Author Rick Riordan Leaves a Trail of Clues for Children

Riordan is chiefly known as the author of the popular Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. Now he has written "The Maze of Bones," the first installment of "The 39 Clues," a new mystery series published by Scholastic. Calling upon his experience of 15 years as a middle school English and history teacher, Riordan sought to fill the book with details that would not only be educational but also ensnare the average preteen reader.

Arizona Still Grappling with Balance on Mandated ELL Instruction

Arizona education officials are giving school districts some room to diverge from a mandate that all English-language learners be taught specific English skills in classrooms separate from other students for four hours a day. Even so, the state is still pushing ahead with its overall requirement that districts provide intensive — and separate — instruction of English skills, despite criticism from experts who say there is little evidence to support that approach.

The Write Stuff

Teachers need to be taught how to write if children are to reach their creative writing potential, according to a new research report, The Case for a National Writing Project, due to be published on September 10. Summer schools for teachers from different subjects should be set up where they can learn the craft of writing and take their new skills back to the classroom.

Model Literacy Program

Pittsburg has embarked on an innovative literacy program. The idea is to encourage reading and improved literacy among children and adults in convenient locations around the city. The first site opened at City Hall, where books are available for kids to read while their parents pay bills. Over the coming year, Pittsburg plans to open children's reading centers in banks, health clinics and other sites where parents take children during the day.

Opinion: Right on Reading

Last week, New York City Schools Chancellor Joel Klein announced the start of a pilot program that will introduce a new way to teach reading to children in kindergarten, first grade and second grade in 10 low-performing schools. The program, developed by the Core Knowledge Foundation, stresses the importance of content knowledge, along with phonics and vocabulary.

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Debbie Miller's New Book

"In these times of scripted programs and prepackaged materials I know it may be tempting to surrender," Debbie writers. "But who among us is going to keep up the good fight? Who among us is willing to stand up for what we know is right? I'm in, and I hope you are , too."

This quote came from Debbie Miller's new book -
Teaching with Intention: Defining Beliefs, Aligning Practices and Taking Action K - 5
available through Stenhouse Publishers

You can preview part of the text online for free at -
http://www.stenhouse.com/html/millerpreview.htm?r=n144

I for one know how hard it is for teachers to resist the temptation to find that quick fix. The one program that will make teaching that much easier. Teachers are overworked and underpaid, and in most cases in NYC drowning in paperwork. Then along come the publishers touting their program as the answer to all prayers. Everything in one place - right at your fingertips. Don't believe the promises. There will never be a one size fits all program that will solve all your problems. Children are diverse learners and need diverse instructional practices. I think we should feel honored that we have the opportunity to create our own road maps even if it is hard work.

I for one will be waiting patiently to read the rest of Debbie's book. Please post your thoughts on the opening preview after you read it.

Enjoy.

Mentor Text for Launching 3 - 5

Launching in these grades looks very different from launching in the primary grades. We actually don't need to even launch in the traditional sense. The children should have a foundation for the workshop when they arrive at our doorsteps in September. So... what do you do to start your year? What text do you use to get the year off on the right foot? Feel free to share your ideas here so we can get a good collection together. I look forward to reading your thoughts.

Laura

Mentor Text For Launching K - 2

Now that we have some time to reflect I'd like to start organizing for the coming school year. In thinking about one of the challenges we face each day, finding the right materials to match lessons is high on the list. I thought I would start a notebook for next year with sections in it for each unit I teach. In there I would keep notes on text I use, copies of any clippings I find, etc. I'd like to start this first blog entry around the first units we will be teaching in September - Launching. What mentor text have you all used to get the year off on the right foot? Please remember to include the full title of the text you are discussing, the author's name and any other information you feel we should know. I look forward to reading your entries.

Laura
readinglady.com

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