Students: 6, 7, 8 grade

Program Description: 13 WAYS TO SUCCESS WITH STANDARDIZED TESTS brings word play into the classroom in a unique way by having students think out of the box using both pre-made, and student designed word cards. The games keep students engaged for a class period or 5 minutes depending on the implementation strategies used by the teacher.

The traditional game "In a Pickle" is fun in itself, but can be used in many more ways! After several years of tried and tested gaming--we have developed 12 more games that use the pre-made word cards in the purchased game. The teacher can then take the game one step further, and have students design words for inclusion in the game which brings a whole new dimension to the learning.

Combined together, these cards can bring new life into CSAP review. Basically this is a "quick, down, and dirty" way to review effectively, while asking a student to think on their feet, critically evaluate the meanings and use of words, and apply that knowledge on one of 13 games. Now that is a fun way to learn and teach!

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing: 1

For More Information Contact:
Michelle Pearson
Hulstrom Options School
10604 Grant Dr.
Denver CO , 80223
720-972-2251
michelle.l.pearson@adams12.org

Students: Seventh through Ninth Grades

Program Description: 2, 1…YOU'RE ON THE AIR is a multifaceted language arts unit where students design, write and produce their own radio station. This is a high-interest project that allows students to use high-level thinking skills along with reading, writing and speaking to create information that is reliable, organized, accurate and relevant.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts - 1, 2, 4

For More Information Contact:
Denina Brown
Douglas County High School
2842 Front Street
Castle Rock CO , 80104
(303) 814-4500

Students: First through Fifth Grades

Program Description: "A Caring Community of Learners" makes optimal use of time during the school day to support literacy. A library bookshelf has been set up in the lunchroom with a variety of books and writing materials. The program weaves literacy into daily scheduled routines in order to enhance achievement in reading and writing.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing1, 2, 3, 4, 6

For More Information Contact:
Cora Gonzales
Johnson School
1859 S Irving St.
Denver CO , 80219
Cora_Gonzales@dpsk12.org

Mary Ann Garcia-Pettit
Newlon Elementary School
361 Vrain Street
Denver CO , 80219
Mary_Garcia-Pettit@dpsk12.org

Students: Tenth through Twelfth Grade

Program Description: A COMMUNICATIONS TRAINING EXERCISE is an interdisciplinary simulation that requires students to apply sound communication principles to a structured task. Students are given a task, they assign a process and complete an evaluation. The unit encourages students to allocate resources carefully, to use talents appropriately, to follow rules exactly, and to function as a team. This is a hands-on activity that addresses important school-to-work concepts.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing - 1,2,3

For More Information Contact:
Janet Call
Greeley West High School
2401 35th Ave.
Greeley CO , 80634
(303) 330-2635

Students: Sixth through Twelfth Grade

Program Description: A POTPOURRI OF POETRY is an activity that combines poetry and Reader's Theater in order to create a performance which illustrates a specific theme. Students choose a theme, research poetry books about their theme, and word-process their poetry selections. Student groups collaborate, and one packet is assembled. Finally, their Potpourri of Poetry is performed and evaluated by class members. These performances are truly fun and inspirational.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing - 1,4,5

For More Information Contact:
Pamela Wigdahl
Castle Rock Middle School
2575 Meadows Blvd.
Castle Rock CO , 80104
(303) 814-4400

Students: Sixth through Twelfth

Program Description: A STUDENT WRITER'S IDEA BANK solves the frequent fear students have about writing -- the selection of a topic. The IDEA BANK was conceived as a starting point on the writing pathway and to avert "writer's block." There are four components in the BANK. Students create a brainstorm list; a life map that allows them to draw from significant personal experiences and encourages individuality; a single paragraph of self-introduction, and a list of articles that can be used to develop a research project. The positive result is seen in the quality of the final products students are able to create.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 2,4,5

For More Information Contact:
Amy Ely
Brush Middle and High Schools
P. O. Box 585
Brush CO , 80723
970-842-5035
aely@brushschools.org

Students:

Program Description: AN EAR FOR LEARNING is an auditory training program that enhances a Deaf and Hard of Hearing student's auditory skills in order to make them more proficient in discriminating and detecting parts of English grammar (e.g., past "-ed", present progressive "-ing", plural "s", possessive "s"). By discriminating and detecting parts of English grammar, students will improve their speaking, writing and reading of English.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing: 3

For More Information Contact:
Carmela Fay
Mountain View Elementary School
12401 N. Perry
Broomfield CO , 80020
720/972-5520
carmela.a.fay@adams12.org

Students: 6th through 9th Grade

Program Description: Analyzing Literature through Body Biographies is a compbination ccritical thinking - hands-on approach to literature study, providing students the opportunity to investigate and then profile a character of their choice visually and verbally in an innovative way. Students first learn through analysis what makes a character and and react to situations revealed in the reading. They learn to comprehend what it is that allows a character to control or be controlled by choices and actions.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing - 1,4,6

For More Information Contact:
Amy Ely
Brush Middle School
P.O. Box 585
Brush CO , 80723
970 842-5035
aely@brushschools.org

Students: Grade:10

Program Description: ART TRADING CARDS were invented in Switzerland and are based on the 18th century tradition of miniatures. The basic size of card equals a business card or baseball trading card. One side would exhibit artwork, from watercolors to collage to colored pencil drawings. Originally, the obverse was used for contact information of the artist, but, in this technique, students write a haiku.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Art Reading and Writing

For More Information Contact:
Dave Reynolds
Fountain Valley Shool
6155 FVS Road
Colorado Springs CO , 80911
719 390-7035
dreynolds@fvs.edu

Students: Fourth through Sixth Grades

Program Description: ASPIRING ADVERTISERS encourages students to critically analyze advertising techniques, create a toy or tool, write a persuasive essay and advertise it. This program encourages a high interest in writing and self-confidence in an oral presentation.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing - 2, 3, 4

For More Information Contact:
Dan Teska
Timnath Elementary School
3909 Main Street
Timnath CO , 80547
(970) 493-5978
dteska@psd.k12.co.us

Students: 6

Program Description: AUTHOR, AUTHOR, I'M THE AUTHOR is a 6th grade unit that begins with the study of well known children's book authors. We use picture books because they are short, easy to read and analyze, are great examples of the six trait model, and are

easy for students to use as a model for their own writing. Students analyze these authors using the six trait rubric to find strengths, compare writing style, and discover author's purpose and intended audience. They synthesize and analyze these texts as they orally present their findings in front of classmates. Our students then become "the" author as they write their own children's book modeled after traits their author uses. Individual student conferences as well as large and small group instruction are used to teach skills successful authors use; including revision and editing. Once their books have been revised, edited, and published they share their books with an audience of their choice (friends, parents, study buddies, or other classrooms). We call this an author party and bring refreshments to share. Students practice their oral presentation skills and have an opportunity to enjoy their success as an author. A final piece of authentic writing can be done as students communicate with their chosen author through the mail, e-mail or an author's page

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing - 1,2,3,6

For More Information Contact:
Susan Thompson
CO
Thompson.6SK@gamail.com

Cher England-Czyzewski
Foothills Elementary
13165 W Ohio Ave
Lakewood CO , 80228
(303)982-9324
cengland@jeffco.k12.co.us

Students: 6 grade

Program Description: In the AUTHORS AND ARTISTS Unit it is my goal that students not just know the elements of literature, but that they incorporate them into their own work and then reflect upon their effectiveness. As a result, I have noticed that student understanding of the literary elements goes far beyond simple recall. In the end they have applied and evaluated them.

We begin the unit by discussing the characteristics of children's literature. Students then brainstorm ideas for their writing and are given a deadline in which their idea must be finalized. Introductory mini-lessons include sessions on word choice and writing dialogue. We also look at past projects and critique them using the assessment rubric.

Students begin their project by completing a story map. Then they spend time writing a rough draft and completing peer editing activities. Short stories are then illustrated and published. Students complete a "Short Story Analysis" sheet, where the evaluate the literary elements that were used. Graded projects go in front of a panel of teachers who select the top ten to fifteen. Students whose projects are selected go to Thomson Primary to read their stories to a real audience.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Colorado Reading/Writing Standard 2, 3, 5, 6

For More Information Contact:
Lisa Uhrig
BrushMiddle School
401 Howard St.
Brush CO , 80723
970-842-5035
luhrig!@brushschools.org

Students: Sixth through Tenth Grades

Program Description: BECOMING A BASKETBALL is fun, interactive and brings a student's love of sports into the language arts classroom through writing. Students become their favorite sports item, a basketball, football, baseball, etc., for a day. For the person who may not like sports, they can choose some item that they can personify, like a purse, mirror or book. Through expressive writing and the use of personification, students' creativity in their writing shines. Developed out of the need to create a writing activity that would interest even the most reluctant learner, especially boys, this simple lesson shows teachers how to meld sports and writing into a championship activity!

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 1,2,3,4

For More Information Contact:
Rick Steck
Annunciation School
3536 Lafayette St.
Denver CO , 80205
303.295.2515
thesteckteam@comcast.net

Students: Sixth through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: Students select a novel, using part of each class period to read. Time is also allotted for journal writing to answer questions about setting, characters, etc. Students respond to 12 questions emphasizing the five divisions of Bloom's Taxonomy. Answers are arranged artistically on 12 glued together circles and hung from the classroom ceiling.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing 3, 4, 6

For More Information Contact:
Mary Lynn Bashor
Brush Middle School
P.O. Box 585
Brush CO , 80723
(970) 842-5035
mlbashor@uswestmail.net

Students: First through Fourth Grades

Program Description: BLUE WORDS MAKE A DIFFERENCE encourages positive reinforcement of writing and journaling. Students proceed naturally when writing in their journal, save two specific things: Students must write on every other line, and they must review their writing with the teacher. When reviewing, the students read their journal entry to the teacher, who uses "blue" ink to insert the correct words that they have misspelled or written incorrectly on the lines between their writing. This enables the student and parent to better understand what was written when read at a later time. Also, the review process allows the teacher to track what the student is writing while at the same time correct work in a non-threatening manner. As the students' ability to write improves, the blue words start to disappear, but the review and discussion does not.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 2,3,4

For More Information Contact:
Judith Pearson
CO
970-377-0757
jpearson@frii.com

Students: Kindergarten through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: "Bobcat Pride Assemblies" give students a place to practice their public speaking and performing skills. Responsibility for hosting the Assemblies rotates through each grade level through the year. Students write a script and rehearse. Presentations include music, dancing, reciting, contests and awards. The Assemblies promote student leadership and ownership, parental involvement and school spirit.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing 2, 3, 4

For More Information Contact:
Monica Backsen
Custer County Consolidated School
709 Main Street
Westcliffe CO , 81252
(719) 783-2291
mbacksen@bobcats.ccs.k12.co.us

