Week 1 Wrap Up--What I have learned so far

I have already noticed an increased enthusiasm towards books in my classroom.

The books I read to my class are in huge demand.  One student had all four books at his desk. At first, I was a little annoyed he had them all but then caught myself. I realized that as a struggling reader, he valued those books so much, he kept them. I need to obtain more copies of the books I share or develop a fair system to ensure all students get to check out the books I've introduced.

The challenge has also provided my students with a set of shared experiences that I have been able to reference when needed. For example, my district uses Pearson's Reading Street as their curriculum. During Unit 1 Week 1, we read The Twin Club, a realistic fiction piece about two cousins who live in different communities. One learning target for the week is to have children identify what realistic fiction is. I was able to use Norbert's Big Dream and Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse to contrast genres.  In the past, I  would use Fairy Tales, hoping that my students had read them. Some hadn't, so I would then have to read one in order to give my students the context they needed. By that time, my point was often lost. Now, we all have the same knowledge base. It makes my teaching so much easier. 

I am noticing a growing sense of community too. We all were amazed by the talent of Corrina Luyken and knowing that it was safe to make mistakes in the classroom seemed to settle everyone. Something special happens to a class when they laugh together and laugh together we have. Whether it be the Lilly's terrible picture of Mr. Slinger, Norbert doing push-ups (pigs can't do push-ups) or a book that made me say Boo Boo Butt, we laughed a lot this week. 

I'm glad I took this challenge. I am overjoyed by the support I have received from my colleagues and can't wait to get started again next week.