using it to teach sequence is everything must be sequenced in reverse order. 

 

              

 

 

Where the Wild Things Are and Jumanji are also great books to teach cause and effect.  Some questions to ask students are:

 

What was the effect of ___________________?  What in the text helps you understand this?

What was the cause of ___________________?  What in the text helps you understand this ?

 You can tell that __________ causes ______________ because _______________.

 

Where the Wild Things Are can do double duty.  It could also be used to teach characterization.  Asking questions such as the following ones will get students thinking about characters. 

 

At the beginning of the story how does __________ feel about ____________? What evidence from the story tells that?

How does ___________ 's feelings change by the end of the story? Cite text evidence to prove your answer. 

What caused __________ to change his/her mind about ____________? What in the story helps prove this?

 

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs is another favorite for teaching cause and effect.  It can also be used to teach point of view and voice in writing. 

 

 

 

 

Voice

 

For teaching voice in writing, I use I Am the Dog, I Am the Cat by Donald Hall.  Two other books I love to use for voice are My Big Dog and The Great Fuzz Frenzy by Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel.  Actually, any book by the Stevens sisters is always a fun read and has lots of voice. 

 

 

          

 

 

Those are just a few of the ELA skills that mentor texts can be used with.  Just Google "mentor text to teach (skill)".  You will find numerous suggestions.  As you use these books your creative juices will flow and you will see how they can be used to teach a variety of skills. 

 

Happy Reading and Happy Holidays!

 

 

 

 





Getting Students to Talk About Reading

In a good book, the best is between the lines.  Swedish Proverb


We had a great professional development yesterday.  The topic was Getting Students to respond to text. Kids need to talk more about what they read.  Allington calls this "purposeful talk".  Purposeful talk is where students have conversations and discussions that further thinking.  I know when I finish a good book I want to find someone else who has read it so we can talk about it. 

Reading discussions must be taught.  The teacher needs to model several ways to have a discussion. The lesson needs to teach the kids how to listen and talk to each other.  Expectations need to be made clear. 

There are several strategies that encourage purposeful talk. A few are described below.

Jigsaw
One such strategy is called Jigsaw.  Jigsaw is where students work in small groups.  Each group member is assigned a small portion of a  larger text.  The student is responsible for reading and discussing their part.  Then the individual reports about their section to their group.
When each group member has finished, everyone in the group will understand what the whole text is about.

Paired Reading
Students pair up and respond to the literature.  The students may be paired by interests, questions, or topic of their book.  Partners are frequently switched. The teacher needs to model that the listener has the most important job which is to pay attention, think about, and respond to the text being read. 

Book Clubs and Literature Circles
Students meet in groups to discuss and respond to the text they have read. The group will have read the same book.  The goal of these groups is to have students express their thoughts, ask questions, and connect the text to their own lives. 

Turn and Talk
Turn and Talk is used during whole class instruction.  Every so often the group stops and turns to their partner to discuss what is being taught.  This helps students process information, helps understanding, and encourages student engagement.

Compass Share
The students are in groups of four in each.  The students then sit in a circle facing N,S,E, and W.  The teacher announces that it is north's turn.  North then shares and responds to the text.  After a few minutes the teacher announces that it's another direction's turn.   This continues until everyone has had a turn.

When having students discuss their text it is important to create a safe environment where everyone is comfortable sharing. As mentioned above it is extremely important the students are taught how to interact with each other, listen to each other, and show respect for each other.

As you plan for your classroom, I hope you will include purposeful talk in your lesson.  It is amazing the insight your students will have on a topic. 

Until next time,
Happy Reading!


 

Video Taping Yourself: Who Knows You May be a Star!

 

Video  Taping Yourself:  Who Knows You May be a Star!

 

 

 

Hannah had her first major presentation for her education class the other day.  When she finished she texted me about how nervous she was in front of her peers.  I was instantly taken back many years (too many to count) to one of my education classes where I had to teach the class something and the teacher video taped us! (yes, video was invented, we didn't have to chisel the images in stone!)  I can't believe I continued in education after watching that video!  It's funny how we can get in front of a classroom full of students and not be nervous, but when it comes to presenting to our peers it's another story.  Actually, the video taught me a lot of things. It taught me not to say "okay" after every instruction.  It taught me how to be more animated with my students.  It also taught me about not talking so much and letting the student do the talking.  Yes, many things can be learned from viewing a video of yourself teaching.  The problem is do you have the nerve to watch it????!!!!  Try it. You will learn a lot!  Who knows you may become a YouTube star!