Students: First through Sixth Grades

Program Description: BOOKN' ACROSS THE CONTINENTS is an innovative way to teach library and computer technology in an authentic and exciting way. All students in the school left on a trip together to "visit" other countries. Students covered a large folder with pictures from travel brochures and stapled the sides to create a "suitcase" to hold their work. Each student received a world map to track his or her travels. Students made packing lists to put it in their suitcases. Passports were created by making "squish books" and kept current. Through reading books in the library and searching Internet sites on the computers, students learned all about the countries they were visiting, and prepared word document to place in their suitcases. In addition, the fact that all the students in the school were in the same country at the same time enabled siblings to discuss their travels at home with their families.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 1,4,5 Geography 1,5 History 3 Education Technology 1,3,4,5

For More Information Contact:
Mitzi Pearlman
CO
map0721@aol.com

Students: 7th Grade

Program Description: Building Empathy Through Discovery: Japanese Internment Through an interdisciplinary approach students will learn about Japanese American Internment. In language arts, students read Journey to Topaz by Yoshiko Uchida. This novel demonstrates one family's struggle with internment. Social studies classes study the events of WWII focusing on Japan and the United States as well as locating key geographical places (i.e. Internment camps, Pearl Harbor, Japan, West coast United States, etc.). Combining language arts and social studies allows students to critically think about controversial perspectives of Internment. This program is a literature-based approach to history. Students practice important literary skills (i.e. vocabulary strategies, literary elements, etc.) while critically thinking about events in history. Students become directly involved with their learning and develop skills necessary for thoughtful, rational decision-making.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Geography - 1,4 History - 1,6 Reading and Writing - 1,2,3,4,5,6

For More Information Contact:
Heide Howe
Sierra Middle School
6651 Pine Lane Avenue
Parker CO , 80138
303-387-3800
heidi.howe@dcsdk12.org

Lola Osman
Sierra Middle School
6651 Pine Lane Avenue
Parker CO , 80138
303-387-3800
lola.osman@dcsdk12.org

Students: 1st through 6th Grade

Program Description: CALENDAR CRAZE is an innovative program in a library that focuses on a previously untapped educational resource, calendars. Calendars are filled with beautiful pictures and rich information about any subject you could want. And they are available at a very reasonable cost after the holiday rush. Wall calendars, 'page a day' calendars and even appointment book calendars are filled with pictures and information which motivate students to read, research and discuss a variety of topics. Books that have previously not been considered by students, are checked out on subjects that have piqued their interest through the calendars. The 'page a day' calendars are a valuable resource, with 365 pages of a topic, both pictures and information. Descriptions and explanations are usually short, thereby increasing the likelihood that students will take the time to read the captions and information. How appropriate, to have a resource in the library that exposes children to many things they are unfamiliar with, and gives them pictures and information on topics they love!

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing - 1,3,4 Geography - 2,3

For More Information Contact:
Mitzi Pearlman
CO
map0721@aol.com

Students: 3rd through 6th Grade

Program Description: Classroom Brilliance Through Troubling a Star by Madeline L'Engle ia an excellent novel study which highlights an adventure novel and pairs it with the Colorado Outdoor Education experience so many districts in Colorado embrace. It is an excellent example of an adventure novel which can be used for the genre of mystery as well. Focusing on the female protagonist and the many challenging obstacles she faces throughout the story, this unit provides a firm foundation for writing and reflection in the classroom. Students are asked to put themselves in her position and make decisions about politics in South American countries, take a stand on the issues of drugs and drug trafficking, and make decisions about trusting individuals whom you have just met – all life skills that are being acquired during the middle school years. It is also a wonderful way to integrate Geography and Science into Language Arts as our heroine travels along the western coast of South America to Antarctica and notices the changing landscape as well the changes in plant and animal life.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing - 1,2,4

For More Information Contact:
Kim Stromberg
Hulstrom Options School
10604 Grant Drive
Thornton CO , 80401
720-972-5400
kim.stromberg@adams12.org

Students: Kindergarten through Eighth Grades

Program Description: CLASSROOM WELCOME MATS welcome students back to school with a fun and engaging project. While working in small groups, students view, share and complete a variety of place mats that are filled with word searches, puzzles, matching and crosswords. Students develop thinking, reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. The place mats are displayed at Back to School Night or Open House.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing - 4

For More Information Contact:
Beth Bouchard
CO
bbouchard@hamilton.net

Students: Kindergarten through Eighth Grades

Program Description: This project matches high school students interested in teaching with elementary students struggling with reading and writing. The high school students, "Literacy Leaders," gain experience working with elementary students, and struggling elementary students get individual literacy instruction with a high school mentor and role model.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

For More Information Contact:
Dixie Culligan
Federal Heights Elementary School
2500 West 96th Avenue
Federal Heights CO , 80221
(720) 872-5360
d_culligan@ceo.cudenver.edu

Dwaine Schmidt
Northglenn High School
600 West 100th Place
Northglenn CO , 80221
(720) 872-4600
dwaine_schmidt @ceo.cudenver.edu

Students: 3rd through 6th Grade

Program Description: Creative Constructed Response for the Colorado CSAP is a collection of graphic organizers created to assist students in creating meaningful and organized writing pieces from a subject or book they are studying in the elementary and middle level classroom. These lessons are fun, quick, and easy and based on simple worksheets that students can grasp while working towards the understanding of what a creative, yet concrete, well- written response to the CSAP questions look like. After working with graphic organizers trying to make my students understand what an exemplary response looks like, I finally developed my own and put them to use in the classroom. They have been a huge success, and have helped my students tremendously. Get a jump on the CSAP and get creative with responses to guided questions in the reading classroom. It is one of the best things you can do for your students, and one of the easiest you can implement. Just

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing - 1,2,4

For More Information Contact:
Guy Shaffer
Mountain View Elementary
12401 Perry Street
Broomfield CO , 80020
720-972-8440
guy.shaffer@adams12.org

Students: Early Child Education through Fifth Grade

Program Description: DEFEND OUR GALAXY WITH LITERACY is a schoolwide, multi-year reading incentive program that involves all students from Early Childhood classes to fifth grade. Students work at school and at home on writing book reports, summaries and main idea sentences to reinforce reading comprehension. All activities and incentives are centered around a theme each

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing - 1,3,6

For More Information Contact:
Cora Gonzales
Johnson School
1839 S Irving St
Denver CO , 80219
Cora_Gonzales@dpsk12.org

Mary Ann Garcia-Pettit
Newlon Elementary School
361 Vrain St.
Denver CO , 80219
Mary_Garcia-Pettit@dpsk12.org

Students: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 grade

Program Description: DEWEY DECIMAL DISCOVERY is a program I developed to make the library more 'user friendly' in a way that is fun and memorable for children. By sharing a book from each major call number section, students hear a variety of literature, which consistently sparks their interests and reading focus, along with increasing vocabulary. There are so many wonderful nonfiction books for children, choosing one that stands out is difficult.

Students also love knowing that the call numbers are the same at all the libraries so they now can go into the large public library and still know where to go! I wonder how many people hear them reciting the rhymes to find a section?

The dewey decimal system has never been something that I have memorized and I even find myself using our poems to help! Here are two of the poems that we use the most:

If you want to have a ton
of poetry fun
walk, don't run
to shelf 811

If you want to learn about a bear
or maybe a lion
look on the spine
for 599

I have been very pleased with the results of making the dewey decimal system 'user friendly' at our school. Watching the children find their way around the nonfiction on their own is an exciting accomplishment!

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing: 1, 2, 4

For More Information Contact:
Mitzi Pearlman
CO
map0721@aol.com

Students: Fourth through Eighth Grades

Program Description: DIMENSIONS IN RESEARCH blends research, math measurement skills and creativity to present biographical information through the innovative format of a pop-up book. At the conclusion of this project, students have learned about the life of a famous individual, have planned and created a pop-up book to tell the story, and have produced a book to be catalogued into the school library's nonfiction collection.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 1,2,3,4,5,6 Math 4,5,6

For More Information Contact:
Ruth Larson
Colorado Academy
3800 South Pierce St.
Denver CO , 80235
303-986-1501
Rlboot@aol.com

Students: Kindergarten through Fifth Grades

Program Description: EIGHTY DAYS AROUND THE WORLD links the classroom curriculum with an assortment of literature, high-interest library presentations, and creative activities in the art room. The journey begins in Ancient Egypt in kindergarten, and the final destinations are modern China and the Czech Republic in fifth grade. EIGHTY DAYS AROUND THE WORLD is more like 8,000 years. What a trip!

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Social Studies 2,3,4 Language Arts 4 Art 1,4

For More Information Contact:
Carolyn Baumer Piirto
Whittier Elementary International School
2008 Pine St.
Boulder CO , 80302
303-442-2282
piirto@bvsd.k12.co.us

Students: Seventh through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: EN GUARD is a theatrical unit that introduces Shakespeare to students and allows students to improve their writing skills by creating dialogue that expresses conflict and to present safe, staged sword fights. Students find stage fighting motivational when attempting to learn the language of Shakespeare. Students are challenged by the high degree of involvement required to complete each of the activities leading to their final performance.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 1,2,4

For More Information Contact:
Denina Brown
Douglas County High School
2842 Front St.
Castle Rock CO , 80104
303-814-4500
denina_brown@ceo.cudenver.edu

Students: Kindergarten through Eighth Grades

Program Description: ENABLE, ENCOURAGE, ENHANCE AND ENRICH EDUCATION is a program to increase the reading levels of students by providing activities to direct and support literacy behaviors at home. Each student is given a literacy box and is instructed on ways that its contents can be used in conjunction with or as an extension of school activities. Parents are consulted suggesting uses and maintenance of the boxes. Family projects are celebrated at a "Literacy Night."

