Dear Educators,
Time: A currency equal to all, yet no one seems to have enough. This seems especially true in the world of education. There’s never enough time to do it all–and to do it all well.
Educators live in a constant balancing act, striving to meet the needs of students while navigating the endless to-do lists, lesson plans, assessments, and the ever-changing demands of the profession. We want to give our best to every learner, every family, and every colleague, yet the clock often feels like our biggest adversary.
But amidst the whirlwind, it’s worth pausing to reflect on how we use the time we are given. How can we make small, intentional shifts to focus on what truly matters—fostering learning, connection, and growth? How can we prioritize our own well-being so we have the energy to pour into others?
The goal of this newsletter is to help with that. Every other month, you’ll find practical tips, research-based strategies, and inspiration to support you in your literacy work. Think of it as a moment to recharge, refocus, and reflect—a gift of time to invest in your own professional journey.
Together, let’s find ways to make every minute in the classroom purposeful and meaningful. Thank you for the countless hours you dedicate to changing lives through literacy!
PS--don't forget to check out the Bookish Brain Buster Trivia located at the bottom of the newsletter. You could win a $25 Amazon gift card!
Happy Reading,
Joy Kamp
Literacy Instructional Coach
K-3: Morphemes for Little Ones
Published by 95 Percent Group, this resource is the prequel to Morpheme Magic. This resource includes a lesson book, Language Stimulation Cards, and assessments designed to enhance oral and receptive language experiences.
4-12: Morpheme Magic
Published by 95 Percent Group, this resource provides samples of symatic morpheme instruction to help students build the connection between sounds, histories, and word meanings. The site provides free samples, but the full sequence is available for purchase.
3-5: Red Hot Root Words
Each of the well-developed lessons in this text includes:
one to three-word parts along with meanings and sample words,
five vocabulary words that use the prefixes or root words,
definitions and sample sentences for each of the five words,
a practice exercise that lets students apply knowledge of the words and their meanings, and
a one-page review worksheet for one or two lessons that presents more unique opportunities to work with the prefixes and root words and to see how they are combined with suffixes.
In addition to the student pages, the teacher's information section includes:
an extensive listing of the most common prefixes, root words, and suffixes;
their meanings and sample words;
additional words for each lesson; and
lesson ideas to supplement the word being studied
K-12: Latin and Greek Roots: Teaching Vocabulary Using Hands-on Activities and Common Objects
The book focuses on teaching Latin and Greek roots for vocabulary development.
Includes multi-sensory, hands-on activities to engage students.
Covers a comprehensive set of high-frequency roots through 40 lesson plans.
Lessons encourage students to "discover" root meanings through activities.
Example: Using reading glasses and drawing invisible objects to explore the Latin root vis (to see).
Teachers guide students through discovery dialogues during lessons.
Writing activities reinforce vocabulary and extend root word knowledge.
Pre- and post-tests are provided to track student progress.
6-12: Vocabulary Their Way: Word Study with Middle and Secondary Students
The authors of Words Their Way apply their hands-on, research-based approach to developing vocabulary for intermediate, middle, and secondary grades.
Focuses on helping students use word patterns to determine the meaning of content area vocabulary.
Provides research-tested strategies to support vocabulary development.
Includes assessment tools to help teachers determine where to begin instruction.
A great resource, despite the outdated cover. :)
This month's spotlight goes to Amy Cox, K-8 Lead Reading Specialist, in Plainfield School District 202
Amy was nominated by Plainfield District 202 for her hard work with literacy. Here is a short shoutout to Amy!
"Amy has served as a Reading Specialist in District 202 for several years. When we developed a new position for a Lead Reading Specialist to provide coaching, professional development, and consultation, we knew Amy would far exceed any and all expectations for the role. Amy works side by side with staff members and building teams to support student needs. She always ensures that professional development is not a one and done kind of delivery. She works directly with teachers to support implementation and to help with troubleshooting. We are thrilled to see her continue to develop this role and provide continued support to our students, staff and families throughout District 202!”
We have a literacy problem...
The Illinois 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data shows that 67% of fourth graders are below proficient in reading.
That means only 33% of our 4th graders are reading at a proficient level. In a class of 28, 19 (18.75) of our students cannot read proficiently.
Hence, the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan. Here is a very brief overview of what the plan entails.
Test Your Knowledge!
Congratulations to the last issue’s Amazon gift card winner, Paige Mendenhall from Heritage Grove Middle School in Plainfield! She correctly answered last month’s trivia question:
'What popular children’s book uses only 50 different words throughout the entire story?'
The answer is 'Green Eggs and Ham.'
See below for this month’s new question.
Put your literacy smarts to the test (or Google 😃) with a fun trivia question. Every issue, we’ll feature a fun and challenging question related to books, authors, or the wonders of language. Participants will be entered into a random drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card (sent to the winner's email)!
Submit the Google Form below by April 24th to be entered into this issue's drawing:
Here’s this month’s question:
Q: Which famous writer is credited with adding over 1,700 words to the English language?
Good luck!