Your Voice Matters!
2023-24 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!
for the love of all
check out the April books in maresa's dEI lending library
Michigan's Department of Education just released an important memorandum regarding Michigan's Top 10 Strategic Education Plan. Goal number 2 is focused on Diverse Classroom Libraries. You can read the guidance document HERE. You can imagine how thrilled I am that this official document finally exists! Know that you are fully supported in the work you do to ensure your classroom libraries (and teaching practices) serve as windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors for all of Michigan's students.
If you need support in starting or continuing this work, reach out! We're here to help.
April's DEI theme is "Our Histories Are Important." You can access the books through the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Lending Library Google Sheet, or watch your email for a Smore that includes book covers and short descriptions.
In order to paint an accurate picture of the past and develop critical thinkers and peaceful problem solvers, his story and HER story and all of the diverse stories that make up our collective human history should be represented on our shelves and integrated throughout the curriculum. Learning about multiple perspectives related to the past has always been important and is critical now more than ever. Using diverse picture books as a catalyst for conversation is one way to give our students the tools and skills necessary to become knowledgeable citizens who are able to grapple with the complexities of our shared history in a respectful and compassionate manner.
Spotlight on the Mra conference
rise - Embracing & celebrating a beloved community of literacy
Here are my highlights...
1. "Find the communities that lift you up." -Andy Schoenborn, MRA president
2. "Be truth tellers." -Dr. Sonja Cherry-Paul, author of Stamped and Stamped (for Kids)
3. Be radical!.png)
4. Mind Work & Heart Work (open ended questions such as What surprised you? What did the author think you already knew? What challenged, changed, or confirmed your thinking? How does this relate to your world? will lead to deeper discussions, more critical thinking, and truly engage learners)
5. Your coaches are your biggest cheerleader and support person...call them! :)
6. "The world needs your story, your students' stories." -Angeline Boulley, Author of Fire Keeper's Daughter
7. Be an influencer.
8. Wear the lens of positive intent.
10. Shrink the dragons in your world.
11. Create a safe and welcoming class community to increase sense of belonging.
12. Choice and success criteria are musts to help our young writers.
13. IGNITE THE JOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
14. Literacy is about power & privilege.
15. Begin with belief.
celebrate national poetry month
reading is fun, writing is too, poetry inspires both -- yahoo!
Poetry builds fluency
Poetry motivates the unmotivatable
Poetry hooks the unhookable
Poetry bolsters creativity
Poetry begs to be collaborated with
Poetry is the best because it follows its own rules
Poetry inspires
In Praise of Poetry - Authors reading poems and other resources
Seussville - Need I say more?
Poetry4Kids - Years ago I organized an author visit with this poet! Kenn Nesbitt is hilarious and his website is jam packed with lesson ideas, funny poems, a rhyming dictionary, and more. Be sure to check him out.
Shel - Again, need I say more?
Use Story Jumper, Book Creator, or Seesaw to make digital poetry with a friend! They can add pictures, animation, their own voice!
There's magnetic poetry, poetry stones, black out poetry and so much more!
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!
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.
go! Go! Gaby!
Have you heard?
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