Forever Book

by: Allison Behne

In order to relate to my students on a personal level, I often try to remember what it was like to be their age, learning reading strategies necessary to become a successful reader. I remember being part of the summer reading program at my local library, reading as much as I could to complete the program before the end of summer. I remember the Read a Million Minutes program and trying to log as many minutes as I could to help my school reach its goal. I remember learning letters, sounds, and sight words from Sesame Street and Reading Rainbow. Most of all, I remember my family gathering together to read bedtime stories before drifting off to sleep. A few of these stories are embedded in my mind because they are associated with fond memories of family time, and because for some reason or other they were my favorite and I insisted they be read nightly. I call these books my forever books because I will forever remember them. Just like I have fond memories of stories that are special to me, my students have fond memories of stories special to them.

Below you will find a copy of the forever book letter I use. I developed this letter based off of an idea I read on an online teacher community. Including a child's forever book in their book box is a good way to help them feel "at home" in the classroom. Children of all ages enjoy bringing in their books and sharing them with friends. Even children who can't read enjoy bringing in their forever book because they are able to "read the pictures" and "retell a story they have heard before".

Forever Book Parent Letter

FAQ

Q: - What suggestions do you have for utilizing 2 adults in our inclusion classroom?

A: An extra adult in your room during literacy can be the best of things (when they independently work with the right students on the right things) or it can be the worst (when you aren't sure of their skills and they are unable to independently help your students).

Here is our preferred way of utilizing additional support:

http://www.thedailycafe.com/public/771.cfm

Ten Studies Worth Knowing - (Website)

We particularly liked these Ten Psychology Studies that David Disalvo reports on. We are drawn to the sixth article:

http://www.thedailycafe.com/public/770.cfm

Registration Information for 2010 Workshops

We started taking registrations for our 2010 workshops last week and are overwhelmed by the response. They are filling fast, so we wanted to make sure you look at your calendars and see if we will be in a city close to you. We would love to spend the day with you.

If you want to join us in Florida, check out the link below, we will be there too. For more information regarding locations and how to register click on the link below...

http://www.thedailycafe.com/public/754.cfm

New This Week For Members

Interested in becoming a member of The Daily Cafe? Click here for more information.

Ready Reference Guide - Make a Mental Image (Download)

Ready Reference Guides contain the most important information you need to know about a Cafe Menu strategy. Make a Picture or Mental Image is a favorite of many students.

http://www.thedailycafe.com/members/774.cfm

Sisters on the Spot - Communication and Grades

LaVerne joined us to ask the following two questions: How do you clearly communicate to parents where their child is as a reader? How do you assign grades on report cards based on your reading assessments?

http://www.thedailycafe.com/members/763.cfm

Design - Love the Lamps

Tired of those buzzing fluorescent lights in your room? Here's a fun and easy way to personalize the lamps to match your room.

http://www.thedailycafe.com/members/760.cfm

Until next week,

Warmly, Gail and Joan