The Classroom Project: View My Classroom

A few views of my classroom! Just relocated because of added classes. Still putting my classroom together and getting creative with storage 😊 It's coming together but in the meantime learning has to continue to take place! 

The Classroom Project

In classrooms all across the country many teachers are having the same problem...lack of classroom supplies. Whether it be copy paper, pencils/pens, white boards, dry erase markers, staplers, etc. I'm sure many educators would agree with me that being a teacher is tough enough without the added stress of not having supplies. In a perfect world, your classroom is stocked with everything in the Office Supplies section of your local Staples or Office Depot. However, in the real world, teachers are having to purchase their own classroom supplies and we aren't being reimbursed. However, there's not much of a choice; these supplies are an important part of keeping classroom instruction going.

It isn't enough to walk into a classroom ready to educate and mold young minds! It's important to have the necessary tools to do so. I know many are wondering, "What happens to the school supplies that parents purchase at the beginning of the school year?" I can definitely answer that! Either the supplies have run out by this time in the school year or classrooms didn't get much supplies to begin with. Though it's every teacher's dream for parents to purchase everything on the Back to School lists, we know many aren't financial able to do so.

I believe it's an extremely noble idea to raise awareness for the need for classroom supplies! The University of Southern California's Rossier School of Education sees the need and developed "The Classroom Project". The initiative was established to help award 30 prizes to K-12 educators to help them with classroom supply needs! For more information or to enter the contest go to http://rossieronline.usc.edu/the-classroom-project-classroom-supplies-for-teachers-contest/ .

"Books are boring", she said.

I was waltzing down the hallway yesterday and a teacher said to a student, "Repeat to Mrs. Vargas what you just said. I'm sure you'll make her sad." The student shyly says, "Books are boring." A small part of my heart broke into several pieces. As much as this saddens me, she isn't the only child that finds reading unappealing. The fact is, there is so much to capture their [kids'] attention, that for many reading a book is a bore. I find that many students (as well as adults) don't enjoy reading because they're not intrigued by what is being read. 

This is where the interest inventory comes in really handy! I find it best to give an interest inventory to learn about a scholars' likes. It's easier to navigate from there and to pull books that are sure to peak interest. I've attached the link to the interest inventory by Scholastic. There are many more available online when you google "Reading Interest Inventory". Make reading fun for those around you! Give an inventory and help them pick great books from then on.

Sincerely,

Karen C.

http://www.scholastic.com/content/collateral_resources/pdf/student_survey.pdf

ESL students vs Rigged Game (A MUST WATCH video)

Poet, Dylan Garity, is FED UP with how the education system is dealing with English as a Second Language Learners (ESL) here in America. Statistics show that ESL students aren't making gains because rather than the focus being literacy, it's getting them to pass state standardized tests for school grades and government funding. This wasn't shocking but rather informative and a tear jerker. Enjoy his talent and the message!

Sincerely,

Karen C.

Wanna Bet?

Would you believe me if I told you that Theodore Geisel's legacy started with a couple nerdy bets? Believe me, I wouldn't trust the statement either. However, it's the complete truth. Back in the 1950s, children's books predominantly consisted of those redundant and unrealistic Dick & Jane books! The children in the books were always well put together and super polite; something most children probably couldn't relate too (lol)! During his earlier years as an author, Geisel was challenged by a friend to write a children's book utilizing 225 of the 348 Dolch Sight Words. Only 9 months later, Geisel successfully penned "The Cat in the Hat" under the alias Dr. Seuss. The tale of the charming yet devious cat went on to sell more than a million copies within three years of being published. A couple of years later, Dr. Seuss' publisher bet him $50.00 that he couldn't achieve the same success with a book using simply 50 of the Dolch Sight Words. Geisel proved his publisher wrong and released a well-known favorite, "Green Eggs and Ham". Though Theodore Geisel states he never received the $50, I'm sure he made far more money from book sales.

Take on challengers and make a believer out of someone, TODAY!
"Oh the places you will go..." -Dr. Seuss

Why Are Your Captions On?!?