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 1,2,3,4,5

For More Information Contact:
Jennifer Wilson
Grant Ranch
5400 S Jay Circle
Denver CO , 80219
Jennifer_Wilson@dpsk12.org

Mary Ann Garcia-Pettit
Newlon Elementary School
361 Vrain St.
Denver CO , 80219
303-934-2441
Mary_Garcia-Pettit@dpsk12.org

Students: Second Grade

Program Description: FAMILY TIES is an integrated theme study designed to engage students and their families in quality learning activities, boost self-esteem, celebrate family ties and strengthen relationships among family members. Students are immersed in quality, theme-related literature and complete homework assignments with family members. As a final culminating activity, students, parents, and teachers work together to put on a delightful holiday program.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing - 1,3

For More Information Contact:
Joanne Bostdorff
Dalton Elementary School
17401 E. Dartmouth Ave.
Aurora CO , 80013
(303) 693-7561

Mark Rodie
Dalton Elementary School
17401 E. Dartmouth Ave.
Aurora CO , 80013
(303) 693-7561

Students: Grade: 1

Program Description: FANCY NANCY & CLANCY'S BOOK OF MANNERS is a program that helps students learn the difference between "Plain" words and "Fancy" vocabulary. The program begins when students are greeted with their teacher dressed in a feather boa, wearing sparkling glasses, and a tiara, saying: "Hello, darling, I am Fancy Nancy and I am so very pleased to meet you," they are immediately hooked. As a class you can create an ongoing "T-Bar" on the board that lists these differences. The children become very excited when they are able to discover another word to add to the list. Copies of the "Plain vs. Fancy" T-Bar are added to their writing folders with space to add more discoveries. An ABC book of manners is complied by the students and read over and over again.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing

For More Information Contact:
Annette Acevedo-Martinez
Foothills Elementary School
13165 W. Ohio Avenue
Lakewood CO , 80228
303-982-9324
amaceved@jeffco.k12.co.us

Students: Third through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: FASTENING LIFE TO PAPER THROUGH WRITING works with the subject that the student knows best and takes the student step-by-step from the beginning to a polished five-chapter autobiography. Everyone has a story to tell. Because each student is unique; each story is unique, and the method of telling the story is unique, also. An innovative feature is a book review done by a parent or other family member.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 1,3,4,5,6

For More Information Contact:
Pauline Artery
Brush Middle School
P.O. Box 585
Brush CO , 80723
970-842-5035
coloartery@ria.net

Students: Kindergarten through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: FIRST TOLD TALES encourages the development of speaking, reading and writing skills for English as a Second Language students through the creation of story books based on their experiences of immigrating. Its success is measured by the participation of students who were reluctant to demonstrate their abilities in speaking and writing; now they shine in English as well as in their native language.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Geography - 1, History - 1, 2, Reading and Writing - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

For More Information Contact:
Julie McCorry
West Middle School
5151 South Holly Street
Littleton CO , 80121
(303) 771-3112
tamarah@ccsd.k12.co.us

Tamara Hoffman
West Middle School
5151 South Holly Street
Littleton CO , 80121
(303) 771-3112
tamarah@ccsd.k12.co.us

Students: Fourth through Eighth Grades

Program Description: FRIENDS ACROSS THE GENERATIONS is an intergenerational reading and writing project. Students are paired up with a senior citizen. Each student interviews his/her senior partner about their early life, and what it was like to be in school fifty or more years ago. The students write a compare and contrast essay about their own life and the life of their senior friend. As a culminating activity, the essays are presented to the senior partners along with a photograph of the pair.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 1,2,3,4,6

For More Information Contact:
Peggy Belshe
High Plains Elementary School
6100 S Fulton St.
Englewood CO , 80111
720-554-3600
pabelshe@comcast.net

Students: 12th Grade

Program Description: From Dickinson to Dylan: the Poetry of Music rocks the class! It hooks students with the subject material, music; it then gets them to think critically and to see that lyrics and poetry are similar. They also learn that poetry was originally meant to be sung (in Greek times) and that modern poetry works best when read aloud as well. They come away with a new appreciation for both music lyrics and poetry. A few years ago Paul McCartney published a book of poetry, which included lyrics from many Beatles' songs. When one reads "Blackbird" as a poem, one sees the poetic qualities to it. Other musicians, such as David Byrne and Joni Mitchell, have done the same. There are some great books that cover music history, such as "A Social Hisotry of Rock 'n Roll" by Paul Firedlander, and "Songwriters on Songwriting," by Paul Zollo. The magazine Lyricist Review is a great resource; its subtitle is "Teaching Lyricism in the Classroom: the Transitions from Dickinson to Dylan." This class would also blend well with a history class and/or a music appreciation class.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing - 1,2,3,4,5,6

For More Information Contact:
David Reynolds
The Fountain Valley School
6155 Fountain Valley School Road
Colorado Springs CO , 80911
719 390-7035
dreynolds@fvs.edu

Students: Grade: 2

Program Description: FUN WITH PHONICS THROUGH BIRD CALLS adds some excitement to the study of reading instruction using bird calls. Phonemic awareness and phonics aren't just for reading. Students can put sounds and letters to bird calls they hear. Integrate your reading and science with the study of bird vocalization (calls and songs). Bird calls are the most exacting way to identify birds and students love to understand and identify the world around them. Birds are part of almost everyone's environment and they vocalize. Students can be taught to listen carefully to bird calls and assign letter sounds and blends to each sound they hear. With the Identiflyer (bird call/sounds identification machine) teachers don't have to be bird experts to take phonics instruction to a level of interest and understanding for children.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing: 1 Science: 1,3

For More Information Contact:
Peggy Hoerner
Meeker Elementary School
2221 28th Ave
Greeley CO , 80634
970-348-2000
phoerner@greeleyschools.org

Students: Ninth through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: GADGETS AND GIZMOS is an engaging way to explore and experiment with the art of persuasion. Students learn the various persuasive appeals and then use those strategies to sell a product, gizmo or gadget, which presently does not exist. Students create the product and collaboratively develop an infomercial that uses several of the persuasion techniques that they have learned. By exploring a variety of ways to plan, write, shoot on tape, and act out the various roles, students have a hands-on learning experience that is authentic. In the end, students look at advertising with new and informed eyes.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 2,4

For More Information Contact:
Michael Vahle
Douglas County High School
2842 Front Street
Castle Rock CO , 80104
303.387.1000
michael.vahle@dcsdk12.org

Students: 5 grade

Program Description: GIVE 'EM WHAT THEY WANT inspires students to truly enjoy reading books. We ask each student to tell us what kinds of books they preferred to read, then based on their interests and reading level, we recommended books we knew they would enjoy.

First we reviewed different genres with the class and invited students to give examples of books within that genre that they particularly liked. Each student received a fluorescent colored 3X5 card on which to write their first and last name plus their three favorite genres with specific titles of books they read and enjoyed from each of those genres (i.e. historical fiction, realistic fiction, biographies, informational books, fantasy, adventure, horror, humor, poetry, and science fiction).
Next we determined each student's reading range. Then the teacher and librarian met for a total of about 1 ½ to 2 hours to select three "perfect" books that matched each student's preferred genres in that child's reading range.
We gathered the students in the library and gave their cards back to them, explaining that this was our gift to them, not just the "perfect" book, but three of them. Students located at least one of the books, checked it out, and READ! These cards were kept in the library in the brightly colored index card box, with cards filed alphabetically by the students' last names, so students could use them whenever they needed a new book.

We explained that this project could continue throughout the year. As they read each book on their lists they wrote on their cards how much they liked the book, giving it a 1 through 10 rating, with 10 being "Wow, I loved it!" and 1 being their least favorite book ever read. When they finished reading all three books, they returned their cards to us with their ratings noted, so we could recommend three more great books for them.

If students rated a book as 7 or higher, they agreed to recommend it to another student in the class.

We also formed genre book clubs for students to discuss the books they particularly enjoyed. This gave them another avenue to share and learn about other titles within their favorite genres. They wrote titles suggested by other students in their reading journals for future book choices.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing: 1,2, 5, 6

For More Information Contact:
Michelle Hollandsworth
Columbine Hills Elementary
6005 W. Canyon Ave.
Littleton CO , 80128
303-982-5540
mholland@jeffco.k12.co.us

Jeanne Shirley
Columbine Hills Elementary
6005 W. Canyon Ave.
Littleton CO , 80128
303-982-5540
jshirley@jeffco.k12.co.us

Students: 3,4,5,6,7,8

Program Description: GO FOR THE GOLD is a great way to kick off the school year! It all begins in mid August with the class viewing the opening ceremonies prerecorded from a previous Olympics (available on the internet). This leads naturally into an introduction of the history behind the Olympics. Vocabulary is introduced, events are discussed, and geography is explored.

This week long introductory stage involves shared reading activities of Olympic history articles where non-fiction reading strategies are explicitly taught. In addition, the teacher models research skills and classification of information for inclusion in a non-fiction report frame about a country prominently represented in the Olympics.

The following week is where the excitement builds. A variety of activities in various subjects occur simultaneously. Students take on the identity as an athlete they have chosen and compete to reach individual challenging reading goals that can earn them a Gold, Silver, or Bronze prize. Can they reach their goal by the closing ceremonies?

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing - 1,2,3,4,5,6 Geography - 6 History - 3

For More Information Contact:
Mary Ann Garcia-Pettit
Newlon Elementary
361 Vrain St.
Denver CO , 80219
303-934-2441
Mary_Garcia-Pettit@dpsk12.org

Jennifer Wilson
Grant Ranch
5400 S. Jay Circle
Littleton CO , 80123
720-424-6880
Jennifer_Wilson@dpsk12.org

Students: Ninth through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: HIGH SCHOOL AUTHORS, ELECTRONIC MYTHS, AND ELEMENTARY READERS is a project that asks high school students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of world myths by writing their own children's myth, using their visual and creative skills to create an electronic storybook, and sharing their creation with elementary students.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing - 2,6

For More Information Contact:
Kathleen McKeeta
Overland High School
12400 E. Jewell Ave.
Aurora CO , 80012
(303) 696-3870

Sharon Carlson
Overland High School
12400 E. Jewell Ave.
Aurora CO , 80012
(303) 696-3870

Students: Ninth through Twelfth Grade

Program Description: HERMANAS DEL FUTURO is a project designed to work with selected Hispanic females to provide opportunities to instill in them a vision for their future beyond high school. The program exposes students to a variety of opportunities after high school, looking into post secondary options and career opportunities, and culminates with an organized shadowing experience. The program is successful because students can see a direct correlation between their studies and the "real world."

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
History - 3 Reading and Writing - 2,4

For More Information Contact:
Dwaine Schmidt
Northglenn High School
601 W. 100th Place
Northglenn CO , 80221
(303) 451-1241

Christina Duran
Northglenn High School
601 W. 100th Place
Northglenn CO , 80221

Students: 6th Grade

Program Description: The Holes Portfolio Project is a layered assessment that allows students to be creative and exercise choice when it comes to fulfilling the requirements for the project. Because students are given choices such as illustrating scenes from the story, acting out scenes, constructing timelines, writing news articles, creating dioramas, writing an additional chapter for the book, and evaluating the changes Stanley's character undergoes, this project appeals to a diverse group of students, who have different strengths. The project has three sections. The first section is required for all students and will allow students to earn up to a 75%. All students are required to read the book as a class, complete and correct all errors on their reading guides, and complete four activity sheets. Students complete their C work by choosing from four possible assignments. To earn up to another 10% (to complete their B work), students can choose from another set of five assignments. Finally, to earn up to an additional 15%, students can choose from another five assignments to complete their A work. The work increases in difficulty and expectations are higher for B and A work. This project gives students freedom of choice and encourages them to challenge themselves and reach to obtain the goal they set for themselves.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts - 1,4,6

For More Information Contact:
Michelle Tillotson
Custer County Middle School
709 Main Street
Westcliffe CO , 81252
(719)783-2291
mjtillotson@peoplepc.com

