Five for Friday- July 15th

 It's Friday, so I am linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching for Five for Friday! Check out what everyone has been up to this week!

1. This week, I had a short adventure to Cincy to do a little dog sitting for a family friend.  Oh, this dog is such a sweetheart, but not your typical dog.  She does NOT fetch or want to really be outside.  She'd much rather lay around inside and just have you pet her!  She is an easy dog, though!

2. I had the chance to do a little running and biking in Cincinnati.  I've been trying to keep my workouts up, even when I'm not at home!

3. I  have been trying to work on things this week that I can get ahead on for the beginning of the school year.  I have managed to get all of my newsletters prepped for the first month of the school year.  Most of the content will not change in these.  I changed the dates and have them ready to go, for the most part!  I also have gotten my lesson plans for the first three days ready, as well!  What a nice relief to have those little things finished. This means less to do when all the craziness begins in August!

4. Reading engagement is a game changer in the classroom. I've recently been asked about how I engage my students in their own learning and how to promote intrinsic motivation. I have always tried to develop intrinsic motivation, by acknowledging student knowledge.  When students share their learning, I try to spotlight it, by writing their names by their thoughts, or showing their work to other students. We talk about pride and what it means to feel proud of yourself and have others feel proud of you.  This past school year, my team focused on reading engagement strategies from The Reading Strategies Book by Jennifer Serravallo. These engagement strategies combined with a sense of pride in their own learning, began to change the "feeling" my students had about reading.  They really did begin to love reading.  

5. This last piece of my week is something I wish I wasn't sharing.  This week, my school community had a huge loss.  A sweet little boy, who just finished fifth grade passed away.  This kiddo was always happy and willing to talk to anyone.  His sudden passing was a shock and heartbreaking to so many in our school community.  If you are moved to do so, please consider giving to this sweet family.   Click HERE to donate to this family in their sudden time of need.