Reading

Today at school, I did actually teach and get back into regular school mode.  Both classes flew by with math and will be ready for a test before I know it.  I stayed up too late last night watching the baseball game though so after I was done teaching math, I was definitely dragging.  I probably could have taken a nap during school if I had the chance.  Julissa and I talked about some upcoming events like their field trip and dance that are in the beginning of November.  We were both in disbelief that November was just around the corner!
I was able to get some grading done this afternoon which was nice because I was behind from being gone.  I decided that I really miss reading to my students so I read them a book about punctuation.  The second graders were glued to my punctuation poems and so were the third graders, for the most part.  I read to them yesterday in library as well and it never ceases to amaze me how much children enjoy being read to.  I still enjoy being read to or listening to stories.  I finished my poems and then the second graders started writing to their pen pals.  They are really enjoying this idea and filled their pages with questions and facts about themselves! The third graders are enjoying it but not as enthusiastic.  I hope that I can find a way to spark their excitement for it.  After we finished our lessons for the day, the students had AR time where they were able to sit and read their library books.  One of my third grade boys had checked out Amber Brown is Not a Crayon but said he didn't like it already.  Mind you, he had only read one page so really, he had no idea whether he liked it or not.  I told him how much I enjoyed that book and asked if I he would like me to read it to him.  Before I knew it, he and I along with 5 or more other third graders were on the ground listening to me read.  I was able to finish one chapter before they had to pack up to go home.  My student's mind had totally changed about the book and I think many of their minds changed about chapter books.  I also decided that I am going to try and read to each class or to the whole class twice a week.  I remember my elementary teachers reading chapter books to our class and being hooked on the book.  Amber Brown also sparked a few teaching ideas for me.  Funny how that happens!
My evening has been pretty typical.  I fell asleep on the couch for awhile and then talked on the phone to a few family members from home.  The more I hear from home, the more excited I get for Thanksgiving and then Christmas!
Moral of today: Read out loud to your students and children!  Or even pick up a book yourself! Happy reading!