Creating Bookworms Introduces Dolly

 " Words and language are magic." A quote from The Upside Down Boy. I believe this story is a great example of the power of books.

    I began my blog journey, Creating Bookworms many years ago. Teachers were first getting connected with others from all around the world.  I was excited to be able to learn and connect with so many amazing educators. My love for learning creates a desire to share with others.

   I have not always been a reader. As a child, I struggled learning to read. 23 years ago, I began teaching 7 year olds to read. Teaching a variety of grade levels in a few years inspired me to constantly observe, research and find ways to create bookworms in my class.

   Throughout my journey, I have taught grades K-5. My experience as a mom of two boys provided me with the opportunity to experience the journeys of learning to read through their eyes.  

   Dolly is my golden retriever. We have been learning as a team and have become a certified therapy team.  Together we will inspire others to grab a book. I look forward to seeing the impact Dolly has on little ones learning to read.

    Kate DiCamillo says it best. " Stories connect us." My goal is to share our journey through sharing stories with others. My hope would be for you be inspired and curious about the books we share.

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Creating Bookworms In Our Community

   " It is not enough to simply teach children to read; we have to give them something worth reading. Something that will stretch their imaginations-Something that will help them make sense of their own lives and encourage them to reach out toward people whose lives are quite different from their own."
                                                                                                                    --Katherine Patterson

     Our mission was to walk around neighborhoods and give children the opportunity to select a brand new book to read and enjoy this summer.  The books were purchased with Scholastic Bonus Points and dollars at the end of the year.  Randi Stallard from Teach It With Class , Jaimee Weeks, 4th grade teacher and I hoped to inspire children to take a minute to read this summer.  We had two wagons: one for chapter books and one for picture books.  As we approached the children, we gave them quick book talks to help them find the perfect book.

     We had a truly amazing day.  We were able to touch close to 30 children.  The children were excited to see friendly faces from their school.  We found that visiting our local park had the most opportunities to meet with children.  The young readers often struggled between which books to get.  Some got more than one and others were excited when younger siblings selected one of their favorites.
      Nell Duke says, " Our celebration of reading must involve the ongoing mission to give all children the opportunity to read and become lifelong readers." In order to read, you must have a book that engages you.  My passion is getting books in children's homes that can create that curious reader.   What ways do you get books in your home or student's home?  Please share!  Together we can create a world of bookworms!

 I was so thrilled that my two boys went along to help our mission.

 MY FAVORITE MEMORY OF THE DAY

One little boy came up to me at the park and asked if I would read his new Elephant and Piggie Book.  Well, Of Course!

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LOST to the blog world!

          

            Where in the world have you been?  One may ask or perhaps you have forgotten all about this resource.  I think I got a two years writer block.  Has that ever happened to you?  
            I left my first grade classroom and became the Intervention Specialist at my school.  For two years, I have been learning all about Title 1, Parent Workshops, and working with 70 kids in a day.    
          My boys have gotten older so I have become a Taxi Mom.  I have been traveling with my family creating lifetime memories.  Each day that passes with the hustle and bustle, I remind myself to pause and soak in the JOY!  
           I will continue to be an Intervention Specialist for the 2015-2016 school year.  I am excited for a new year to begin.  This year I will be teaching reading to third and fourth graders.  I can't wait to begin my journey with these students.  My hope is I will be able to create independent life long readers with each one of them.  This summer, I have been busy reading potential books for my students, relaxing with my family and going through my booklist while planning the perfect learning environment. 
          So I am BACK!!  I can't wait to share what I have learned along the way.  I have many book selections and apps that I plan on sharing.  Thanks for stopping by! Please leave a comment, I want to catch up with you too!

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