Let me start off by saying I am in NO WAY an expert on the “science of reading”. I’ve been working on this post for a while now to try to ensure I have all my thoughts together! Over the past few months I have tried to read and understand as much as I canContinue reading “Unpacking the Science of Reading.”
Author Archives: Liz Janusz
Main Character’s To-Do List
One of my favorite things to do as an instructional coach is to create, and provide, teachers with easy-to-implement ideas for their classrooms. This one I was inspired to make after seeing something similar as I was scrolling through Instagram a couple nights ago. I’m the queen of lists; I have lists for my lists.Continue reading “Main Character’s To-Do List”
If you liked Wonder…
Wonder is an incredible book for any grade level; the conversations that start happening while reading the book are so rich and engaging. Plus, the movie also happens to have an all-star cast and would be a great way to celebrate the end of the read aloud! Oftentimes teacher use Wonder as a read aloudContinue reading “If you liked Wonder…”
Life Lately.
We have some HUGE changes happening in our house in the next couple of weeks. If you are reading this, then you probably already know what’s going on, but if you don’t here it is….in 2.5 weeks, we are packing up our entire lives and moving across the country to New Mexico. Long story short,Continue reading “Life Lately.”
Elf on the Shelf Classroom Alternative
Ahhh…December 1st…when it’s finally acceptable to blast Christmas music, decorate with as many twinkly lights as possible, and eat your weight in decorated cookies (even though, my Christmas music has been blasting since November 1st)! It’s such a magical time…with one exception…that damn elf. You all know which elf I’m talking about. Now, I amContinue reading “Elf on the Shelf Classroom Alternative”
5 Books I’m Thankful For…
Every once in a while I read a book that stays with me long after I finish it. The characters’ journeys stay with me and I feel thankful to that author for writing such an incredibly powerful story. As we’re all giving thanks this season, I’m especially thankful for these 5 books. They’ve all stayedContinue reading “5 Books I’m Thankful For…”
Remote Learning Tools
I am so excited to share with you all about a new collaboration that I’ve been a part of! Introducing a new collaborative series…. Literacy Chattin’ with Liz!! I’ve paired up with an INCREDIBLE educator from Vermont and founder of Vocabulicious blog, Liz Siracusa! Liz Siracusa currently coaches teachers how to integrate technology into theirContinue reading “Remote Learning Tools”
Top Amazon Finds for Remote Teaching
Amazon finds are always my most popular posts…and lucky for you all…I’m back with my top 10 items to help make remote teaching a little easier!!! Fair warning…none of these are like “couldn’t teach without” type of finds; however, they all bring a smile to my face and make the time sitting in front ofContinue reading “Top Amazon Finds for Remote Teaching”
Has leveling gone too far?
I recently came across this article from the School Library Journal and to hear Fountas and Pinnell themselves confirm some of the thoughts I’ve had about leveling recently, was reaffirming to me. If any of you know me in real life, you know how big a proponent I am of Fountas and Pinnell and theirContinue reading “Has leveling gone too far?”
Easy Reading Formatives?!
Giving and/or creating formative assessments should be a painless task for teachers; however, that’s not always the case. As teachers, we have a tendency to overanalyze things….at least, I do. I was reading Jennifer Serravallo’s book Understanding Texts and Readers and I was inspired with how easy it can be to administer a formative assessmentContinue reading “Easy Reading Formatives?!”
Windy City Literacy 