Monthly Archives: February 2014

Digging Deeper and Pushing Beyond

Posted on February 26, 2014 by Joanne Toft

Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions …            -CCSS This year is interesting in that I am learning a great deal about persistence. This is not persistence for my … Continue reading →

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Watching Them Grow

Posted on February 25, 2014 by Joanne Toft

It is late but I wanted to post today. I had started a post on research for kids and for me as I am beginning work on a manuscript but it is a reflective piece and one that needs more … Continue reading →

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It’s Monday! What are you reading? miscellaneous

Posted on February 24, 2014 by Joanne Toft

Yes, this week my reading has been all over the place – the best I can say is that it was a mixture of good books. Picture books and chapter books – a miscellaneous collection. Pictures books: Miss Allaneous: a … Continue reading →

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Re reading books

Posted on February 18, 2014 by Joanne Toft

Books can be read over and over again because they take on a different meaning or significance depending on who you are reading it to, or when you are reading it. I love that about books! This year on Valentines … Continue reading →

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It’s Monday! What are you Reading? mentor text for writing

Posted on February 17, 2014 by Joanne Toft

This week I read two Valentine picture books. One that lots of you have talked about – I Haiku You by Betsy Snyder.  The other one was Somebody Loves you Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli. I will share a story … Continue reading →

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Stink and the Shark Sleepover

Posted on February 13, 2014 by Joanne Toft

Stink Moody had come into his own! Megan McDonald has done a wonderful job of writing short exciting books for our emerging readers.  Stink is the younger brother of Judy Moody. He has developed into a great kid with lots … Continue reading →

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Historical Fiction – making connections

Posted on February 11, 2014 by Joanne Toft

Slice of Life—Thinking about Historical Fiction  As readers we need to connect to characters—to their hopes and dreams. We need to be able to empathize, use prior knowledge and relate to the text in some way. The literacy strategy of making … Continue reading →

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It’s Monday! What are you Reading? Historical Fiction

Posted on February 10, 2014 by Joanne Toft

I have just finished reading One Came Home by Amy Timberlake (A Newbery Honor book, as you know). I missed this one in my reading and I am glad I went back to read it. What a great adventure story … Continue reading →

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Drawing pictures yes! Visual Note Taking

Posted on February 4, 2014 by Joanne Toft

Visual Note Taking with 3rd and 4th graders – I had three days left as a long call reserve teacher. This is the group of 3rd and 4th graders I have been working with all fall and winter. During these … Continue reading →

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It’s Monday! What are you Reading? Fantasy and historical fiction

Posted on February 3, 2014 by Joanne Toft

It is just a good question! Especially after look at the facts that were posted on Donalyn’s twitter feed this weekend.  (http://www.slideshare.net/Donalynm/why-cant-i-skip-my-20-minutes-of-reading-tonight     Reading in the Wild) Are you and your students reading 20 minutes each day? We are! Pete … Continue reading →

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