In writing class, I like to try and alternate the units between fiction and non-fiction. After working hard on a clear, concise, research report, it is often refreshing to return…
“Research is formalized curiosity. It’s poking and prying with a purpose.” - Zora Neale Hurston Research can seem a daunting task in second grade. There is…
Handwriting Without Tears is a literacy curriculum that children are using throughout the world, as well as right here in Bixby’s preschool. It is described as an “easy-to-teach, easy-to-learn curriculum…
Bixby first graders have been extremely busy! Over the past few months, they have been immersed in a cross curricular unit about Ancient Egypt. All first grade teachers have been…
Interviewer: How much rewriting do you do? Hemingway: It depends. I rewrote the ending of Farewell to Arms, the last page of it, 39 times before I was satisfied. Interviewer:…
Last month, the first grade class took a small field trip to visit our neighbors at MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care. The elders were shining bright after spending time…
In writing class, I always look for ways to create projects that are engaging and fun, yet still purposeful. One of my favorite projects is making ‘pigeon books’ with second…
When studying anything, it is always exciting to get first hand information from experts. Bixby teachers are always looking for interesting speakers, field trips, and demonstrations to enhance your students…
Computer skills are paramount in the writing room. Effective communication in the 21st century necessitates a familiarity with computers and word processing software. As writers, modern technology affords us so…
The number of times I have heard a first grader say, “My hand hurts,” or “I can’t write anymore!” breaks my heart! Physically, first grade writing is just hard. It…
In 1st grade, we have been working diligently on All About Me books, and students are now finishing their final copies. Using rough drafts, students are transferring their ideas using…
Reading is most meaningful and enjoyable when the reader connects to the text. Students are encouraged to be active readers as they interact with books naturally, through open-ended questions, and…
Public speaking is a priority in the writing room this year. We seek to foster skills that will translate to middle school and beyond, skills that will prove useful throughout…
My writing classes have been bursting with creativity lately. I hope many of you had a chance to read and comment upon the 2nd and 3rd grade stories that were…
4th and 5th grade writers began the year by...writing! The emphasis of writing class has been exactly that: writing. The assignments have been purposefully simple and straightforward thus far: …
The first day of school is always a whirlwind of excitement and anticipation. It takes time to adjust to new schedules and the many classroom environments of Bixby. For the…