Anyone who knows and loves me is well aware that I feel most comfortable watching television with the captions turned on. For years, I did it because my hearing was quite poor. It was a means of staying connected with the show without telling my mother that I had a hard time hearing. I finally broke down and told her eventually which resulted in a doctor's visit and a Haitian castor oil home remedy. However, the captions have remained and become a part of my home. I attribute the reading of captions to my speedy yet fluent rate of reading.

I was reading Anthony and Ula Manzo's "Reading Assessment for Diagnostic-Prescriptive Teaching" (not for fun) the other night and it was mentioned that captioned television can be an older student's untiring tutor. Research done by Patricia Koskinen, University of Maryland, shows that captions can be used to improve reading along while listening. Details on implementation and measurable outcomes are scarce however it has worked with many older struggling readers. Typically, when a child is reading deficient, the fluency is also quite poor; this makes it hard to keep up with the text in print form. This is a good strategy, if used strategically and periodically.

Photo Credit: http://mediaaccess.org.au/television/captions-tv

Karen's Top 5 Facts About Literacy in America

1. Nearly 66% of the children who can't read proficiently by the 4th grade will end up in jail or depending on the government for welfare assistance. Additionally, close to 70% of those sitting behind America's prison cells can't read beyond the 4th grade level.

2. For every 4 children in America, 1 grows up not learning how to read. By reading, I don't mean mere word calling; I mean being a fluent and cognitive reader of texts.

3. One learns to be literate. Illiteracy is passed down.

4. In a 2009 study, it was found that while 53% of the surveyed 4th graders read for recreation, only 20% of the 8th graders polled did the same.

5. This year, Washington D.C., was rated the most literate district, while Seattle and Minneapolis followed closely. *Please note all 3 are already implementing aspects of Common Core State Standards.

Photo Credit: http://cincinnati.com/niecincy/archive/2012/09/03/

Add a Book to the Christmas List

The holiday season is fast approaching and I'm sure some overly enthusiastic people (like myself) have already started created gift lists. Whether or not you've started, this blog is for you! I can't remember a year going by that I didn't receive a book as one of my Christmas gifts from my mom. It was a tradition that I plan to pass on to my family when the day comes. In the coming weeks, I'll be posting some notable, award-winning, children's books that you may want to consider purchasing for that special someone in your life.

Today's feature, Extra Yarn, happens to be one of my favorites for the year. Written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by John Klassen, this book is about a selfish archduke threatening to put an end to a little girl's goal to bring life to a colorless town; the archduke does so by stealing the box containing her magical yarn. 

It's a great, quick read with snazzy illustration and beautiful colors. Additionally, if awards impress you, it is a 2013 Caldecott Honor Book. The going price at Barnes & Noble is $13.62 and well worth the money! So, gift a child with one this holiday season and inspire them to want to transform the world as well.

Sincerely,

Karen C.

Goodbye PARCC. Hello Again....FCAT?

This may not mean much for people living outside of Florida however is significant for Florida parents, educators, administrators, children, etc. Florida governor, Rick Scott, after the Education Summit in Tampa has decided that it's best for Florida to opt out of the PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers). He claims that after much discussion he feels it's best to allow the Florida school system to continue failing its children  keep the federal government out of the state's education policies. Scott  in his letter to Arne Duncan (U.S. Secretary of Education) writes, "I issued an executive order to address state assessments, ensure student data security and support a transparent and understandable school accountability system."  Additionally, he and his staff have developed a 6 step plan to ensure that students are held to high(ER) standards (. . ) I know many parents, students, and educators were thrilled at the idea of PARCC replacing the FCAT however, as of right now, it is unclear what state assessment will be administered for the upcoming school year. The political sharks are out to sell their assessments, Governor Scott is all ears, and God bless Florida. I have a feeling the FCAT (version 3.0 this time) will make an appearance next school year. Teachers will continue to be forced to teach to the test and the FCAT will continue missing the mark on higher order thinking...but, what do I know?
From what I'm gathering, not only is Scott saying no to PARCC, but he's also saying "meh" to Common Core State Standards. The standards, when implemented with fidelity, should ensure that states share a single culture with regards to curriculum. However, he is stating that the standards will be amended to suit Florida classrooms.  Other states will flourish and well, Florida, ....