Students: 9th through 12th Grade

Program Description: Memories, family, special talents, celebrations, and important events are all captured in a memory book! People and what makes them do the things they do, is at the core of all great literature. To understand why characters do what they do careful analysis of background must be completed. This project makes that background work exciting and visual. Students take the perspective of a given character and complete a research project allowing them to create a scrapbook of the life of a given character. The scrapbook requires students to make inferences about how the character's background and how that impacts him/her as a character in this story. Students read, research, and develop a scrapbook of the life of a character. Abstract ideas are presented in a concrete, visual format that aids student in understanding how to do effective character analysis. Students are guided through the process of looking for good research questions concerning characters. Internet resources, print media, visual images, movies, and interviews are all possibilities for synthesizing information that will be included in the scrapbook. Work on proper citations and sorting the validity of a variety of resources is also explored. This phase of the project allows the teacher to present the concepts of developing research questions and finding quality resources to address those questions.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing - 1,4

For More Information Contact:
Denina Brown
Douglas County High School
2842 Front St.
Castle Rock CO , 80104
303-387-1000
denina.brown@dcsdk12.org

Students: Seventh and Eighth Grades

Program Description: ILLUMINATING LITERATURE WITH SIX TRAITS OF READING is an innovative approach to the study of literature. Students understand and enjoy literature more effectively when using hands-on activities that incorporate techniques from the Six Traits of Effective Reading. Students learn that reading is not a passive activity, and establish skills and habits that will assist them in other curriculum readings and in their future.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Lanuage Arts 1,3,4,6

For More Information Contact:
Amy Ely
Brush Middle School
401 Howard St., P.O. Box 585
Brush CO , 80723
970-842-5035
amyely75@hotmail.com

Students: Kindergarten and First Grade

Program Description: INTERACTIVE WRITING: EXPLICIT INSTRUCTION FOR EARLY WRITERS is a tool that provides appropriate support for student writing development. Interactive writing is a strategy used in combination with modeled, shared, guided and independent writing. Based on individual needs, instruction follows the gradual release of responsibility, a method used to decrease the amount of support students receive in order for them to become independent writers. Students show a significant difference in the way they view themselves as writers, their ability to take risks as writers, and their ability to understand important sound/symbol relationships. This type of writing also promotes creativity when children participate in a variety of writing purposes and audiences, such as writing to thank others, recount events, record new information, and record observations.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 2,3

For More Information Contact:
Hollyanna Bates
Dillon Valley Elementary
PO Box 4788
Dillon CO , 80435
970-468-6836
hbates@summit.k12.co.us

Students: 6,7,8,9,10,11,12

Program Description: IS THAT REALLY YOUR PERSPECTIVE? Is a lesson set/unit which asks students to study and reflect upon the concepts of change and perspective in a variety of contexts within the novels that are presented in the classroom.

It is innovative because it targets a very specific population of students yet at the same time is easily adaptable to other students in different settings.

Focused on student success and the development of higher level critical Thinking skills, this unit creatively presents key CSAP concepts to students using a variety of textual materials that reflect the varied interests of students while focusing on content that supports the lesson.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing - 1,2,3,4,5

For More Information Contact:
Kim Stromberg
Hulstrom Options School
11551 Wyco Dr
Northglenn CO , 80233
720-972-8998
kim.stromberg@adams12.org

Students: First through Fifth Grades

Program Description: IT'S A PARTY FOR DR. SEUSS! involves having members of the community participate as readers in the classroom. In honor of Read Across America, a national day of celebration sponsored by AEA, invitations are sent to proposed readers asking them to bring a favorite book to share with a class and to be prepared to discuss why reading is so important in their work. Students also prepare appropriate questions. Readers, including city officials, policemen, firemen, nurses, artists, musicians, newsmen, etc., are encouraged to come in uniform, if appropriate, or to bring items associated with their jobs, such as a nurse bringing a mask and rubber gloves. Spanish-speaking readers are invited to read, also. A contest is held the week before, with students decorating their classroom doors using some literature theme. The 2004 celebration is especially significant because it is Dr. Seuss' 100th birthday.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 1,2,3,4,5,7

For More Information Contact:
Mary Beth MacLeay
APS LIbrary Services
80 Airport Blvd
Aurora CO , 80011
303-326-1864 x 28279
memacleay@aps.k12.co.us

Students: Third through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: IT'S A SMALL WORLD is a unit where students practice and improve reading, writing, speaking and listening skills while learning about different cultures through a unique medium: ham radio communication. During a unit on communication and inventions, a local ham radio operator demonstrated his hobby. The operator also explained some of the "technicalities" and "manners" of his hobby. The demonstration turned into an extensive, year-long project that integrated many subjects. The integration, motivation and quality of work produced during this real-world/real-life experience resulted in this being the most successful program in the school.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Geography 6 Social Studies 3 Language Arts 1,2,3,4,5,6

For More Information Contact:
Jennifer Wilson
Grant Ranch School
5400 South Jay Circle
Littleton CO , 80123
720.424.6880
Jennifer_Wilson@dpsk12.org

Mary Ann Garcia-Pettit
Newton Elementary
361 Vrain Street
Denver CO , 80219
303.934.2441
Mary_Garcia-Pettit@dpsk12.org

Students: Second through Sixth Grades

Program Description: Sixth and second grade students' work cooperatively to create an alphabet trivia book about the life of Johnny Appleseed. The two groups are paired to read, share, listen, write, think and work on the computer to create individual alphabet trivia pages that will be compiled into a class book

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing 1, 2, 3, 4, 6

For More Information Contact:
Peggy. Belshe
High Plains Elementary School
6100 S Fulton St
Englewood CO , 80111
720-554-3600
pabelshe@comcast.net

Students: Eighth through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: JUST LIKE ME! is a fun way to bring senior high students and first graders together for laughter and learning. A senior high student is paired with one or two beginning readers. The purpose of the partnership is to create a book of things that the first grader can do, such as running, swinging, etc. The mentor and youngster decide what will be in the book and then take pictures of the first grader doing the activities they choose, design the pages, write the copy and create the book. Each book is unique to a given child and provides hours of reading practice in an engaging and personal way. It is a project where every student involved comes away with a positive educational experience.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 1,3

For More Information Contact:
Denina Brown
Douglas County High School
2842 Front Street
Castle Rock CO , 80104
303.387.1000
denina.brown@dcsdk12.org

Students: Grade: 9,10,11,12

Program Description: LEARNING TO ENJOY LITERACY is an innovative program utilizing high school struggling readers in special education and students who are limited English speakers by engaging them as mentors (reading partners)to kindergarten students through literacy. This program is a culminating event that is motivating to high school students while increasing their self-confidence and reading skills.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing: 1,2,3,4

For More Information Contact:
Lisa Omori-Jones
Boulder TEC
6600 E Arapahoe
Boulder CO , 80301
303 447-5220
lisa.omori@bvsd.org

Students: Fourth through Eighth Grades

Program Description: LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO. . .teaches students an appreciation of nonfiction reading, while developing their creative and research skills. Through the year, students read eight biographies (autobiographies) then demonstrate their knowledge through a variety of projects. A sample project would be a scrapbook that has at least 12 pages and includes items such as birth/marriage/death certificates, newspaper headlines from the time period, etc. These projects are placed on display for visitors as well as other students. Students learn to look beyond the "typical" famous people and search for individuals that are less well known but whose lives offer inspiration.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 1,2,3,4,5,6

For More Information Contact:
Ruth Larson
Colorado Academy
3800 South Pierce Street
Denver CO , 80235
303-986-1501
ruth.larson@coloradoacademy.org

Students: ECE through Fifth Grades

Program Description: LITERACY - SUPER BOWL is an at-home reading program. FANS (families) help students fill out mini reports for each book read or hour of reading. Individual and school-wide incentives and prizes are given to students for their efforts. All classrooms are involved, which creates a positive, competitive spirit in relation to reading and writing.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing - 1, 2, Math - 1, 3

For More Information Contact:
Cora Gonzales
Johnson School
1859 S Irrving St
Denver CO , 80219
Cora_Gonzales@dpsk12.org

Mary Ann Garcia-Pettit
Newlon Elementary School
361 Vrain Street
Denver CO , 80219
(303) 934-2441
Mary_Garcia-Pettit@dpsk12.org

Students: Sixth through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: Students travel once a week to the elementary school and read one or two storybooks out loud to their first grade partners. This introduces students to effective speaking skills, allows them to practice those skills without fear of embarrassment and instills a willingness to want to improve as a reader and speaker.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing 2, 3, 4, 5

For More Information Contact:
Nancy Eaman
Broomfield Heights Middle School
CO
nancy.eaman@bvsd.org

Students: Ninth through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: Students are guided through an interpretation of a modern or post-modern poem with a series of analytical questions to determine the poem's mood, purpose and theme. They apply their interpretation to a dramatized reading incorporating student voices, sound, setting and costume before a live audience, which stimulates their interest and creative expression

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing 4, 5

For More Information Contact:
Judy Carruth
Fort Morgan High School
709 East Riverview Avenue
Fort Morgan CO , 80701
(970) 867-5648
robcarru@twol.com

Students: Eighth through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: LIVING IN THE PAST gives students a glimpse of life in America from 1870 to 1920. Through guided research they discover how the people lived, dressed, were entertained, and what they valued. Students are introduced to characters drawn from American history and based upon actual historic events. The foundation of the lesson is the script "Spoon River Anthology." Through research and interpretation, students perform a play using characters from America's past. By becoming personally involved in the lives of people of "Spoon River Anthology," historical literature is brought to life.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 5,6

For More Information Contact:
Denina Brown
Douglas County High School
2842 Front Street
Castle Rock CO , 80104
303-814-4500
denina_brown@ceo.cudenver.edu

Students: Kindergarten through Second Grade

Program Description: LOCK IN TO READING is a program that encourages children to read 50 books from different content areas in a one-month period. After reading the books, the students write and/or illustrate a literary response. As an extra incentive for completing their assignment, students are given the opportunity to be "locked in" the school gymnasium for an overnight stay with friends and teachers. Dinner and breakfast are donated by local restaurants, and a good time is had by all.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing - 1,2

For More Information Contact:
Annette M. Acevedo-Martinez
Foothills Elementary School
13165 W. Ohio Ave.
Lakewood CO , 80228
(303) 986-1589

Andrean Pepper
Foothills Elementary School
13165 W. Ohio Ave.
Lakewood CO , 80228

Students: 3

Program Description: LOOK AT ME FRIDA KAHLO is an interdisciplinary unit combining art, reading and English language skills. Although this unit was originally designed for ELL students in grades 1-3, this unit can be adapted to any grade. As a part of this unit, students read and learn about the life and work of the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, who was well known for her self portraits. Students will learn and be able to use describing words or adjectives to describe their face. Finally students will also work to try to create their own self portraits and describe their portraits to others.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing - 1,2,3,4,6 ELL - 1,2,3,4

For More Information Contact:
Kathleen Kardok
Wyatt Edison School
3620 Franklin Street
Denver CO , 80205
303-292-5515
kkardok@hotmail.com

