The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) place a significant emphasis on reading, reading comprehension, and textual support.  Engaging reluctant readers with the standards in mind can be a daunting task.  At the International Reading Association (IRA) Conference in San Antonio on April 21, 2013, Jane Feber, presented a session specifically about this challenge.  Her answer? 
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Books that focus on the alphabet not only help to reinforce a child’s understanding of the ABCs, but they also help to foster a love for books and reading.  With so many alphabet books out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.  The 50 books below are perfect additions to any young
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by Steve Reifman, Monthly Columnist My classroom’s daily Reading Workshop period consists of several components: mini-lessons that aim to build students’ comprehension skills, independent reading time, partner reading time, and word work that addresses spelling, grammar, and other language conventions and standards. This article focuses on how I structure the work my students do during
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  The Problem:  Mastering sight words is a critical skill that students must learn.  These foundational words are what will help them become better readers, better writers, and better students overall.  You have tried to post sight words around the room, even those below grade level, to help your students learn and remember them.  Flash
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Have you been considering the Daily 5? The wonderful teachers at the #TeachChat on February 6, 2013 shared their advice, expertise, and encouragement to help get you started. Check out the transcript below and remember, scroll down and read up!

Idea by Lisa, 2nd Grade Teacher, Columbus, OH I have found the use of Student Browsing Boxes to be most helpful in implementing the Daily 5.

Idea by Kim, 6th Grade Teacher, Round Lake, IL One of the best ways to build students’ trust when using the Daily 5 is to spend about a week on each category, modeling, practicing, and troubleshooting.  

Idea by Emily, 2nd Grade Teacher, L’Anse, MI I follow the Daily 5 book pretty closely. To build students’ trust, we spend a lot of carpet time together making “I” charts, as well as discussing and practicing expectations.

Idea by Kay, 1st Grade Teacher, Leesville, SC The key to my success with the Daily 5 are organizational tools—many of which I secure from Really Good Stuff.  The Really Good Stuff baskets fit my needs perfectly. I use them, along with other storage baskets, to organize word tools and books.

Idea by Jennifer, a 2nd Grade Teacher, Colorado Springs, CO. I love the Daily 5 and I use all five components in my classroom. To build student trust in the process from the get-go, we spend time setting goals for ourselves.