Katie asks...

What are your favorite picture books for teaching describing words and descriptive sentences? That's what is in the plan for Treasures soon, but I want to jazz it up a bit with a better lesson. I teach 1st grade.

Katie asks...

My school just did a small training on The Daily CAFE. Our administration is not requiring us to use it, but they think it would be a great way to align all the grade levels in terms of reading strategies. I am really excited to try it because I've read some great things on other teacher blogs. Any words of advice for a CAFE newbie?

Rorey asks...

I teach overseas and it is difficult to get resources. Does anyone know of a good place to find a free printable number line for my third grade wall?

Katie asks...

What rewards for good behavior do you use in your classroom?

I've never used a treasure box because a) I don't like giving kids little prizes because I think it sends the wrong message and b) I'm cheap! I've always used intrinsic rewards like 'No Shoe Day' or 'Read to the Principal' and I'm loving the way Mrs. Cooley organizes hers over at First Grader...at Last! (Go check it out if you haven't seen it yet.) Now I'm thinking I need to make some monster themed punch cards and a monster themed rewards binder! What other rewards do you use?

Bobbie asks...

Does anyone have a whole class reading goal for the year? How do you record what books are read? I saw on a blog somewhere (I can't remember/find it) where they counted books read at school and home to meet the goal. I want to do this to keep the students excited but I am not really sure where to start or what would be a good amount for the goal for kindergarten or if it should include books I read too. Thanks.

Stephanie asks...

I am wondering if anyone knows where I can purchase a bell as an attention getter. It is not your regular bell, though, it is one that makes a very soothing noise. Has anyone seen these? I believe they are Montessori. I would love any tips on where to find!

Stacy asks...

I have been teaching Kindergarten and implementing centers for 6 years, but I am still struggling each week with the question, "What are next week's centers?" How do you organize all of your centers for planning and storage?

Elissa asks...

We have kindergarten round-up and take our future class into our rooms to meet the teacher and see the room.  We read a story and then have time for a craft.  Does anyone have a cute and easy craft they do at round up.  I have about 30 minutes with them.  Thanks!

Dusty asks...

I am a homeschooler, but have a deep respect for those with the capacity and love of teaching other's children. And am SUPER appreciative of everyone of you that shares your experiences and methods. My daughter is 5 and we believe she may be dyslexic. Her father is dyslexic and while we are not currently in a position to have her tested, she struggles a lot with reading simple words, often reading "pat" instead of "tap" (and even reading "21" instead of "12") and the like. Does anyone have experience teaching phonics to dyslexics and know of a good approach? I have been assembling a number of manipulatives and trying to compile some games, but everything seems to only frustrate her. We do well with all other subjects, math being her favorite. I just don't know if approaching phonics with her, assuming she may have the same struggles her father did, would help her. Her father was made to memorize everything as a site word. And he continues to struggle with unusual words. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Rorey asks...

I am teaching at an international school in Tanzania and will be using a Primary Years Programe (PYP) for the first time. What strategies or advice can people with PYP experience offer me? How to set up units of inquiry? Organizational strategies? Management?