Independent Reading in place, Small groups formed, Now what?

I began my blog to share ideas about how I made the most out of small group instruction by using data to plan instruction, gathering materials for setting up the classroom environment, and establishing routines.  My hope is to give others ideas and to help others realize they are not alone.  I then wandered what next?  I realized that not only is small group instruction important to me, but making sure students read and understand what they read.  So I thought,  how could I share my love for books and help teachers use them to teach content.

So now what?

I soon focused on using small groups and books for not only Reading instruction, but for multiple purposes such as:

•  I choose vocabulary that fit spelling patterns listed in the TEKS.
•  I developed writing prompts according to unit of study
•  I taught Grammar skills listed in TEKS
•  I found creative ways to create Mathematical word problems
•  I found creative ways to apply Science and Social studies content to the text

I utilized lots of graphic organizers and foldables as the tool in which to record responses.  The students seemed to attend more to their reading.  Small groups became very interactive.

Here are my favorite books that allowed me to teach various skills and content material, while modeling reading reading behaviors. I find books that fit the topic of units of study and use during reading block, or during time of subject area is to be taught.  I wrote comprehension activities that fit not only Reading but other subject areas as well.  

These books have strong story lines and characters that are great for teaching higher order reading skills, promoting critical thinking, synthesizing and analysis through written and oral format.  

 Now that I have been teaching almost 17 years,  I have  become accustomed to monitoring and adjusting my teaching style.  I really love Reading so I began to create comprehension packets based off my favorite books.  I love to read books and  develop comprehension activities that hit all subject areas.

Stay tuned! I plan to work on fine tuning some of my favorite comprehension packets to upload to the site.

Meanwhile,  What are you struggling with as a beginning teacher?  Do you know parents of a students that struggle?  What would you like to read about?