Comparing and contrasting across texts is an important skill for our students. In this post, you'll find ideas for teaching compare and contrast using the book, Tops and Bottoms . I just love this tale, and my students do too. It's the perfect mentor text. ...

Hello Friends and Fans of  The Reading Crew! Thanks for joining us this month as we share books that celebrate diversity! It is so important to use mentor texts that depict a wide range of cultures and experiences in our literacy lessons~ One Green Apple by Eve Bunting is one of my favorites for fall.  It tells the story of a young Muslim girl and her first trip to an apple orchard. ...

Showers are turning to flowers my friends, and gardens are once again my topic here.  I hope that my metaphorical "pep talk" helps you today as April turns to May..... As Rosie and I settle in for the night, I can't help but reflect on the sights and sounds of our late afternoon walk.  We meandered past our small condo garden plots, checking on the progress of hardy rose bushes and potted perennials as the sunny day turned chilly and rain drizzled lazily.  As I snapped these pictures, I was struck by this thought.  My plants have weathered yet another winter and are grateful for the warmth and sunshine that spring and summer will bring.  I too have weathered yet another school year, and am counting down the days until well-earned and much-needed rest and relaxation can commence. Water, sunlight, and rich soil have made the roots of my flowers strong and forced open their beautiful blossoms.  Patience, kindness, engaging les......

Happy fall, y'all! It's time to share some of our favorite books and resources with you, and you're in for a treat with one of my favorites, Fall Mixed Up . I'm teaming up with other bloggers to for this fun hop and hope you'll enjoy all we're sharing.  ...

Welcome Friends!  I am planning a classroom CAMPING theme for the 2018-2019 school year, and thought I would update this post in preparation!  Way back in March 2014, I  swapped products with the incredible Angie from Olson's Little Learners.     Adopting her TpT language arts unit, Camping in the Classroom , and agreeing to use it with my second graders was so much fun, and provided me with a wonderful way to to re-ignite their enthusiasm for reading, improve their vocabulary and word work skills,  and provide opportunities for them to practice both personal narrative and non-fiction writing! LUCKY LITTLE LEARNERS Our excessive number of snow days and erratic school schedule here in Ohio had really taken a toll on my student's attitude and effort toward productive, cooperative learning.   In my desperate search for a way to boost their interest and amp up their enthusiasm, I began perusing blog posts for ideas to help us a......