It's that time of year where, as a literacy specialist or teacher, we are assessing our children.  This can be overwhelming for two reasons: a) it's a lot of work during a busy, hectic time, b) you are able to see if a child has made progress or not. If not, the feeling of defeat as a teacher smacks you.  As a reading specialist, this is how I have been feeling this week.  Luckily, I received my weekly newsletter from Choice Literacy.  Choice Literacy is a great professional development site that I subscribe to.  They send out weekly newsletters on different literacy topics.  One of  articles that was spotlighted today could not have come at a better time! I needed these words of wisdom to calm me and remind me that progress can come in many different forms.  Many of the kiddos we see in reading are struggling in so many areas, that it's hard to remember that they are making progress....in something.   This article titled, "Praising the Baby Steps" gave me things to think about and praise my students on. I hope you find it helpful too:) http://catchingreaders.com/2011/10/27/praising-the-baby-steps/  

Another great article offers an activity  to get kids thinking about books they have read, together or independently, this year.  I often forget to have kids reflect on what they have read so far this year and talk to their peers.  Talking about reading is such a critcial component to getting kids to reaWhile it's not the end of the year, it's a project that you could revisit later on.  It's also meaningful and fun, especially if you want to do something right before break!   http://www.choiceliteracy.com/public/929.cfm  

Check out Choice Literacy at  http://www.choiceliteracy.com/