MARESA Literacy Monthly: April 2022 Edition

Your Voice Matters! 

2022-23 MARESA K-5 LITERACY SURVEY 

As we work to provide professional learning opportunities that are both meaningful and relevant to you, we are requesting your input on this year's survey.  It is only 10 questions and will require only a few moments of your time.  Click here to complete.  We thank you in advance for your participation!  

Spotlight on the Essentials

Making EVERY MINUTE COUNT During Small Small Group Instruction

In the third and final session for the MARESA K-5 Teacher Literacy Networks, we explored: 

• Use of time/time analysis

• Strategies to develop reading fluency

If you were unable to join us, you will find asynchronous learning options here.  We invite you to contact us for follow up support as needed. 

Engaging Families

Preparing families for summer 

 As summer rapidly approaches, plans are underway for supporting students through local libraries, summer programs, learning at home, and more!  The "summer slide" is definitely real, but definitely avoidable!  A study shared in the Literacy Essential learning modules showed that if children read as little as 12-15 books during the summer months, they actually increased their reading achievement half of a grade level!  

How can you support families to prepare for time away from school this year?  The Literacy Essential Instructional Practices offer educators guidance that is founded in research.  Specifically, Literacy Essential #10 calls educators to collaborate with families in literacy.  One such way is to provide literacy supporting resources...think texts (digital or print) and think about how your guidance and support can help families engage in the summer programs available (online, in your community, or at your school).

Summer NEWS FLASH!

The Michigan Learning Channel offers an incredible program that is both flexible and engaging!  See the home page for Summer 2022 and consider how this free program might support your students and their families.  The Educator Guide will share a program overview and tips specific to educators like you.  THIS PROGRAM IS INCREDIBLE!!! CHECK IT OUT!!!

We are thrilled to introduce Ellen Doan, Engagement Coordinator, WNMU-TV Michigan Learning Channel!  She is a local contact for teachers in Marquette and Alger Counties.  If you have questions or would like her support in launching this program to families, contact her at: edoan@nmu.edu. 

For the Love of Reading

Increase Engagement Through Sound Effects...TechNology Tool!

Seeing children engaged in a real aloud is a magical and special time that teachers in every classroom cherish.  This month, we have decided to share a snazzy tech tool that will bring the element of sound to your next read aloud.  

Novel Effect, a mobile app found in the Apple App store and Google Play Store, connects to your voice (or a child's) while reading and interacts with sounds and music.  For example, if you read the word clap, Novel Effect will play a clap sound effect.  You must choose a story from the extensive collection of books available in the app (many of which are probably classroom favorites)! See how it works in this video short:

Currently, teachers are allowed up to 5 read alouds for free each month.  See paid plans for educators here.  Let the MARESA Literacy Team know if you try this out! 

go! Go! Gaby!

Have you heard?

We have a lot of formative assessment tools in our toolbox, but have you heard about Blooket?

Teachers are talking about it for a good reason, it is engaging, it is interactive, and it is game-based.

If you have not heard about it you might want to give it a try.

Here is a short and a long tutorial (in case you want to learn all it's awesome features)

Click here to see the tutorial