Students: Third through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: LOOK, MA! I'M ON THE WEB! is a unique way to showcase the talents and creativity of students. By creating a classroom web site displaying their writings, poetry, activities and technological knowledge, you are promoting the quality and capabilities of young people. Start with publishing individual goals accompanied by the student's picture. Add their creative writing and poetry samples, awards and acknowledgments in and out of the classroom, and create a page to feature special activities. Students can share their work with parents, school staff and community members, and students will have a wonderful memory of their entire year.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 2 Technology 2,4

For More Information Contact:
Julie Frink
2123 Hibbard lane
Fountain CO , 80817
719-382-1968
juliefrink@q.com

Students: Second through Eighth Grades

Program Description: MAGICAL FUN will get your most reluctant writer to write. There are three basic components to this unit. Students begin by researching and choosing two magic acts they could write about and perform. They may use books, magazines and/or the Internet. Once the research is complete, students begin the writing process. Expectations of the final written piece are clearly stated. For the grand finale, students will perform their magic acts. Students are to be well prepared, and this is the part where they can "ham it up." If they have kept their magic acts a secret, their other classmates are in for a real treat.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 1,1,3,5

For More Information Contact:
Diane Calden
Estes Park Elementary
650 Community Drive
Estes Park CO , 80517
970-586-9529
diane_calden@psdr3.k12.co.us

Students: Second through Fourth Grades

Program Description: MAGICAL MINI THEATER teaches young students about the theater. Students work cooperatively to write a script, plan props and costumes and present their short plays. They have the opportunity to practice and perfect skills such as reading, writing and revising a simple script, and oral language.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing - 2

For More Information Contact:
Janet Kask
Werner Elementary School
5400 Mail Creek Lane
Fort Collins CO , 80525
(970) 223-6315
jkask@psd.k12.co.us

Students: Kindergarten through Third Grades

Program Description: MAKE YOUR OWN SILENT READING PHONES provides students with a novel and fun way to practice oral reading without disturbing the teacher or other students in the class. Silent reading phones are acoustical phone-shaped devices that allow students to read or study aloud without disturbing others. Children need only to whisper to hear their pronunciation of the words while reading. In addition to oral reading, silent reading phones can be used to practice speeches, lines in a play, math facts, spelling words or to proofread written work for completion and correctness. Instructions for building your own silent reading phone are included.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 1,2

For More Information Contact:
Judy Johnson
St. Mary's Academy
4545 South University Blvd.
Englewood CO , 80113
303.762.8300
judy_johnson

Students: 6,7,8

Program Description: MAKING A POINT WITH PARABLES develops and enrichs students' understanding of theme. Students formulate a forceful point or theme and keep it in mind as they create their own parable. We learn that sometimes a theme is directly stated; sometimes theme is implied. In any case, theme is always present in stories and literature.

Students begin the unit by reading Thurber's "The Last Flower." This parable inspires students to write and illustrate their own parables. Students enjoy writing these simple stories, and even students who are "artistically challenged" have fun creating the simple illustrations. After the projects are completed, students present their parables. The class then discovers that many possible themes exist in literature.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing - 1,2,6

For More Information Contact:
Lisa Uhrig
Brush Middle School
401 Howard St
Brush CO , 80723
(970) 842-5035
luhrig@brushschools.org

Students: Grade: K,1,2,3

Program Description: MAKING SENSE OF SOUNDS AND LANGUAGE provides Speech Pathologists with many different tools that can be useful to students' development of language which impacts their success in the classroom. It is can be thematic so each month the activities tend to be related to a specific topic. The program provides language and auditory activities at a preschool and school-age level so that instruction is appropriate. It then provides a large poster that drives the theme and gives the students access to language concepts, vocabulary and exposure. There is also a "Talk about" that typically guides the student to discuss a personal story that relates to the theme of the poster. Kids often give their best performance when they are able to talk about something related to them. There is also a circle time activity that incorporates a song into the classroom activities that again relates to the theme. Music is crucial for the development of the speech and auditory skills of deaf and hard of hearing students. Lastly they have a discrimination assessment and an instructional component that measures growth and teaches discrimination skills that are crucial for comprehension and reading and writing skills. Overall this program is comprehensive and allows ideas to be taught to deaf and hard of hearing students in a variety of ways to help them truly "own" there learning and the information

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing: 6

For More Information Contact:
Meredith Fleischmann
Mountain View Elementary School
12401 Perry St.
Broomfield CO , 80020
720-972-6942
fleiscmm@hotmail.com

Students: Tenth through Eleventh Grades

Program Description: MI FAMILIA: THE HEARTBEAT OF LATINO LITERATURE is a thematic literature unit that enhances the appreciation and the acceptance of cultural diversity through the understanding of the traditional role of the family in the Latino culture. The unit incorporates literary readings and film clips about the family in the Latino culture with the creation of individual student scrapbooks, called "Mi Historia."

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 1,4,6

For More Information Contact:
Judy Carruth
Fort Morgan High School
709 East Riverview Ave.
Fort Morgan CO , 80701
970-867-3410
robcarru@twol.com

Val Lee
Fort Morgan High School
709 East Riverview Ave.
Fort Morgan CO , 80701
970-867-5648

Students: 7,8,9,10,11,12

Program Description: MY GRANDMA, MYSELF AND MY CULTURES is a 2 part curriculum geared to foster cultural appreciation, awareness and understanding. The first part looks at valuing culture and heritage by guiding students through the process of writing an essay about an ancestor of their choice. The second part focuses on understanding culture by helping students to make connections and comparisons between their native culture and American culture. In this part students participate in a variety of activities that prepare them to write a compare and contrast essay about their native culture and the American culture that they now live in. Students improve reading, writing, listening and speaking skills throughout the program by reading essays and poems by other immigrants and classmates, listening to classmates share their stories, and sharing their own stories in writing and presentations.

As students find out more about their own heritage, their native culture and themselves throughout the activities in this curriculum, they also become much more tolerant of others, and aware of the things that they have in common. Overall they become more comfortable with WHO they are, and WHERE they are...which is a dramatic shift for anyone, but in particular students who have made the journey to live and participate in our American culture.

While the program was developed for English Language Learners (ELL) in high school, the curriculum could easily be modified for regular Language Arts classes to focus on ideas of immigration and cultural awareness.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing - 1,2,3 ELL - 2,3,4

For More Information Contact:
Sarah Metzler
Iver C. Ranum High School
2401 W. 80th Avenue
Denver CO , 80221
303-428-9577
kingsleysarah@hotmail.com

Students: 4

Program Description: MYSTERY CLUE BAGS are an exciting way to motivate your students to write. It is a different approach to writing and encourages students to be creative. They use the clues in the bag and take on the role of a detective as they try to solve a crime. Also, using the thematic clue bag, they will have to determine the location of the crime scene. They incorporate all the components of a mystery: clues, suspects, crime scene, motives and opportunity- only at a more in-depth level, because now they have the evidence to create the mystery in their bag! Even your most reluctant writers will love to write a mystery when you use this approach!

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing - 2,3,4

For More Information Contact:
Heidi Peterson
Aspen Creek K-8
5500 Aspen Drive
Broomfield CO , 80020
(720)887-4537
heidi.peterson@bvsd.org

Students: Second through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: MYTHS, MASKS AND A MISSION involves all areas of Language Arts: reading, writing, speaking, listening and thinking. Students read approximately 15 myths and folktales from around the world. In small groups, they collaboratively rewrite a tale into script format so that each group member has a role. They then create a mask to wear for their role and work on interpreting their character for presentation.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing - 1, 2, 3, 4, 6

For More Information Contact:
Nancy Eaman
Broomfield Heights Middle School
CO
nancy.eaman@bvsd.org

Students: 3

Program Description: NIGHT OF THE NOTABLES focuses on the genre of biography. Third graders are introduced to this genre in collaboration with our library media specialist, and then read and discuss biographies in the classroom. A biography is then chosen by each child to read at home. Notes taken from this are used in class to write a 1st person narrative of their life as the person they read about. This culminates with a "Night of the Notables" where the children dress as their personality and share their life with parents.
Third graders were very motivated to read about positive individuals that made a difference, while learning notetaking, report writing, and using Kidspiration on the computer.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing - 1,3,5,6

For More Information Contact:
Marie Jacob
Columbine Hills
6005 W. Canyon Ave.
Littleton CO , 80128
303-982-5540
cjacob@jeffco.k12.co.us

Teresa Hart
Columbine Hills
005 W. Canyon Ave
Littleton CO , 80128
303-982-5540
tbergman@jeffco.k12.co.us

Students: Grade: 9,10,11,12

Program Description: NONFICTION READING AND WRITING FOR HIGH SCHOOL BOYS is a unit that was designed to engage students in modern pieces of literature. Throughout the unit students write for a variety of purposes and audiences - all the while completing the writing process and collecting their final products in a modified portfolio.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing: 1,2,3,4,5

For More Information Contact:
Jennifer Snowden Frobose
Chatfield High School
7227 S South Simms St
Littleton CO , 80127
303-982-5302
jsnowden@jeffco.k12.co.us

Students: Third through Seventh Grades

Program Description: PENCIL IS MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD is a creative and effective way to teach letter writing in the classroom. Everyone loves to get mail, especially kids! This activity pairs kids and an adult, most particularly an elderly adult, with each other to write letters throughout the year. It forges a bond between the student and the adult, and provides a continuing relationship with that person rather than a one-time activity. It improves children's writing while forming this bond between friends. It is amazing to see the difference in what the kids and adults write about at the beginning and their letters at the end of the year.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 2,3,6

For More Information Contact:
Jenny Hickman
Presentation of Our Lady School
660 Julian Street
Denver CO , 80204
303.629.6562
hickman24@hotmail.com

Students: 4

Program Description: PICTURE BOOK PYRAMID focuses on learning or reviewing the basic elements of fiction. It is a language arts writing project in which students create a construction paper pyramid using the elements of fiction; specifically, setting, characters, plot, and vocabulary. Each side of the pyramid highlights a different element. Students read a picture book, determine and study the elements of fiction found in that book, and then are allowed a creative and interesting way to demonstrate their knowledge of the key elements of fiction.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing - 1,2,3,6

For More Information Contact:
Peggy Belshe
High Plains Elementary
6100 S. Fulton Street
Englewood CO , 720-554-3600
pbelshe@cherrycreekschools.org

Students: Fourth through Eighth Grades

Program Description: PLEASE PASS THE POETRY is a creative writing and reading unit that helps students overcome their fears of poetry by easing them into it through modeling and descriptive poem formulas. The students learn to appreciate reading and writing all types of poems. Each student writes a limerick, diamante, my house, five senses and an original poem. At the end of the unit, guests are invited to a party at which students share their poems.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 1,2,3,4,6

For More Information Contact:
Peggy Belshe
High Plains Elementary School
6100 S Fulton St
Englewood CO , 80111
720-554-3600
pabelshe@comcast.net

Students: 4,5,6,7,8

Program Description: POCKETS OF SUCCESS IN READING is a creative and innovative program that provides a hands-on way for younger students to organize their thoughts and learning in the classroom. Through the creation of a personalized reading folder including library pockets for organization, students learn about the six key traits in writing and can focus on key ideas in reading to support CSAP .

