Reading is Fundamental... Classroom Libraries

We talk a lot about getting kids inspired to read and having classroom libraries. But how do we catch their interest? How can we make sure every child has a book that is on their level and relevant to them? Below are some ways to set up libraries, level books, and advertise good reads to students.

Print Rich in Culinary Arts

Although one might think that a cooking class would be the last place to find a high quality, print rich environment, a trip to Ms. Laing's class proves that theory wrong. As the photos below show, she has taken her content and made it come alive on the walls, posted on the cabinets, and really made her kitchen a place to access culinary literacy. She is to be commended for creating such a  high quality environment for our students!

Print Rich Continued

Mr. Mendez has taken a  thematic approach to a print rich classroom.

DATA WALL

GOALS

Creating A Print-Rich Environment to Stimulate Learning

Research has shown that a classroom environment that is inspiring, inviting, and full of content area literacy improves outcomes for students. That being said, here are a few of the high quality classrooms at Edison in  Reading and Science. Other subject area examples will be posted at a later date. Please make sure that your room meets the high standards established by the teachers who are featured below. For additional information on the purpose of a print-rich environment and ideas of how to create one, please read these links:

http://www.learningunlimitedllc.com/2013/01/literacy-rich-environments-support-the-common-core-infographic/

http://www.readingrockets.org/article/21825/

http://faculty.scf.edu/sharric/lesson4/lesson4topic3.htm

In Ms. Cole's room, her students not only know where the literature they are reading originated, they can see and interact with the maps to enhance their understanding.

Expectations are visible and clear & her CBC is student friendly

Though blank now, this data wall allows each child to track their progress, and the posted goal reminds them what their purpose in when they enter this class.

The benchmark vocabulary is on the wall for reference, and her current words of study will be posted on a word wall that allows for interaction and student work to accompany the words.

An inviting reading space takes up this corner, with a clear tracker and point club AR posters to help with motivation and allow for visual reinforcement.

In science, Ms. Bree's door has a clear reminder of the expectations that must be met upon walking into the room.

Her cabinets are colorful and will be filled with all the great learning that takes place, including student work,  vocabulary words, and projects.

Charts, graphs and diagrams prompt learners as they are exposed to new concepts and ideas.

Again, we see a map and a globe helping students to make connections about the things they learn and where they are from. This reinforces concepts learned in social studies, and demonstrates the notion that all areas of study are interconnected through literacy.

Reminders of how the scientific method works and, of course, SWAT, SWAT, SWAT; science with a twist!

The items visible in Mr. Valdes' biology room bring the lesson to life!

Ms. Bree has vocabulary defined and 3-d model of each word hanging from her ceiling!

Much more effective than just reading from a textbook!

These physical models help students to see and understand reproduction and the human life cycle.

Opening of Schools "All Hands On Deck"

Look at those eager faces...

Nothing like a good old-fashioned field trip to get the year started off!

A happy writing coach, Ms. Grant, and her new teacher, Ms. Green

With that smile, Mr. Olibrice must be number-crunching on the way to breakfast!

A nice breakfast was a wonderful welcome back thanks to the administration, Brother E, and Ms. Laing!

The one and only, Mr. Jean-Baptiste, refreshed from the summer off and ready to make it happen!

So glad to have Ms. Wray back and healing well!

 Second year superstars, Mr. Mendez and Mr. Davis!

ELA table with Ms. Phanord, Ms. Prentiss, and Ms. Cole, who hasn't had her Seattle coffee just yet!  

 Our new science coach, Ms. Sosa, bonding with her people over discussions of biology!

 Let's keep those bright smiles all year!

 Mr. Cuomo looks a little skeptical of the paparazzi, but ready for a great year of history and economics!

 Another addition to the team, our 9th grade Assistant Principal, Mr. Vital!

 Our veteran Literacy Coach looking good and feeling relaxed after her Jamaican getaway!

Mr. Diaz and Ms. Satish ready to make an impact as Red Raiders! 

The one and only, our leader herself, Ms. Diggs, getting the year started off right with "All Hands on Deck"

Brother E can get even the toughest crowd excited  and active!

 Our new Assistant Principal of Curriculum, Ms. Smith!

Mr. Vital

Our new Vice Principal, Mr. Dominique