Michael P. Ford

Three common routines are seen in almost every primary language arts programs: morning messages, shared readings, and word walls. These routines should be integrated to support the total language arts program, but are teachers of grades K-2 getting the most bang for their buck out of these activities? Morning messages can become very routinized and repeat the same experiences over and over again. Shared readings are sometimes conducted with little variation in spite of changing demands from the texts being used and changing needs in the learners with whom they are being used. Word walls might be put up with some attention early in the year and remain virtually unchanged as the year moves forward. Intensifying Classroom Routines in Reading and Writing Programs focuses on how teachers can get more instructional mileage out of these three common classroom routines. Author Michael P. Ford lays out step-by-step, day-by-day plans to put those three key routines on a cycle that changes as students move through developmental phases. This resource helps teachers plan for emergent and early readers and writers. It also looks at how teachers can assist students as they move through critical areas, including concepts of print, alphabetic knowledge, phonological awareness, sound-symbol relationships, high-frequency words, structural analysis, context clues, comprehension strategies, and composition strategies. With these intensified routines in place, students will clearly see connections between reading and writing.

Teaching English language arts at grades K-5 is both a science and an art. Educators must teach literacy skills and content with best practices, while also keeping focus on each student's individual needs. They are challenged to monitor students working independently while also conducting small group instruction. And they must focus on providing differentiated support with a rather complicated text. With increased attention to rigor, requirements, and personalized instruction, it can be a challenge to make sure all students are receiving instruction that is just right. Comprehensive Literacy Basics: An Anthology by Capstone Professional contains useful tips to support educators. Chapters focus on each part of the literacy and language arts block, including whole group, small group, writing, and differentiation. A collection of expert authors specializing in literacy and language arts instruction contributed chapters to the book. The quick tips and suggestions within will reinforce current practices while providing an invaluable go-to reference. FAMIS #902792539

In an era of change in education, the time is right to refocus attention on guided reading practices. Guided reading remains an anchor in classroom literacy programs, but how has it changed with the new shifts in education? In this book, Dr. Michael P. Ford provides a practical resource for guided reading. He explains how it evolved, why it's still important, how to fit it into a comprehensive literacy program, how to select texts, how to assess and support students, and how to position it for intervention. Also included is an Appendix with a listing of recommended guided reading books.

How do you motivate a classroom of bored teenagers, self-absorbed tweens, or energetic younger students to learn? In this book, you'll explore what Michael F. Opitz and Michael P. Ford have discovered about planning lessons that engage students and enable them to truly enjoy learning. The authors outline key findings from research on motivation and engagement and offer real-life teaching examples from various grades. They show how to systematically propel students to enjoy using their minds every day—and to view themselves as confident learners ready to take on the challenges of the world. Engaging Minds in the Classroom is a must-read for any educator who understands that developing students' love of learning is the catalyst for achievement at every level.