MARESA Literacy Monthly: March 2023 Edition

 

for the love of all

maresa's diversity, equity, inclusion lending library is here!!!

The DEI Lending Library is LIVE!!! The books are in, the spreadsheet is a wonderful work in progress, and we are excited to support you in bringing these books and other DEI resources to your classrooms! Check out what we have by clicking HERE or scanning the QR code above. You can check out the books to use yourself. Just email Chandra to figure out book pick up. You can also reach out if you’d like us to come to you to model a lesson or plan ahead how you can integrate the read alouds. Please let us know how else we can support you in supporting ALL our students!

We recently sent you an email with a teacher-friendly informational flyer for this month's theme "Our Identities Are Important." What did you think? Send us your feedback and let us know how we can help support you in this important work.

FOR THE Love of Reading & Stem

Maresa's amazing stem lending library 

ABOUT THESE RESOURCES

These materials help educators use literature to get students excited about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) by actively involving them in the design thinking process. Each title shares a story where something was built or invented by designing, planning, gathering materials, and creating. There is a book card/lesson plan for each title that includes a maker-STEM connection; pre, during, and post-questions; and a design challenge that incorporates materials already available in each local REMC.

WHY WOULD I WANT TO USE THESE IN MY CLASSROOM?
Several of Michigan’s educational standards focus on literacy, engineering design thinking, collaboration, creation, as well as soft skills that include inquiry and problem-solving skills. These resources provide ways for educators to teach students about design-thinking concepts in an easy and non-intimidating way.

Access the full library and check out the resources HERE. Email Gaby to reserve your materials, coordinate book delivery, and see what else she can do for you! She has some amazing tech tools and fun robots.
geyzagui@maresa.org

FOR THE Love of writing

establish a purpose for children to write...

...beyond being assigned or expected to do so, such as for their enjoyment/interest, to answer their questions about the natural and social world, to address community needs, or to communicate with a specific audience." That's what's stated in Literacy Essential 1, bullet 5. Here's one unique opportunity to do just that.

Dear Friend, 

Next month is Reading Month, when we come together to celebrate and promote the joy and importance of reading in Michigan. Reading plays a crucial role in our lives, expands our knowledge of the world and each other, and helps us grow our imagination and build empathy. That’s why, in this year’s budget, I have proposed increased investments in literacy grants and coaches for children and adults, so Michiganders of all ages can experience the joy of reading. 

I hope you make the most out of this month by reading something new, returning to an old favorite, or writing a story of your own! Whether you have a short story that you’ve written or are inspired to write one for the first time, I encourage you to send it to me. During Reading Month, I will be sharing some of your stories on my social media to celebrate your talents and bring people together.  

To submit your story: 

1. Visit my website

1. Click “Contact the Governor”

1. Fill out the form and attach a copy of your story!

1. Please make sure to include your name, grade, and the city you live in 

Governor

Submissions will be accepted exclusively through the online system and must be received no later than Sunday, March 12th, 2023.  

I am so excited to read your stories. Michigan’s young people are intelligent, creative, and imaginative, and I hope that students from across the state share their creativity and hard work with me. Let’s celebrate the power of reading together! 

Sincerely, 

Gretchen Whitmer

FOR THE Love of learning

always growing 

MARESA LETRS NETWORK
Mark your calendars for March 13!

The MARESA LETRS NETWORK supports teachers in Cohorts 1, 2, 3, or 4 to solidify and extend their LETRS professional development by offering time and space for teachers to connect together. We'll meet from 9-3. Lunch is provided. 
HERE is the direct link to register on Wisdomwhere.
Register for Cohort 5!

Literacy Essentials Modules 

Teachers, you are all incredible and are affecting so much positive change! I just needed to pause and throw that out there. Y'all are SUPERHEROES!!! Also, are you interested in content beyond LETRS? There is so much out there available to educators for FREE. If you have the energy to discover more...check out Essential Practice #1 - Motivation and Engagement, there's a self-paced course available HERE. Most of the courses are about 5 SCECHs. 

letrs testimonials

Praise from teachers

You don't know what you don't know and so much of LETRs as a college graduate into teaching was what I DID NOT know before. The knowledge is simple, yet what all teachers need to know before starting to teach children. I wish I knew this before ever stepping into a classroom!

-2nd Grade Teacher

LETRS has changed the way I provide reading instruction. We learn about the reading brain and how to provide the most meaningful lessons that meet students where they are at! LETRS takes a lot of time, but it is worth every bit! 

-1st Grade Teacher

Like/Learned: I understand different ways my students' brains work when they are decoding. 

Recommend: Yes, it is helpful to learn different ways to teach to the way the students learn.

-K-5 Resource Room Teacher

LETRS has been one of the best professional developments I have completed! It is self-paced but also has some online live sessions with other teachers throughout the state to network and get many ideas. The idea of it being spaced out for two years does seem daunting but it's appropriate with the real lives we live and not cramming it all in. I am able to take an idea and implement the realistic, small changes that produce great outcomes. Letrs has taught me to think how the students brain might be processing and how I can help them blend then read. I may not be able to recall all the information covered but I know where to find the info and resources necessary to help my students learn. Overall, a worthwhile investment for teachers and should be required in the teacher education programs!

-Kindergarten Teacher

maresa spotlight

go cougars!

The 4th graders at Superior Central have been working hard to become wonderful writers. They have come a long ways. Bravo to their teachers Victoria Hill and Kim Freitas. It's been fun working with you ladies and your students. As I have had the pleasure of coaching in their rooms, I believe their classroom management, community building, and calm demeanors are huge factors in the success of their students. Keep up the good work!

Family engagement

march activity calendar

Click HERE to access a March Family Engagement Student Success Calendar, courtesy of the St. Clair County RESA. 

Go! Go! Gaby!

Non-Fiction Magazines at MEL.0rg plus Intro to LUMIO!

This month I'd like to share something some of you have been asking for: resources for getting non-fiction articles for your students. Did you know you can access the Scholastic News magazine issues at Mel.org? 

Additionally, I’d like to introduce the LUMIO tool.  This tool is relatively new, it has a lot of features teachers want.

Open this presentation to learn more about it, or make your own copy of this presentation