Amazon....
It's my favorite place to go for good book deals and hard to find books.  Today as I read through other teaching blogs I discover new books that I don't have yet.  After reading the blog I immediately pull up another browser and open Amazon.  Soon I find myself searching for these books and looking at others recommended by my search. After an hour or so, as if I'm surprised, I find that my wish list has doubled.  I guess you could say Amazon is a great resource and a hindrance on my pocketbook.  I'm proud that I only clicked buy on a few of the books and left the rest in my wish list for later purchases.  Believe me it was tough.  I know the kids are going to enjoy these new additions to our class library.

Cover of What You Know First

I have posted a link on here to some youtube videos for Aurasma.  Aurasma is an app that I used in my classroom last year.  It has changed the way I teach Social Studies.  The app allowed me to help the students connect to history.  Students were able to learn about the people who have influenced our society by watching speeches and videos of what thing looked like long ago.  I was amazed at how the students were able to connect and remember details of history.  This year I plan to use it even more in my classroom and very early in the year.
Check it out.  If you think of any other uses post them :)

The Book Whisperer

This summer I read The Book Whisperer, by Donalyn Miller.  The author of the book is from Texas and teaches reading.  It was an amazing read and showed me a new way of teaching my students to love reading.  I can not wait to start the year.
I have been collecting books from garage sales, begging on Facebook (lol), and going to Goodwill every few weeks.  I have managed to stock up quite a few books, but I will be anxious to add more to our class library.
The basic idea of the book is to allow students to pick which books they want to read and have time for them to read everyday.  As their teacher, I will have them fill out a questionnaire to them toward books they will love.  Having book talks and reviews instead of lengthy book reports helps the teachers monitor their reading.  The main reason I started this blog is to allow my students to put book recommendations on here so they can share what books they are enjoying with other students all over the world.  

Donalyn Miller has a blog at http://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com

Cover via Amazon

Welcome to 3rd Grade!

This year I am so excited to start a class blog.  Here the students will comment on books they are reading, people we are learning about, and weekly events.