Weekly Post for February 19, 2016

I am sure many of you are coming off a 4-day week (which probably has you more tired that a 5 day week).  If you are super lucky then you have enjoyed a full week off.  My house has been full of sickness this week.  I think my kiddos have made up for 2 years of nothing major in 5 days. I am ready for warm days now!

Book of the Week
Today I am going back to one of my favorite books.  The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo is one I have read aloud every single year.  I've read it to 2nd graders and 5th graders, boys, and girls...they all loved it.  I have recommended it to other teachers who quickly came back for more suggestions because their class loved the book.  If you want to teach theme, if you want to have your students on the edge of their seats, if you love beautiful pictures, and if you want a book YOU will enjoy reading again and again, then this is the book for you.  (NOTE: Have your school librarian hold all copies of the book in the library for your class.  I guarantee you students will ask to go to the library to check it out the day you start it.) Here is a website on more stuff to use with the book.

Lesson of the Week
Today's lesson focuses on getting the Writer's Workshop time organized.  One of the things my students had the hardest time with was knowing when and how to conference.  After taking time to teach students about conferencing with the teacher and conferencing with peers we had more time on task and more engaging conferences.  This post contains a free download of conferencing forms.

Fabulous Freebie
This week's freebie is 5 Science Prompts. These prompts encourage students to think outside of the box.  Click here to get your free download.

Recipe of the Week
This Stuffed Chicken Recipe from eatingwell.com is my husband's favorite.  We skip the breading part and it is still super yummy. This quick recipe has minimal prep time.  I like to add some broccoli or corn as a side.

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