Reflect and Refresh Linky Parties

I was so happy to find the
REFLECT AND REFRESH
Linky Party
over at 

I decided to jump right in because the theme goes right along with what I love to do:
reflect.

COMMUNICATION

This year we started online homework through Reading Plus as a department. I had already been using Achieve 3000 for the past few years sponsored by the Multicultural Department of our school district.  So, I combined the two programs as my homework requirement.

I printed out weekly data sheets for each student. We also set activity goals:  one hundred Reading Plus activities at 80% or higher for the year, forty activities at 80% or higher in Achieve 3000.  Through the data feedback students were able to keep track of their goals and progress.  At the end of the year Achieve 3000 delivered certificates to students who met their goal.  That was great!  And, I gave out Reading Plus awards, as well.  Giving out weekly data feedback does require time and paper.  I hope to continue, however I'll cut it down to three times a quarter.

ORGANIZATION

At the end of each nine weeks my goal was to clear the clutter.  If I had the file in my computer, the paper became history. If I haven't used something in the past 3 years, it either was recycled, given away, or purged.  I gave away many of my elementary resources that were in good condition to students with younger siblings. Less is more!

CONTENT

I added writing small groups during my L.A. classes.  I alreaady had reading small groups in my Intensive Reading class, so I decided to try it out with writing.  With more read to write requirements, and juggling so many language and reading abilities, it was the only way I could make sure I was reaching everyone.  It worked well for the most part, it just takes a lot of time because we only have 50 minute classes.  In order to give all the groups the attention needed, one lesson might take multiple days, if not, a week.  I'll have to work on shortening the time, yet maximizing the content.  Not easy.

I also added some new FUN FRIDAY activites, such as Flashlight Friday and Read In the Sun Day.

MY BIG SUMMER PROJECT

Along with updating my Class Blog (can't wait to show my kids the new redesign), I'm meeting with other teachers to create lessons to go with our new textbook.  We've used it for a year now, as you know, it's a work in progress.

Thank you for stopping by.