Wednesday, June 24, 2009

I ♥ Scholastic Book Clubs

Incase you were wondering...I LOVE SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUBS!

Using their online website is so easy! I even setup a webpage for parents to order online. This has helped the process tremendously. When the catalog comes in the mail I add the order online to my "Class Page." I email out a recommendation list on my parent distribution list through Microsoft Outlook. Parents are able to order and pay online. I don't have to deal with any checks or anything. I submit the order (and add any books that I want) then the shipment comes in with details on who ordered what books. It is so easy!

Plus, Scholastic Bonus Points proram has helped me earn a TON of free books for my classroom. The kids love it, I love it. It's just a great program. If you haven't signed up...do it now!!

PS - If you are a new customer and you mention that I shared the info for you we can both earn bonus points. :)

Literacy Websites

If you have not heard of Holly Nowalk or Becky Koesel and you teach reading, this is a must-read for you!

My favorite part of the website is the "Reading" section of the website. This provides TONS of information about Guided Reading, Classroom Libraries and much more. Basically anything you want to know about provided the best guided reading lesson possible for your students.

If your district ever offers any training with Becky Koesel, I highly suggest going. If your district hasn't offered anything with her, I would suggest asking. It is definitely worth it.

Learning to read with Starfall

I decided to make my first blog post about Starfall. Starfall is a game website for kids that I not only use in my computer center, I also recommend it for parents to use at home. The site provides many phonics based games for students to play. There are interactive books as well. The kids love it and so do I. Go check it out!