Keep Students Reading This Summer

The New York Times is offering a writing contest open for all students ages 13-19. Between June 14th and August 16th,  students have an opportunity to write about any article they have read in the New York Times that week.  Not only is this contest an excellent way to encourage students to keep up with current events, but it also gives them an authentic purpose for writing.  Students can post an entry each week, and the winners will be published online.   See the following link for more information.

http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/18/the-fourth-annual-new-york-times-summer-reading-contest/

The New York Times Learning Network: An Excellent Starting Place for Teachers and Parents

The New York Times Learning Network is a blog devoted to teachers and parents.  The blog shares lesson ideas and organizes resources available on the New York Times Website.  Connections are made to Common Core Learning Targets and new ideas are posted each week.http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/

Shanahan Discusses Pre-Teaching Vocabulary When Reading Closely

         Tim Shanahan's Blog Shanahan on Literacy is an excellent resource for teachers wishing to remain current on hot topics surrounding the Common Core.  Check out what his April 23rd blog says about pre-teaching of vocabulary and the myths that surround this topic!  http://www.shanahanonliteracy.com/