spotlight on the essentials

research-based writing across the curriculum!

This year the focus of our time together will be on Literacy Essential #6: Research and Standards-Aligned Writing Instruction. Here's a quick review of the best practices that every teacher should be including in their classrooms every day.
1. Interactive writing experiences in grades K and 1.
2. Daily time for children to write and make choices about what they write.
3. Instruction in writing processes and strategies.
4. Opportunities to study models of and write a variety of texts for a variety of purposes and audiences (mentor texts, authentic purpose).
5. Explicit instruction in letter formation, spelling strategies, capitalization, punctuation, sentence construction, keyboarding (first expected by the end of 3rd grade), and word processing.
6. Offer regular opportunities for children to collaborate in writing.
7. Generate excitement about writing.

MARESA Literacy Mini pd

a story of adaptability!

With the current world we live in, teacher shortages, sub shortages, you know all the things...we have had to reflect and revamp how we will provide professional development. We were really looking forward to leading sessions around writing instruction at each grade level. Hopefully, we can get back to that model someday. For now, here's the game plan. We created a menu of mini-professional development options for your district to choose from. We'll come to you and facilitate the learning based on your decision and your district's needs. The menu is quite diverse and we hope that there's something for everyone. Of course, if there is a need or a want that is not on the menu, please let us know. We can pivot and create whatever you need.

Engaging Families

smart cookies!

Did you know that October is National Cookie Month? Yep. Here's a fun read-aloud to share in your classrooms. Then send home the "Today we read" sheet for families to complete at home with their kids. Encourage them to talk about all the different ways kids and adults can show how smart they are! Baking and eating cookies together is also highly encouraged....following a recipe is authentic reading and math at its best.

What's Happening in MARESA

Spotlight on WeLLS TOWNSHIP

We know student motivation and interest in writing increases when engaging in authentic writing with a purpose. Wells Township's second-grade students in collaboration with Gaby created stories using stop-motion movie-making from their clay creations. Students will be submitting their writing creations to IPEVO Stop Motion and Time Lapse Contest! If you are interested in support with stop-motion moving-making writing, contact Gaby (geyzagui@maresa.org)

FOR THE Love of Reading

MARQUETTE-ALGER READING COUNCIL

The Marquette Alger Reading Council (MARC) is hosting its first in-person event since the onset of the pandemic at DRIFA on Oct. 27th, 6-8 PM. "Oktoberfest of Reading" is a meet and greet event for educators in the community (and a membership drive for MARC)! See the flyer below for more detailed information.

Go! Go! Gaby!

GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS

Graphic Organizers are a teacher's best friend for helping students organize their writing. This month we have two great resources for graphic organizers.
#1. Graphic Organizers Templates in Google Slides
#2. Canva
If you don't use Canva yet, we promise you, you will love it! Canva can be used for presentations, infographics, newsletters, and so much more, in addition to having a vast collection of graphic organizers that you can use as templates to assign to your students! Canva is free for teachers and students! If you need help setting up your free educator account, contact Gaby (geyzagui@maresa.org). See this video for how to set up students with Canva.

WHAT WE ARE LEARNING FROM LETRS

SOUND WALLS

One takeaway the MARESA educators participating in LETRS have shared is transitioning from word walls to sound walls! There are many sound wall templates from Teachers Pay Teachers but before implementing a sound wall, check out these two blog posts from the creators of LETRS:

register for Cohort 4 by Dec. 2nd

Due to an increase in funding, LETRS eligibility has expanded from any Pre-K to 6 educators as well as pre-K-12 certified special education personnel employed by a public school district or public charter school. The deadline to apply for Cohort 4, starting in January is Dec. 2nd.