Oh yeah, Hannah's group got a 95 on their presentation.  So proud of her!

 

 

 

 



Our job is to teach the students we have. Not the ones we would like to have. Not the ones we used to have. Those we have right now. All of them. –Dr. Kevin Maxwell


Hannah is enjoying her education class.  She was assigned to observe in a special needs classroom.  Most of the students in the class are autistic.  She plays puzzles, games, and other activities with these terrific kids.  This is a great experience for her and is giving her insight into how great these kids are.  Each day is something new and never a dull moment.  I think it is great that A&M has the students going to observe in classrooms their freshman year.  I was a junior before I went into a classroom.  Thank goodness I loved it! 

As I observe in classes I look for student engagement.  I hope teachers will think about how to engage all their students when planning lessons.

I was reminded of an activity that engages everyone the other day when I was at a workshop.  It was used as an icebreaker.  I'm sure you've played it too.  It is the game where you have about nine or more squares on a sheet.  Each square has a different question that asks you to find someone who... An example would be to find someone who has blue eyes. The person with blue eyes signs that square. You continue playing until all the questions in the squares have been answered by a different person. Each time a person answers a question they sign that square.

Well, the same idea can be used in the class room.  It could be used in many different subjects and for many different purposes.  In reading, after reading the story, have the students go around and find someone who...  For example, one square would ask to find someone who can answer how the character changed from the beginning of the story to the end of the story and prove it with text evidence.  The person who can answer it correctly signs the square and both move on to have another question answered.  Prior to finding someone to sign the square, you may want to have the students answer the questions individually or in a group. They could answer them on another paper or the questions could be discussed as a class before playing Find Someone Who...

Another way it could be used is for vocabulary review.  Find Someone Who knows the meaning of  (word) and can put it in their own words.  Find Someone who can use (word) in a sentence that is at least 7 words long.  Find Someone who can use context clues to find the meaning of (word) in this  sentence and explain what the clues s/he used.  

In Math, Find Someone who has a different way to solve 145 + 78.  Find Someone Who can tell me what comes next in the pattern. **##***###****####....

This activity is also good for your ELL students or struggling students.  The students can see how others answered the questions.  They may want to make adjustments to their answers.

When the activity is over be sure to come back as a class and summarize the learning.

If you have other ideas for using this activity, be sure and comment so others can benefit from your knowledge.

As always, happy teaching!

 

Popsicle Sticks Can Be Heroes!

 

You would not think that a popsicle stick, also known as craft sticks, could be the hero of a classroom.  Yes, something as simple as student names on the stick can help you manage your classroom! You may want to reread that previous sentence!  That's what I said!  The follow are a few ideas on how these sticks can help you with classroom management.

 

At the beginning of the day or throughout the day pick a popsicle stick from a cup.  But, do not tell the students who you chose.  This student becomes the special student, secret student, mystery student or whatever name you want to give that student. Tell the class that if this student follows the rule you want the whole class to follow then they will earn the class a sticker, a marble in the jar, a letter to spell out the name of a reward, or whatever you would like to give the class as a reward.  For example, if you want the class to walk down the hall quietly then draw a name from the cup.  Don't tell them the name of the special student.  Tell them that if the special student walks down the hall correctly (you have already modeled and practiced the correct way to walk down the hall) then that person will earn the class a marble in the jar or whatever reward you want them to earn. (when the marble jar is full the class earns a special reward).  Reveal the name of the student if they exhibit the correct way to walk down the hall.  If they chose not to walk correctly down the hall, do not reveal the name, but put the stick back in the jar to give them another chance. Later on, if you chose, privately let the student know that they did not exhibit the correct behavior.  Review what the expectations are for walking down the hall and that they will have another chance.  Of course, as the teacher if you draw a name of a misbehaving student and you want  the class to have a positive experience to see what that feels like, don't reveal the name on the stick, but change the name to someone who was modeling good behavior.  The students don't have to see the stick.  You have the right as the teacher to do what would best manage your class. 

 

When first starting this you may want to think about choosing sticks often.  Some special student ideas include: the special student who gets to work in the expected way, the student who has all their supplies for the day, the student who puts their name on their homework, the student has their homework, the list is endless. 

 

Another way popsicle sticks can be used to manage the class is during questioning. I've been in classrooms where the same handful of students are always being called on. Popsicle sticks will solve that problem and get more kids engaged in the discussion.  You will need two cups.  One cup will need to be smaller than the other so when they fit one inside the other there is a space between them.  The space needs to be large enough for the popsicle sticks to fit.  All the sticks with the students' names on them go in the inner cup.  Ask a question, give wait time, and then call the student's name on the stick to answer. Put the stick in the space between the two cups.  The students will think you are putting their name back in the mix and hopefully will think there is a possibility of being called on again so they won't "check out" on the discussion. You know the names in the space are who you have already called to answer a question,  Every once in a while you may want to pull a stick from the space to make sure they think they could still be called on to answer another question.

