If you are struggling with Standard 3: Connections & Relationships, consider explicitly introducting the seven major types of relationships independently. I like to start with one person that influences a big event. Students will inevitably have read or heard these types of stories or events. Create an anchor chart based on books that they have read about people who are… Read more →
I am a big proponent that the basic (less than 10) reading standards have to be introduced EXPLICITLY. I always stick with the I do, we do, you do model. My routine is pretty basic and repetitive. I use an anticipatory set or engaging intro, connect the skill to something the kids already know, then model how to use the… Read more →
There are two different skills included in the Word Play standard. The first deals with word meaning and the second deals with the impact of the word choice.The first skill for each grade level standard asks that students determine the meaning of words. This means that students need to have some instruction in context clues and the practice of noting… Read more →
Free. Say it out loud. I like the sound of it (as all teachers do). When looking for Common Core Informational Text materials that word means even more. One of the standards that I am excited about is Informational Text standard 7. This asks students to look at text as inclusive of audio, video, images, and more! I found a… Read more →
Informational Text Standard 7. Ooh. Am I the only one excited about this? I have dubbed this standard: Beyond Text. This is really a FUN standard that is often overlooked. In middle school in particular, students need this standard increasingly more as they navigate and interpret visual, audio, and multiple forms of written text. Let’s take a look at the… Read more →
Common Core Informational Text Standard RI3 is a unique standard that balances critical thinking with textual evidence. This standard might be my new favorite (do I say that for every one?) standard. This standard really puts the responsibility of making connections in the students’ corner. When you plan an effective Common Core lesson for this standard, you want to be… Read more →
As educators begin to make sense of the Common Core standards, there is a lot of emotion out there! People seem to love or hate the standards. Once everyone cuts through all of the rhetoric and line in the sand drawing, the work of understanding and planning for instruction will still remain. As a researcher, I am always drawn to… Read more →
As students move through the standards, they will need to master standard 2: Central Ideas. This standard is about writing! Under many of the past, more traditionally formatted standards this might have been found in the writing strand. This standard demands that students find the central ideas, write about how they were developed, and then summarize what they read. Mastery… Read more →
