Big Time Blogging Challenge: Day 4

Happy Independence Day, ya'll! It's Day 4 of...

Today's question: What are your favorite subjects or lessons to teach? 

I love teaching almost any subject except Science (it just doesn't come naturally to me...) but, of course, READING is my favorite! There is seriously no way to put into the words the amazing feeling you get when you finally are able to match a reluctant reader with the right book. That moment can be life changing for kids and is so essential for creating life-long readers. 

My favorite lessons to teach are probably the elements of fiction when I use the Wizard of Oz. You have to understand, I was so not into the Wizard of Oz as a child--it terrified me. But when I saw my mentor teacher (during student teaching) use this piece of literature to teach all the elements of fiction, I was hooked. Now my classroom is home to at least 15 different versions of the book. I wrote blog post on how I use the book earlier this year...find it here! My kids love this lesson (or lessons) and it really sticks with them...plus (BONUS!!) when kids are spacing out and looking at my "toys" they are actually forced to remember why I have so many Wizard of Oz things in my room. :) That, is what I call a WIN-WIN! 

What about you? What is your favorite lesson to teach..oh! and WHY is it your favorite? 

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Now, go enjoy your holiday with people you love :) 

A Peek at my Week

I'm linking up this week with a new linky party :) Check it out! 

Ok, let's see...what's going on this week:

This week is the first of two weeks of intensive intervention for some of my students who didn't do so well the first round of state testing. :( In Texas, 5th graders must meet standard before moving to the next grade level and some of my kids just weren't quite there yet--it is what it is. SO, we are going to be doing a mixture of test-prep and authentic reading with stories and articles. I'll be honest 11 days is a very short amount of time to help some students grow 2-3 grade levels worth but we will do our best! My other students will be working in stations on their CARE books, independent reading and literature circles. I LOVE literature circles--since I was out on maternity leave for 10 weeks (I still can't believe that...) I am starting true lit circles later in the year than usual but I had to get some good guided reading in first! 

Also this week: Tryouts for the Phantom Tollbooth play! I can't wait--some of our 5th graders are really talented and I can't wait to get to the fun part...actually practicing the play and starting to do sets/props. Our fabulous art teacher, Ms. Alkire (ps. Read her blog!) is helping us along with the art club (The Mini DaVincis) so I can't wait to see everything come together! 

Last but not least, I started reading this gem last night: 

As expected, it is wonderful. Some of the teachers in our district are doing a book study on it and I can't wait to hear all the wonderful conversation about this book...PLUS I have already started my list of "next year I will.." stuff based on tips in this book. 

Funny side note: I actually student taught at Trinity Meadows Intermediate in Keller, TX where Donalyn (used to) and Susan Kelley work! With these two ladies, my mentor Mary Fran, and the other fabulous teachers at TMIS, those kids are really in the presence of fabulous teaching. Seriously.  

Alright, that's the peak at my week! Hope ya'll have a great week--its the last week of April. Can you believe it?! 

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