The lessons provide:
* Structure for classroom learning which is tied to theme, plot, setting, characters, problem solving and solutions.
* A hands-on way for kids to organize their thought processes before a discussion in the classroom.
*A lesson which can be tailored to read-aloud books such as Where the Red Fern Grows, Fudge, Ida B. Etc.
* Students demonstrate understanding in their own learning by using small group discussion with shared reading or guided reading as a base for learning.
* Guides teacher discussions in groups so that gaps in understanding can be filled with student and teacher reflection based on how the folder is filled out from a student.
* Assessment is simple, student driven, and reflective.
* Note taking is a key part of this process and it teaches the students outline form, bullets, topic sentences and sentence structure.

The program can be tailored to student needs, and is a way for teachers to encourage collaboration, discussion, and creative problem solving during large group and small group discussions in the classroom

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing - 1,2,3,4,5

For More Information Contact:
Paul Lowthian
Mountain View Elementary
12401 Perry Street
Broomfield CO , 80020
720-972-3472
john.lowthian@adams12.org

Students: Seventh and Eighth Grade

Program Description: POETRY CALENDARS - A HOLIDAY GIFT is a poetry unit that combines writing poetry with technological software to create a calendar. Each student writes a wide range of poems and selects his/her twelve favorites. Using software to create a personalized calendar, students decorate each month with a poem. The end result is the perfect holiday gift for a family member or friend.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing - 2,3,4

For More Information Contact:
Nancy Eaman
Broomfield Heights Middle School
CO
nancy.eaman@bvsd.org

Students: First through Fifth Grades

Program Description: POETRY LIVE! brings poetry to life through a home reading program, creative performances and writing. The home reading involves parents in their child's reading instruction and development. At school, students read, listen to and select a poem to perform in a class "poetry museum." Selected student poetry is submitted to the National Anthology of Young American Writers for publication

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing - 1, 2, 3, 4, 6

For More Information Contact:
Mary Doty
Cotopaxi School
P. O. Box 385
Cotopaxi CO , 81223
(719) 942-4131
marycd@rmi.net

Students: 6,7,8 grade

Program Description: "Poetry Pics" is a public speaking event for the classroom in which students share poetry and practice identifying figurative language and themes ("life lessons"). In order to prepare for the event, students must choose a poem of at least ten lines. Students are encouraged to pick poems that create a picture (or "pic") in the reader's mind (...hence the title of "Poetry Pics"). The poem must contain at least one example of figurative language. Teachers must preteach or review different examples of figurative language, such as personification, alliteration, metaphors, similes, hyperboles, idioms, and onomatopoeia.
During presentations, students must stand in front of the class, give the author and title of the poem, read the poem aloud (using good expression, enunciation, pronounciation, and volume), identify the figurative language used in the poem, and share the theme or life lesson of the poem. If there is not a theme (the poem is meant for entertainment only), students should provide a short summary of the poem.
Teachers use a rubric to grade the presentation and provide students with feedback. Teachers should also facilitate discussions regarding the examples of figurative language and the analysis of poetry.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts: 1 2 4 6

For More Information Contact:
Michelle Tillotson
Custer County Middle School
P.O. Box 730, 709 Main
Westcliffe CO , 81252
719-783-2291
mtillotson@bobcats@ccs.k12.co.us

Students: First through Fourth Grades

Program Description: POSITIVE WRITING POCKETS is a simple way to bring writing into the classroom in a fun and easy manner. By "legally" exchanging notes, students learn to write for a variety of purposes, while reinforcing handwriting, grammar and spelling at the same time. Writing becomes the best part of the day --especially for those students that were struggling. At designated times, the pockets are stuffed with jokes, letters, stories, personal notes and small pieces of "mail." The little envelopes used for a library card become their personal mailbox in the classroom. Students adore writing to each other and to me, and writing has become fun rather than a chore. One of the best parts of this project is that it lends itself to excellent classroom management. Better handwriting, composition and creativity are shown in their classroom lessons because of these little pockets.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 1,2,3,4

For More Information Contact:
Courtney Howard
Mountain View Elementary School
12401 North Perry St.
Broomfield CO , 80020
720-972-5520
courtney.howard@adams12.org

Students: 3rd through 8th Grade

Program Description: Prime Time Poetry is a unique program which brings classic poets to the classroom through individual projects and presentations. It involves parents and community members in the learning process by having them attend a Prime Time Poetry Night where they view projects, evaluate student presentations, and listen to a traditional recitation of classic poems by students in a culminating presentation on a selected evening. Through this project, students explore the rich cultural diversity of America through poets whose writings reflect the people and places that define the United States as a whole. Rather than receiving lectures in class, students individually explore poets through research, and participate in a community recitation of poetry, and "knowledge fair" of what they have learned. The project is presented in a traditional "science fair" format where parents, students, and community leaders share in an evening of learning about great poets based on the work of students on display boards, and listen to recitations of key poems that have become poetry classics throughout the last 200 years in the United States. Prime Time Poetry is a way to bring poetry to life in your classroom and outside of the classroom for parents and the community. Put away the TV and enjoy poetry for an evening this year!

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
History - 1,4 Reading & Writing - 1,2,3,4,5

For More Information Contact:
Michelle Pearson
Hulstrom Options School
10604 Grant Drive
Northglenn CO , 80223
720-972-2251
kpear12@aol.com

Kathleen Anderson
Annunciation School
3536 Lafayette St.
Denver CO , 80205
303-295-2515
kanderson9189@msn.com

Students: Sixth through Eleventh Grades

Program Description: PROFILES IN WRITING: AN AMERICAN TIMELINE recognizes literature as a record of human experience. Students research a 17th or 18th century author and his/her work, and then discern how the work influenced or was influenced by the time when it was written. The student creates a one-page social biography and a silhouette of the writer. The profile is put on a colored background that represents the genre for which the writer is most well known and placed on a large-sized timeline poster at the year representing the pinnacle of the writer's career. By studying the completed timeline, students analyze trends and determine cause and effect, and familiarize themselves with the most significant American authors and their works.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 1,2

For More Information Contact:
Ginny Vidulich
Louisville Middle School
1341 Main Street
Louisville CO , 80027
303-666-6503
ginny.vidulich@bvsd.k12.co.us

Students: Grade K-3

Program Description: PUPPET PAL is designed for students in Kindergarten through third grade. It provides books paired with a plush animal for students to check out as part of a literacy program that adds a spark of excitement to reading. Students take their puppet pal, packaged in a special canvas bag painted to match the puppet pal and book, home. Students and families read the book together and enjoy activities with their puppet pal. They record what they have done together on a very short worksheet.

This program is intended to add that sense of excitement and wonder to younger children as they start off on their reading adventures. It is also intended to encourage parents to become involved in their child's reading at a young age. Although it is geared for the primary students, older elementary students enjoy this program as well.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing: 1,2

For More Information Contact:
Cher England-Czyzewski
Foothills Elementary School
13165 West Ohio Ave
Lakewood CO , 80028
303 982-9324
Cengland@jeffco.k12.co.us

Students: Grade: 2,3,4,5

Program Description: PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER WITH POLACCO is a three week Patricia Polacco multidisciplinary author study unit that encourages
• use of context to stimulate comprehension;
• critical thinking through comparison, contrast and defense of thinking;
• practice with story structure analysis and summarization;
• respect for diversity; and
• a love of reading.

The majority of Patricia Polacco's books are based on her real life experiences. Through them readers experience interaction between people of different cultures, ethnicities, generations, and/or religions. In this unit, bits of Patricia Polacco's biography are analyzed with each book. Students are fascinated to see the connections. In addition, in the process of clearly developing each character and plot line, Patricia Polacco introduces one or two unique, defining traditions as well as conflicts or struggles. Some of her books focus on morals that also inspire thinking. Carefully planned discussions that ensue from reading each book stimulate comprehension skills and opportunities for mature critical thinking with defense in accountable talk.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing: 1,2,3,4,5

For More Information Contact:
Jennifer Wilson
Grant Ranch School
5400 S. Jay Circle
Littleton CO , 80123
7204246880
Jennifer_Wilson@dpsk12.org

Mary Ann Garcia-Pettit
Newlon Elementary School
361 Vrain Street
Denver CO , 80129
3039342441
Mary_Garcia-Pettit@dpsk12.org

Students: Grade: 4

Program Description: RACE CAR WRITING encourages and motivates students, but especially male students in writing! Students are asked to imagine they are at the start of the race. As soon as the race starts, the students begin driving immediately, and they continue driving until the race ends. If they stop driving at any point in time, they loose the race. Five minute writing is the same way. In race car writing, students are given five minutes to answer a prompt. If they stop writing, they won't have enough time to answer the prompt. By completing quality five minute writing prompts daily through Race Car Writing, students make "seeds" to their writing that they can use to draft, revise, edit, and publish their writing.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing: 2

For More Information Contact:
Bonnie Kurtz
Foothills Elementary
13165 W. Ohio Ave.
Lakewood CO , 80228
303-982-9324
bkurtz@jeffco.k12.co.us

Students: Third Grade

Program Description: READ THROUGH THE HEAT is a program designed to prevent reading regression in our students during the summer months. During the summer, regularly scheduled meetings are held at a local library every afternoon. Students participate in a read-aloud program while at the library, and check out books to read at home. Students who participated received small incentives, and a comparison of student reading levels from May to September showed no regression of the level attained in May.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing - 1,2,3,4

For More Information Contact:
Mary Ann Garcia-Pettit
Newlon Elementary School
361 Vrain St.
Denver CO , 80219
(303) 934-2441
Mary_Garcia-Pettit@dpsk12.org

Jennifer Wilson
Grant Ranch
5400 S Jay Circle
Denver CO , 80123
Jennifer_Wilson@dpsk12.org

Students: First through Sixth Grades

Program Description: READ YOUR WAY TO ANTARCTICA is a motivational reading program used in our library to encourage students to read a diversity of literature. This program opens students' awareness of all of the exciting books the library has available. A form is given out to each child with different genres of literature to read. Each child has two months to read seven out of the nine choices. One of the innovative aspects of this program is that it includes all of the students in First through Fifth grades in the challenge. Students who finish the challenge "visit" the destination by wearing appropriate clothing and being photographed in that place! Creating the setting also is exciting for the students.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 1,2 Geography 2

For More Information Contact:
Mitzi Pearlman
CO
map0721@aol.com

Students: Third through Ninth Grades

Program Description: READING BY THE NUMBERS ties reading, graphing, and computer technology skills together. This idea applies a quantitative evaluation process to the types and difficulty of books a student reads. It encourages students to monitor their book choices so that a variety of genre and difficulty levels as well as a balance of assigned/free choice books are selected by the student. As students learn to achieve a healthy balance in each of these areas, they grow in their appreciation of and enjoyment in reading. The process involves recording books read, data entry of this information, viewing data in graph format, and several layers of evaluation.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 Math 2,3,5

For More Information Contact:
Ruth Larson
Colorado Academy
3800 South Pierce St.
Denver CO , 80235
303-986-1501
ruth.larson@coloradoacademy.org

Students: Kindergarten through Eighth Grades

Program Description: READING IS SPOOKTACULAR is a family literacy enhancement program that encourages families to read and learn together. This program addresses the need for consistent parental involvement to promote a positive reading and learning environment at home. Evening activities focus on critical thinking, reasoning, problem solving, communication and conflict management skills.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing 1,4,6, History - 3, Science - 2, Math - 4

For More Information Contact:
Michelle Pearson
Hulstrom Options School
10604 Grant Dr.
Denver CO , 80223
720-972-2251
michelle.l.pearson@adams12.org

Students: Eleventh through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: SALEM JOURNAL: A 21ST CENTURY APPROACH TO "THE CRUCIBLE" teaches students how to write clear, concise newspaper articles free of innuendo and incorrect information. Using a supplied list of "headlines" from the play, students use the Internet and the library to write three factual articles on the Salem witch trials. Students gain insight into the 16th century judicial system, family relationships and community responsibility.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 1,2,3,4,5,6

For More Information Contact:
Barbara Bolinger
Brush High School
P.O. Box 585
Brush CO , 80723
970-842-5171

Students: Grade: 7

Program Description: SEEDFOLKS: CELEBRATING STUDENTS' DIVERSITY begins with students reading and discussing the book Seedfolks. A novella by Paul Fleischman, Seedfolks tells how a garden transforms a neighborhood. Thirteen different cultural voices share how their connection to this inner-city garden affects them personally.

