1. What? Writing workshop with our youngest writers. We Make Books We use language to craft literature We read like writersWhy?With lots of teaching and practice, children develop important understandings about what it means to write. Useful strategies Form, genre, and craft Control of conventions Robust vocabularyHow? Give students a book! Conference and share time Learn about language ALL day long

2. Penguin Documentary~ Second GradeStudents select a species of penguin to research and create a documentary. Project involves literacy skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Steps involved: Teacher selects websites and books based on the varying learning needs in the classroom Teacher set criteria and give students checklist Students research and collect information (pictures, facts) Students begin creating documentary using Photo Story 3 3. http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/places/find/ 4. http://reading.ecb.org 5. K-3 1-5 2-4 6. Once upon a time, there was a school Whose staff and students thought reading was really cool They spend their days on math, science, social studies, reading, and writing and created an atmosphere that is very inviting You walk in the doors and it is easy to see that Loomis is a great place to be To our faculty came Dr. Himes Convened a committee and spent lots of time Completing the application was a bit of a chore, but we learned that Loomis met the criteria.. and more Our friends in Pennsylvania, representing KSRA came to visit Loomis and spent an entire day From the time school started until the work day was done They got to see that reading at Loomis is number one 7. For readings the foundation from which all things grow it helps kids learn everything that they should know They were wow-ed by our skill and literacy integration and set off to complete their difficult deliberation The competition was close and the choice was so tough they decided one visit to Loomis was just not enough So back to Loomis came one from the team to verify that things were as good as they seemed She liked what she saw and took forth a plea that an award winner is what Loomis deserved to be Soon an assembly found our principal dressed as the Cat in the Hat And our entire staff read rhyme to the kidshow about that! At the conclusion, I interjected a special surprise Guess what/! We won?!? They couldnt believe their eyes The kids all cheered at this awesome acclimation And listened carefully to our Queen of Readings Royal Proclamation Hear Ye! Hear Ye! A Royal Day of Reading there will be With special programs for your teacher, your buddies and thee 8. Kids were treated to books, buddy and reading activities galore we teachers were honored with a special lunch and more They gave wings to our dreams and wished us good luck The board even approved a motion to spend a few bucks We were thrilled to have their support and backing to go To Texas and Penn State to share all that we know.Their heart and their skill has brought Loomis attention The accolades they deserve are too numerous to mention We won because our staff cares for kids and their education And we are blessed by their professionalism and outstanding dedication This award is an honor and the recognition a dream It never could have happened without the work of a team Without district administration, the school board, and KSRA We wouldnt be standing here before you todayTo be known as exemplary is quite a state reputation Let alone one of fourteen from across the nation 9. Great things like this dont happen in a haphazard manner So we captured the moment and set the image on a banner. We are proud of our students and staff for capturing this award And promise to keep our kids active, engaged and anything but bored So thanks and good day, our story is through May we all read happily ever after, and be exemplary in all that we do!