Workshop Wednesday and Liebster...again :)

Wow...so many linky parties this summer!

I don't even know where to start! I have had so much fun blog hopping and have grabbed up so many great ideas for this upcoming year.


Today I am linking up with fellow fourth grade teacher Jivey at Ideas by Jivey for her Workshop Wednesday. Link up to tell what tools and resources you need for Reading, Writing, and Math Workshop Set-Ups for Wednesday in July!

Just one guess to which workshops I want to get ready for...LOL

For Reading Workshop...I spoke about my go-to book yesterday...I could not do all that I do in my reading block without this wonderful resource. It is a very easy read, but it is so powerful at the same time! I refer to it often! I also refer my friends to it often, and I am sure they are tired of it. LOL....I am kind of a Donalyn Miller stalker.

One my favorite points from her book..."...but focusing on test scores or the numbers of books my students read does not tell the whole story. It does not tell half the story. You see my students are not just strong, capable readers; they love books and reading. Building lifelong readers has to start here. Anyone that calls herself or himself a reader will tell you it starts with encountering great books, heartfelt recommendations and a community that shares this passion."

How can you not LOVE that! I cannot wait for our "book frenzy" those first few days of school as we plow through baskets looking for just the right book or two or three...

The next book that I revisit at the beginning of each year is The Daily 5  by "the sisters." Again, another very easy read, but one that has been just as crucial in my helping me be more reflective and truly look at what is important for my kiddos! 

Well...every year...that is where I start for my Reading Workshop. 

Now...on to Writing Workshop.

Again, yesterday I mentioned two of my faves in the writing world...

I could not begin planning my writing lessons without these two gentlemen, Jeff Anderson and Barry Lane! Mechanically Inclined is my grammar-go-to! LOVE it...I cannot tell you how many days I have this book opened right next to my lesson plan book. Hooked on Meaning is my content/style-go-to! Some of my favorite writing lessons each year come from this wonderful book with CD. 

 

One book that I did not mention yesterday is one that is never far in that first few weeks of school....

Launching the Writing Workshop by Denise Leograndis. I am such a visual person that this step-by-step guide in photographs was so important for me. Over the years, I have tweaked her ideas and mentor texts suggestions to make them my own, but I promise you...this one has been a huge influence on my teaching. 

 

A Writer's Notebook by Ralph Fletcher and Notebook Know-How by Aimee Buckner are my next steps in planning my workshops. Having notebook examples ready to go is also a must!

That's all I have for now....when I get back in my room, I can add more pics of all that I do to get ready to launch my Reading and Writing Workshops. Like all of you, I know the list can go on and on!

I have to give another thanks for being thought of for the Liebster Award...that makes 3! Thanks to Contemporary South Teacher for thinking of us.

I know you guys have been through this with me before :) so I will try to keep it very brief!

First of all check out this post and this post to see my past answers and nominees.

 

I just hate to not answer Contemporary South Teacher's questions since she took the time to think of us, so here goes...

1. How many years have you been teaching? This will be my ninth!

2. Have you taught more than 1 grade? If so, what's your favorite? Nope...only 4th! Whoop, whoop!

3. Why did you start a blog? I had a TeacherWeb page for a very long time, and well, I guess I just got tired of paying for it. LOL...blogging is free and honestly, it has been so much fun!

4. Where do you get most of your classroom inspiration from? Hmmm...The Book Whisperer LOL...

5. What are two qualities that you think every teacher NEEDS to have? a true love for kiddos and a passion for what they teach!

6. What is your favorite holiday and why? Thanksgiving! All the fun of family and food and no pressure to find that perfect gift!

7. If you could visit one place for an entire year, where would you go and why? Scotland! LOL....all my Outlander friends are laughing with me now. :)

8. Name somebody who provides you with encouragement. Wow...there are so many! Off the top of my head, my oldest son has always been so encouraging of almost everything I do...he is my mini-me.

9. Describe your teaching style in 5 words or less. Passionate, fun, lighthearted, caring, bookish

10. What are you most excited about for this upcoming school year? continuing to grow as a teacher especially in Responsive Classroom

11. Do you have a favorite joke? If so, share!...LOL...no jokes...do eCards count?

Eleven random facts...

1. I am the proud momma of four almost grown kiddos

2. I have been married for 20 years

3. I was in the Air Force before I became a teacher

4. I love the smell of a new book

5. I have never passed a book store without buying a picture book...or two...or three

6. I have a tattoo ~ (beach trip with the Flamingos ;)

7. I LOVE zombies...Walking Dead is the best show EVER

8. I watch way to much trashy reality T.V....I mean Big Brother? Really? Yes, please!

9. I have WAY too many pets...these 5 dogs will be the death of me

10. I hate, yes, a strong word but entirely appropriate here, folding laundry

11. I used to have time to paint, and I miss it

One of my most favorite murals..painted by ME!
Do you recognize it? It's The Great Kapok Tree!

Whew...another long one! Thanks for sticking with me! 

Happy Reading, friends!