After completion of the book, students create a garden diorama and 3-D characters, emphasizing detail. Then each student creates a puzzle piece for a garden mosaic, a permanent wall display celebrating the diversity of the school's student population.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing: 1,4

For More Information Contact:
Nancy Eaman
Broomfield Heights Middle School
1555 Daphne Street
Broomfield CO , 80020
303-466-2387
nancy.eaman@bvsd.org

Students: 12th Grade

Program Description: "Skyview- The Apprentice- You are Hired!" is all about excitement, competition, and fun. This program transports the career world directly into the classroom. Allowing students to design, market, and attempt to sell a product challenges students to be creative and innovative, along with preparing them for real life. Communication is a passport to success. This program allows students to practice better communication skills by working in a small group, and eventually having an actual interview with a panel of individuals from the community.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing - 2,3,4

For More Information Contact:
Amanda Calabro
Skyview Senior High School
9000 York St.
Thornton CO , 80229
303-853-1200
arc1116@msn.com

Dwaine Schmidt
Skyview Senior High School
9000 York St
Thornton CO , 80229
303-853-1200
schmidtd@mapleton.us

Students: Fourth through Sixth Grades

Program Description: SNAP, CRACKLE, POP LITERACY engages students in inquiry-based writing. Students are given an individual-sized box of cereal and are asked to analyze the various functions of the print on the cereal box and critically discuss the advertising components. Students select a biography or autobiography to read. Each child then creates their own cereal box, using the characteristics of the individual's life they chose to read about as the "name" on their cereal box, the "ingredients," the "nutritional value," etc. The program challenges the students to translate traditional book report material into a new product, which they share with the class.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 1,2,3,4,5,6 Social Studies 1 Art 1

For More Information Contact:
Ruth Larson
Colorado Academy
3800 South Pierce Street
Denver CO , 80235
303.986.1501
ruth.larson@coloradoacademy.org

Students: Fifth Grade

Program Description: SPELLING WITHOUT WORKSHEETS is a multisensory unit that utilizes games and fun activities to help students learn spelling words. Students select activities from four different contracts. Each contract allows the student to select activities that use different modalities (e.g. writing in salt, typing on a word processor, using tiles, stamp pads, etc.) Goals are set by students, and student response has been wonderful!

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing - 3

For More Information Contact:
Maureen Kay Braun
Irving Elementary School
1629 W. 21st St.
Pueblo CO , 81003
(719) 549-7570

Students: Third through Eighth Grades

Program Description: From a foundation established by reading adventure/survival fiction and nonfiction, students imagine and create setting, main character and events for an original survival book. Each student creates a three-dimensional setting, a concrete model to help them craft tighter stories based in one location. Once written, these books are published and presented at our Authors' Reception

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing 1, 2, 3, 4, 6

For More Information Contact:
Ruth Larson
Colorado Academy
3800 South Pierce Street
Denver CO , 80235
(303) 986-1501
RLboot@aol.com

Students: Sixth Grade

Program Description: SUMMER READING INCENTIVE is designed to motivate middle school students to keep reading throughout the summer months so they can continue growing as readers. This program requires students to set a summer reading goal, using a minimum goal of 1,000 pages. Students keep their reading contract updated throughout the summer months. Before turning in the contract, it must be signed by a parent or guardian. Gift certificates and donated items are collected from local businesses to be presented to the students for a "job well done." At the first of the year, students can volunteer to share their favorite book with the class by giving a short, oral book report.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 2

For More Information Contact:
Michelle Tillotson
Custer County Middle School
P. O. Box 730
Westcliffe CO , 81252
719.783.4911
mjtillotson@peoplepc.com

Students: Eighth Grade

Program Description: TEACHING TOLERANCE THROUGH READING builds on American History and school-wide activities related to teaching tolerance. It includes discussions on respect, silent reading, listening activities and plays on aspects of American History not always covered by the classroom text.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing - 2, 3, 4 History - 1, 3

For More Information Contact:
Jill Nagrodsky
Creighton Middle School
75 Independence Street
Lakewood CO , 80226
(303) 982-6282

Students: Grade: 6,7,8,9,10,11

Program Description: TELLING TALES: IS RODS COULD TALK is a several day lesson on story writing. This lesson guides the students through a scaffolded writing process that draws on non-linguistic representations (Cuisinaire Rods or Math Rods) to initially insight creativity and construct a basic framework for character development. The rods, used in tandem with story maps and character maps provide a solid visual reference base that will guide any student through the process of writing a story. While the unit was developed for High School ELL, it can easily be modified for almost any grade level or student group.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Literacy: 1,2,3

For More Information Contact:
Sarah Metzler
Shaw Heights Middle School
8780 Circle Drive
Westminster CO , 80031
303-428-9533
kingsleysarah@hotmail.com

Students: 3rd through 5th Grade

Program Description: Half Page Reading is an independent reading program that helps students and teachers keep track of what the student is reading independently (at school and at home). It also aids in evaluating if the student is comprehending what is being read. This simple reading program consists of story maps specifically designed for fiction, non-fiction and poetry genres. Each map is only a half page long and has boxes that are relatively straight forward for the student to fill out and easy for the teacher to grade. The program also comes with a rubric to use as a guide in filling out the maps and grading them. It also includes a blank list for students and teachers to keep track of the books that have been read. This program answers the questions that teachers often ponder: When my students are silent reading, are they really reading? How do I know if they have finished their book? How do I know if they've understood what they've read? How can I keep track of the types of books that they are reading? Is requiring them to read at home really effective? This program takes care of many of the challenges that we teachers face in allowing our students some valuable silent reading time in class and giving them independent reading assignments at home.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing - 1,4

For More Information Contact:
Lara Long
Falcon Creek Middle School
6100 South Geenoa St
Aurora CO , 80016
llong3@cherrycreekschools.org

Students: Ninth through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: THE LIVING STAGE provides students the opportunity to gain an appreciation of Shakespeare and to hear, see, feel and taste the times in which he lived. Students from all grade levels (9-12) perform Shakespearean scenes during an Elizabethan style banquet. Students memorize lines early in the process, and discuss ways to emphasize and interpret certain ideas. After reading and discussing a certain scene, they will watch it performed in three different films and will note the unique elements each actor/director brings to the scene. Such close evaluation allows students to be more serious and critical of their own acting. All students perform scenes for each class, and then the class elects one scene to be shared at the banquet. Students design the menu, clothing, props and music for the banquet. They also help grade one another during the process.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:

For More Information Contact:
David Reynolds
Fountain Valley School
6155 Fountain Valley School Rd.
Colorado Springs CO , 80911
719-390-7035
dreynolds@fvs.edu

Patricia Kule
Fountain Valley School of Colorado
6155 FSV Road
Colorado Springs CO , 80911
719-391-5354
espanol7@msn.com

Students: Sixth through Seventh Grades

Program Description: MAGIC OF NUMBERS compares numbers in everyday American folklore and literature to numbers used in world religions to numbers used in Chinese literature. Students have listened to stories about "The Three Little Pigs" and heard how lucky the number seven is since their childhood. They have a natural interest in learning about the magic of numbers in other cultures and traditions. This unit ties numbers and literature together through a wide variety of genres. Students love this lesson collection and wait for the daily activities that accompany the books and reading selections we share in the classroom.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 1,4,6 Social Studies 2,3,6

For More Information Contact:
Dana Gallegos
Christ the King Roman Catholic School
860 Elm St.
Denver CO , 80220
303.321.2123
deedeedaner@aol.com

Students: Ninth through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: THE MAGICAL FANTASY TOUR AND EXHIBIT creates a climate where students hone their deductive and imaginative skills. In fantasy fiction, authors frequently incorporate objects that become an essential element of the story, such as a ring or apple. After classroom discussions on fantasy fiction, students are asked to bring an object from home and display it on an index card that explains the object's magical powers and history, and a story scenario that uses the object to intensify the plot. Students tour the various objects exhibited.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 2,4

For More Information Contact:
Pamela Wigdahl
Douglas County High School
2842 Front St.
Castle Rock CO , 80104
303-814-4500

Students: Sixth through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: Vocabulary words are chosen from stories read in class. Students try to figure out definitions, alone and in groups. Working together, they look up and write down the actual meanings of the words, then take a "test," matching the words with their definitions. Incentives encourage students to use these words correctly in their writing.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing 1, 4, 5

For More Information Contact:
Pamela Wigdahl
Castle Rock Middle School
2575 Meadows Blvd.
Castle Rock CO , 80104
(303) 814-4400

Students: Fourth Grade

Program Description: THE THREE LITTLE PIGS AND BEYOND is an integrated unit based on the stories of "The Three Little Pigs" and "Babe, the Gallant Pig." Students read and compare variants of the two pig stories and complete charts comparing characters, houses and endings. Students also use the dictionary to define new vocabulary. As a culminating activity, the children perform a reader's theater play of "Babe." Additional math activities with a "pig" theme are also included.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing - 1 Math - 2,3,6

For More Information Contact:
Monica Backsen
Custer County Consolidated School
709 Main St.
Westcliffe CO , 81252
(719) 783-2291

Students: 4

Program Description: "The Twelve Days of Autumn" (or Halloween, Fall, Football, School, or whatever topic the student chooses), is a motivational, engaging creative writing poetry lesson. Students have fun creating a poem using a template provided to them. The figurative language of poetry, including; alliteration, onomatopoeia, rhythm, and repetition are highlighted and reinforced throughout the lesson. Vivid verbs, adjectives, and nouns are also a focus, as well as the 6-Traits of writing, particularly, word choice, voice, ideas, and conventions.