PARCC states that have affirmed commitment 

Common Core Testing Map: Blue states (PARCC), Green states (Smarter Balance Testing), Black States (none)

Sincerely,
Karen C. 

Let Handwriting Wire Your Brain

Ever read someone's writing and the handwriting left you stumped? I'm sure we all have experienced  that at some point. I recall being in elementary/middle school and having to work on handwriting every day for at least 15 minutes. My 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Grant, would send me back to my seat to re-write a sentence if she wasn't pleased with my handwriting. At the time, I really hated her guts for doing so. Later on in life, I learned to appreciate her no-nonsense take on handwriting! While at a Zaner-Bloser workshop for new textbooks (as a rookie teacher), I came across their handwriting books and instantly thought to purchase them for my 3rd/4th grade class. My principal at the time was opposed to the idea, "We don't have time for that!" I'm pretty sure the look on my face was (-_-). The school day is from 8-3pm, I was pretty sure we could spare 10-15 minutes for handwriting; besides, I was struggling to grade papers because of half of my class' poor handwriting skills. Being the renegade that I am, I purchased a copy and decided I would copy the pages and assign them to my students as morning work!

I did do a bit of research (Googling) on the effect of handwriting on the brain and here's what I found:
-students who have greater ease with fine-motor writing tasks have better academic skills in second grade in both reading and math
-when students develop the fine motor skills that accompany learning to write by hand, their speed and output increase
- increases brain activation for higher level learning
-provide a foundation for literacy skills development and critical thinking in reading, writing, language, and mathematics

Consistent handwriting practice wires the brain for learning and creates a calmer classroom environment! It worked in my room and I did have the pleasure of watching my students benefit from the practice. I also never got caught by my principal :) #SmallVictory 

Parents, if your child isn't receiving conventional handwriting practice at school, you can always go ahead and purchase a handwriting book from the local teacher store, Wal-mart or Toys-R-Us and have them work on it at home! 

Sincerely, 
Karen C.  
                                                 

Teach for America? Why not?!

Lest I forget to share the good news, I've accepted the invitation to join the Teach for America Corps in Nashville, TN! I'm absolutely thrilled that I was accepted because I know many before me didn't quite make the cut. It was a process that started back in August 2013. I applied in faith and solicited prayers from close family and friends. Unexpectedly, I made it through the application process and was offered an online interview, followed by a phone interview. Both interviews went very well however I was unsure if I would be called for an in-person interview. I started reading various articles and blogs and the statistics started to get the best of me. 'Of the thousands of  applicants, what would make me stand out?' Well, on October 2nd, I received an email stating that I was invited to an in-person interview at Goldman Sachs down in Miami, FL *throws confetti*! Long story short, the interview was 9a.m.-5p.m. and I had an army of prayers going up on my behalf that day. I left feeling absolutely CONFIDENT. 

 After 2 weeks of waiting, on October 31st at 8:44 p.m. I received the email stating my acceptance! There's nothing too hard for God. My life is a testimony of His goodness. Don't be afraid to dream BIG. 

Sincerely,

Karen C.

P.S.- A view from the 37th floor at Goldman Sachs in Miami, FL. 

The Journey Begins...

Welcome to my blog Read, Rule and Reign! This is where you should feel comfortable coming when you want the latest on what's going on in the world of Literacy. Just to give you a little background information on me: I'm a 4th year teacher and currently serving as a Reading Specialist for the Palm Beach County School District. I'm less than a month away from completing a Masters of Science degree with a focus in Literacy (Reading). I'm not claiming to have all the knowledge or all the answers; however, as I learn, I want to have a platform to share with my readers as well. I'll be bringing you the latest on literacy, designing great learning tools, posting strategies for teachers, parents, tutors, etc and answering questions on how to help create life long readers! I hope that you enjoy the journey just as much as I will.


Sincerely,

Karen C.

P.S.- Here's a current glance at the front of my classroom!