Literacy Reflections

I've been thinking a lot on our Literacy Block (besides the fact that I feel like there is no time to teach writing within our 90 minutes), and where I was in the series.

Tomorrow I am starting Theme 9. We have 16 themes (each over a two-week period). One of my 4th grade co-workers is in the beginning of Theme 8 (which we finished today), and I have no idea where the other one is. 

Speaking with other teachers, I am also ahead of them. So I starting thinking, what was I doing that was different? Should I be taking more time?  I'm doing one lesson a day like the teacher's guide (and the trainer) suggested. Was that wrong?

And then I started thinking about the Literacy series itself (we use Literacy By Design...Common Core Edition (apparently)). What are some things that I like about it? What do I feel isn't working?

As I was thinking about these questions, I realized that there were some things that I thought were missing. Like, I haven't yet touched on Character Traits. Cause and Effect. Mythology (which is big in 4th grade CC). Plot Structure. Genres. The list goes on.

So after thinking long and hard (and talking with some other co-workers), I decided to take Fridays and dedicate it to teach some reading skills that I think are...missing, or not mastered for lack of a better word (i.e. Making sure that the comprehension strategies that I have already taught are stuck in there!).

We will have a slightly different structure, and I'm thinking of switching off between Reading and Writing (I miss teaching poetry!). I'll only have 1/2 hour to introduce (should be plenty of time) before I have to start sending my kids off to guided reading groups.

I will keep you updated on my voyage into the unknown-and how it is working out.

I do have a question for you-right now I am planning on taking this Friday to work on Character Traits...but I draw a bit of a blank on what to work on after that. Any suggestions?

Yesterday's Outfit

Sweater: JCPenny
Pants: Dockers
Shoes: DSW

This is a gray outfit...although the pants are patterned. I wanted to focus on the pops of teal in the shoes and necklace.





Today's Outfit

Sweater: Target
Pants: JCPenny
Shoes: TJ Maxx

I almost saved this sweater for next week on Valentine's Day (and you may see it again if I get wash done this weekend!), but it's cold out, I was cold this morning and I wanted to wear these bottoms and shoes so out it came. But don't be surprised if you see it again next week!

Smiles and Sunshine,
Kaitlyn