A Second Welcome

We have wanted to send an invitation to this blog since July, but hesitated because summer wasn't over.  Then school prep and the first day arrived and still this blog reminded unused.  So here we go - a new forum for sharing ideas.  Do you have to be reading the CAFE book in order to participate in the discussion.  NO!  The invitation is being sent to everyone on our staff in hopes that we can help each other grow in our skills and abilities for matching assessments to students' needs and teaching.

For those that wanted a book talk, Andrea and I have been discussing when our first book talk will be.  Tentatively, mark your calendar with Wednesday, September 8 at 4 p.m.  Place to be announced.  Thanks to Logan we are going to have a Pensive or Conferring Notebook making party.  Bring a 3 holed binder, class list, assessments you already have done.  Optional: Bring your computer along with the CD from the back of the CAFE book.  If you do not have the CAFE book, Elizabeth has extra copies.

Andrea and Angela

Resources

What is the difference between The Daily 5 and The Literacy CAFE books?

Over the summer, Andrea and I have considered this question. We agree that The Daily 5 is important to read, as well as The Literacy CAFE. In fact, we believe that this book is the place to start.

The Daily 5 is a system that helps students develop the daily habits of reading, writing, and working independently.

The Literacy CAFE is the teaching plan to help students understand and master different strategies used by successful readers. CAFE is an acronym for Comprehension, Accuracy, Fluency, and Expanding Vocabulary.

In combination, these books have information that help teachers with classroom management and literacy assessment. The teaching strategies are based in sound research. " In both the Daily 5 and Café books, we've included an extensive bibliography of the resources that have influenced our philosophy and practice," write Gail Boushey and Joan Moser, the authors, on their website.