Cafe Read-A-Latte: A Reading Contract and Reading Log *FREEBIE

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In the past I used to have a read-a-thon in my class to raise money for students to add books to their personal library. I called this read-a-thon: Cafe Read-A-Latte. The students enjoyed it and I always raised enough money for students to get at least 3 or more books each. Some students even raised over $100 each (which they were allowed to use to purchase books for their personal library). I love the name Cafe-Read-A-Latte so much that I am always looking for a way to use it for anything reading related. I found this clip art on Scrappindoodles.com and knew I would eventually use it (yes...my name is Kathie and I hoard clipart). Well this past weekend I was working on my reader's companion for the book Enemy Pie and knew I wanted to create a reading contract and reading log to give away as a *freebie. As I scrolled through my clipart, looking for an image to use on the cover, of course I instantly decided on my latte bears! So...this is a really cute cover sheet and yes....I realize it is quite girlie. But, lets face it...most covers are for the teachers anyway, right? The content is for the students. I know, I know, I know....never judge a resource by its cover. But...we do!!! So with that said I will add my disclaimer. This is a REALLY cute cover...but the forms are basic...and not gender specific!! You can check them out below if you don't believe me : )

Either way, you will find this resource helpful when organizing reading workshop, independent reading, and or developing reading centers/workshops in your class. It will help students keep track of what they are reading in a meaningful way. And, you can use it as a formative assessment. Download it for free in my TPT store (don't forget to follow to get updates on newly added *freebies) and let me know how you like it. If you are looking for any additional  center/workshop ideas to enhance yor independent reading time for your students, check out my new Reader's Companion for the Book: Enemy Pie.

Great Reading Resource for Back to School: Reading Response Journal

This Reading Response journal is perfect for engaging students in short writing tasks after they read independently. This journal lists several ways students can respond to fiction in their journal after reading independently.  It is ideal for chapter book but can also be used for meaningful trade books as well. Download it for free if you would like to use it wth your students. In the past I have used this combination with Pizza Hut’s Book It Program. I would require my student to complete one journal entry per night each week. In addition they had to keep a reading log that had to be signed nightly. How do you plan using this Reading Journal in your class? Feel free to download it for FREE and try it out! 

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Reading is an Interactive Sport

When I start the year, I put a strong emphasis on reading instruction. I literally teach reading throughout the entire day. I make sure to integrate reading comprehension strategies across the content areas. In math I teach students how to identify questions and necessary information. We learn the different prefixes used in math and how they can be used in other content areas. In science/social studies we learn how to read for information using nonfiction text features, summarize important information using the main idea, and outline non-fiction text.  Most importantly I teach them that reading is an interactive sport. I teach them strategies that promote active thinking.  I encourage them to ask questions while they read and to monitor their understanding. By doing this students develop critical thinking/problem skills as well as strengthen their metacognition skills. One strategy I use to promote active thinking is to have my students use a reading bookmark buddy while they read. This is great for having a designated task during independent reading, homework, and workshop/center time. I want to share you with you my variation of a bookmark buddy. You may want to create your own based on the needs of your students. And, you may want to change these bookmarks throughout the year. I have posted the bookmark buddy that I   use at the start of the year. It changes a few times before the end of the school but I first focus on concrete skills that I want them to master. This bookmark buddy provides tasks for the student to complete before, while and after they read. Feel free to download this bookmark buddy and use it with your students or, get ideas for how you would like to design yours. 

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Super Vocabulary Hero!

Vocabulary in context is one of my favorite and most important skills to teach. This is because when students have a strong vocabulary, they tend to do better with comprehension when reading independently.  When teaching students how to read, vocabulary development is critical to success especially across the content areas. When students are exposed to a variety of terms through read alouds, vocabulary in context practice, word study activities, etc, they are less likely to struggle with content when comprehending text. Most subjects can be difficult to master because many terms have multiple meanings and varied contextual usage. Students need continued exposure to new and meaningful words. Here is a great game to play with students to help enhance their vocabulary skills. This is a vocabulary journal that can be used with a small group, one-on-one, or as a tutoring resource. It includes vocabulary words with the definition, a sentence using each voaculary word in context and a synonym/antonym for each. How do you teach vocabualry in context? Feel free to share your strategies below : )

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Preventing the Summer Slide

I recently wrote a guest post for Stephanie at Teaching in Room 6 on preventing the summer slide. If you are not familiar with the summer slide is the term many researchers and educators use to describe the regression of skills many students may experience during the summer months. “Summer slide” affects millions of children each year.... Preventing the summer slide begins with creating a summer reading schedule for your child and/or summer school student. In addition, providing activities for your child/summer student to use problem solving skills/ higher order thinking and writing is also important. To read my original article, click here. To download an awesome freebie that you can use with your child/summer school student throughout the summer, click here. 


Enjoy : )