 

Let's talk a minute about the part above where I said that the teacher should ask the question, give wait time, and then call the student's name.  So, often I see teachers preface the question with the student's name.  For example: Mary, what is the capitol of Texas?  Well, the rest of the class is relieved that Mary was the one called on and is no longer participating because this is now between Mary and the teacher.  Whew, they "dodged the bullet", but poor Mary had to answer.  If you ask the question and give wait time, the kids don't know who you will call on and they all have to think of the answer.  At this point they could share their answer with their neighbor.  Do not give the question and immediately call on someone. Wait time gives everyone on opportunity to come up with an answer Then pull from the sticks for the name of the student who will answer. 

 

It's amazing how something as simple as a popsicle stick can be the answer to some of your classroom management and questioning issues.  Try it!  The hobby stores sell them. It's worth the investment.  Then go enjoy a popsicle in honor of the mighty hero! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change

 

 

Change is such a simple word, but so hard to do.  It is especially hard in the classroom. If what you are doing to manage student behavior isn't working then it's time to change.  Even if the school year is well underway it is never too late to make a change and establish rules and routines for your classroom.  Look over the list below of questions that will help you decide if you need to make a change in your classroom management. Be honest! No excuses!  Take time to reflect on your answer and what you can do to make a change.

 

1. Do you know your students?  What is their home life like?

2. Do you have a set of no more than 5 classroom rules written in a positive way and posted so all can see?

3. Do you focus on the misbehavior rather than the student?

4. Do you get the full attention of the class before you start speaking?

5. Do you check to make sure all students are following directions?

6. Do you have ideas/activities in place for students who finish early?

7. Do you have classroom rewards and consequences?

8. Do you have your days and weeks fully planned or are you just "winging it"?

9.Do you set limits and apply them fairly and consistently?

10. Do you have procedures in place for what you want the students to do? Have you practiced and explicitly taught these procedures?

 

Responding to misbehavior

Do you find yourself responding to misbehavior in an angry fashion?  We all get frustrated and angry, but often that does not get the results you want and often escalates the situation.

Look over the different ways you can respond to student misbehavior. Choose 1 you would like to practice. You may also want to add your own.

 

1. Before responding, take a deep breath and count to 5.

2. Say the misbehaving child's name and nothing else.

3. Move closer to the student.

4. Use proximity praise. 

5. Quietly remove the object that is distracting the student. 

6. Provide a choice for the student.  Let them choose. Stay calm and don't respond angrily.

7. Don't argue with the student. 

 

Don't be afraid to ask for help. Ask another teacher or find a blog/forum/Facebook/web sites  to help you.  We've all been there!



Stressing Out!

Take a rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop. *Ovid



Hannah dealt with her first college tests this week.  She quickly learned how stressful they can be.  She studied hard and will be glad when 2:00 comes today because she will be finished with her math test.  This is the last one this week. But then, there's next week!

All this stress was stressing me out!  My teachers were stressing too!  But then, as teachers we are always stressing about many different things.  We especially worry about out students and how to reach the ones who are struggling, the ones who need higher level activities, the ones with a not so great home-life, and the list goes on and on. 

Stress can be many things to us.  It can be anxiety, conflict, frustration. Recognizing stress and taking care of yourself is very important to your well-being.

Some indicators of stress are: perspiring more, hot and flustered, tense muscles, dry mouth, stomach knots, faster heart beat and quickened pulse.  Some emotional indicators of stress are anxiety, fear, depression, anger, sadness, apprehension, and grief.  Aggressiveness, avoidance, withdrawal, and irritability are a few of the behavioral indicators of stress.

Some ways to take care of yourself include taking a short break, relaxation exercises, taking a walk, sleep, and taking deep breaths.   Some ways to be proactive about stress include visiting with your health care provider, talk to friends, get a good night's sleep, and regular exercise.

If you see someone stressing out then be a friend who will listen to them and help resolve problems the friend may be encountering.  Organize meetings with others who are having similar stressful situations.  It always helps to know there is a support group and you are not in it alone. 

Yes, teaching is stressful, but rewarding.  Just go down the hall, find a friend, and drive to the nearest Starbuck's.  There's nothing like a great cup of coffee and friends to relieve stress!