A week or more before the lesson, I read several books with examples of alliteration in them. One of my favorites is "Princess Prunella and the Purple Peanut". This gives the student a background on the figurative language of alliteration.
I begin the poetry writing two day lesson by reading the book "Psst, It's Me the Boogyman." When I read this book, I show pictures that I have scanned. This is optional, but I find the students understand onomatopoeia better if they can see the word as well as hear it.
Next I pass out "The Special Language of Poetry" handout I have made. This includes definitions and examples of figurative language terms. Students keep this in their writing binders and can refer back to it throughout the lesson as needed. Together we decide what the fun language used in the book are examples of. After students have a firm grasp of the figurative language of poetry, I show several examples of poems previously written. I read the first couple of poems and then we sing several more examples to the tune "The Twelve Days of Christmas." I show several poetry books that I have bound from other school years.
After that we brainstorm all sorts of fun, fabulous words. I use three different colors of butcher paper, head the top of the paper; verbs, adjectives, and characters. The poem uses a variety of verbs, adjectives and characters and I tell the students I don't want them repeating words if possible. By now the students are chomping at the bit to get to the actual writing of the poem. I pass out the writing template and a two sided 6-Trait edit check off sheet. The students begin putting their original ideas on paper. As students finish up their poem, they use the 6-Trait edit sheet to check off each area. This reminds students to go back, edit, revise, and be thoughtful about word choice etc. A parent helper plus myself are available to conference with students after they edit their own piece.
On day two, we finish up the rough drafts. All students must conference with an adult before they move onto the final copy process. After the students have written their final copy poem, they take time to appropriately illustrate it. I remind them that the poems will be bound into a book for "future generations". Students tend to do their BEST work if the know it will be published and on display. After all students are finished, I copy several examples onto transparencies and we sing those and all the rest. In my classroom, we have kindergarten reading buddies. We like to share our final projects with that class, as well.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing: 1,2,3,4,6

For More Information Contact:
Peggy Belshe
High Plains Elementary School
6100 S. Fulton Street
Englewood CO , 80111
720-554-3600
pabelshe@comcast.net

Students: Fourth through Eighth Grades

Program Description: TRANSFORMING WRITING: WORD AND PARAGRAPH TARGETS builds upon the Six Trait + One writing techniques, which is one of the most widely used and powerful tools in writing. Innovations on how to creatively implement these techniques continue to be developed. Word and paragraph targets are such an innovation. Both targets zero in on specific writing skills. Students use them with great enthusiasm, particularly when they begin to see the results in their writing products. Students move from bland and dull sentences and paragraphs to rich dynamic writing that paints a picture in the reader's mind, and moves the reader to want read more.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 2,3,4

For More Information Contact:
Gary Bloemker
Beaver Valley Elementary
420 Glacier Avenue
P.O. Box 585
Brush CO , 80723
970.842.4794
glbloemker@hotmail.com

Students: Preschool/Kindegarten

Program Description: Webbe books are small books designed to provide reading material to students. They also are designed to be books that can be created by all ages. The original conception of the idea for these books came from Michael McGuffey, who was teaching on a reservation. While there, the need to get books to kids and in their homes was apparent but the funds were limited. Michael McGuffey and a partner then designed a template for these books and began producing them. Since that time, that team has produced software which enables teachers to create the books. While I am already using the template to create books, with a disseminator grant, I would be able to purchase copies of the software for each grade level at Fairmont and a digital camera for use in creating personalized images for the books. Books that were completed last year included: ECE - a personalized copy of "We're Going on a Bear Hunt", a personalized book illustrating "5 Little Monkeys Jumping on a Bed", a book on money values Kdg - a book on "At School" - illustrating parts of the building and pertinent activities/places for beginning school and a book on friends and each child's stuffed animal 1st - A book from science curriculum on the human body 2nd - Life Cycle of Plants book 3rd - How we hear book 4th - Colorado symbols book 5th - Planet book and explorers book These mark beginning books completed by myself and used with kids. Within the speech program, my students created books about summer activities and about the community we live in. If you are interested, I can still send you some sample copies of the books.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing - 2

For More Information Contact:
Paula Freytag
El DIA de Fairmont
520 W. Third Ave.
Denver CO , 80223
303-893-1957
paula_freytag@dpsk12.org

Students: Kindergarten through Second Grades

Program Description: WELCOME TO WRITE THIS MORNING is a short, innovative and daily writing lesson for the early elementary classroom. Students are encouraged to use visual clues and color to identify elements of grammar, punctuation and spelling during calendar activities at the beginning of the school day. The repetition assists the students in improving their writing, and in identifying sentences, quotes, subjects and predicates within the first month of keeping their journals.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 3

For More Information Contact:
Judith Pearson
CO
970-377-0757
jpearson@frii.com

Students: Grade: 5,6,7,8,9,10

Program Description: WHAT'S YOUR STORY? Everyone has a story. This program has both a reading and a writing component. After reading a biography of a well-known individual, students take on the persona of that person and introduce themselves to the community at large.

Now that the students know so much about the person they read their book on, they need to dress up as the person and introduce themselves to the class and the parents.

An afternoon tea with parents where the student's work is displayed is the highlight of the program.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing: 2

For More Information Contact:
Mandie Victor
McClelland School
415 E. Abriendo
Pueblo CO , 81004
719-543-5274
m_victor@mcclellandschool.org

Students: Grade: 8

Program Description: WHO AM I? Is a PowerPoint presentation created by 8th graders at the end of their middle school years to answer two essential questions. How do the choices we make in life help define who we are and how can we learn from our past to enhance our future? Learning is best pursued through enquiry. In order for students to answer the essential questions (which they do in the final slide), students must think about who they are, the choices they made thus far (positive or negative), and look to the future. Throughout this project, students create a PowerPoint with required slides that include: an introductory slide, a Who Am I poem, at least two narrative paragraphs about past experiences, favorite song lyrics, a graffiti page without important sayings, and answers to the essential questions.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing: 2,3,5

For More Information Contact:
Michelle Tillotson
Custer County Middle School
709 Main St., P.O. Box 730
Westcliffe CO , 81252
(719)783-4928
michelle.tillotson@ccbobcats.net

Students: 2,3,4

Program Description: WORD CHOICE ~ A WRITER'S BEST FRIEND is a program that uses the rich, colorful, precise language. A writer who is proficient at using word choice, allows the reader to be pulled into the writing by painting a picture in the reader's mind. This program teaches students how to use word choice in their own writing by: defining the elements of word choice, creating an appreciation and love of language, and studying how published authors use word choice in their writing to convey meaning and paint a picture.

The students are involved in activities to learn about the specific elements of word choice (interesting and specific words, lively verbs, similes, the senses, and showing not telling), first in a concrete way, so they understand it, and to refer back to when applying the concept to their own writing. The teacher reads aloud mentor texts to teach students how to read like writers. The mentor texts are used as a medium for students to focus on the craft of writing and observe how authors' use of word choice conveys meaning and paints a picture.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing - 2,6

For More Information Contact:
Deborah McGown
Silver Creek Elementary
15101 Fillmore St.
Thornton CO , 80602
720-972-3940
deb.mcgown@adams12.org

Students: Third through Tenth Grades

Program Description: WORDS, WORDS, WORDS: VOCABULARY FOR READING COMPREHENSION embeds vocabulary work in the context of students' personal reading. Hands-on activities include students selecting unknown words in context and dissecting their meanings, competing on teams to define and use words correctly, and activities to support comprehension before and after reading the text. Discussions are centered on the quality and beauty of rich language.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 1,3

For More Information Contact:
Hollyanna Bates
Dillon Valley Elementary
hbates@summit.k12.co.us
PO Box 4788
Dillon CO , 80435
970-468-6836
hbates@summit.k12.co.us

Students: 12

Program Description: Writing From Within

In this class you will write a lot. The focus in non-fiction, so you will write a lot about your life, your impressions, and your beliefs. You will read and write various modes – from the profile to the argument, from the investigative to the memoir. You will also focus on your college essay. Along the way, you will read from John McPhee, David Foster Wallace, Diane Ackerman, E. B. White, and Truman Capote. At the end, you will create a magazine of your personal essays.

Power play, power lunch, power nap-you've heard them all. This is Power Writing, NOT a course for the squeamish or the faint of heart. The course is designed to empower students in their writing by teaching them the steps to successful non-fiction writing. In this intensive, workshop-style course students hone their skills of expository writing. Through pre-writing, drafting, editing and revision students learn that hard work is the corner stone of all good writing. Students attack various topics to use their words to persuade, to explain, to illustrate, to propose and to analyze. Readings include model essays, articles and short literary pieces for analysis. By the end of this course, students will possess the tools and skills to be confident, powerful writers.
This class works because students like to talk and write about themselves. They are not writing about a distant event or author or poem. They are writing about their grandfather, their car, their holiday traditions, their lives.
We read various essays and books in class while learning to craft concise and powerful essays ourselves. Because there is so much writing, many of the assignments are short (ranging from 150 words to five pages). This length allows the teacher to read a lot; this length also forces the student to choose his/her words wisely.
One of the focuses is rewriting. Students need to see the writing as a process; writing second and third drafts helps them to see that. I allow them to improve their grade if they create a stronger draft. This incentive also spurs them into second drafts.
Another focus is the college essay, perhaps one of the most important essays students will write. We read from the book Essays That Worked, which features 50 college essays that were powerful. You will have your students' undivided attention and diligence during this section of the class.
The class culminates with students assembling their own magazine. Using just the word processor (and not a fancy desktop publishing software), students combine all their writings into one anthology. They might add artwork or fake advertisements; they might create a table of contents or a dedication. While I do grade this final project, it is their to keep, and I suggest they give it as a gift or save as a keepsake of their term in English.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:

For More Information Contact:
David Reynolds
Fountain Valley School
6155 FVS Road
6155 FVS Road CO , 80911
80911
dreynolds@fvs.edu

Students: First through Fifth Grades

Program Description: WRITING WITH RAINBOWS is a creative way to encourage beginning writers to write with more depth and breadth. By designating a color for each element of a standard writing assignment, students can easily review and "look for the rainbow" inside of their writing. By looking at the colors, they can find the red words that say who the story is about, the orange words that say what is happening, the yellow words that show when the event happened, and on and on. If the students have a rainbow they have a complete piece of writing. If not, it is still raining, and the student needs to complete the rainbow to make the sun shine on a finished writing assignment.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 2,3,4

For More Information Contact:
Kirsten Pearson
Bennett Elementary School
1125 Bennett Road
Fort Collins CO , 80521
970.484.6125
kpearson@psd.k12.co.us

Students: 6,7,8

Program Description: Honestly, some kids just hate to write. The blank face of a page, and a topic that holds marginal interest can be the biggest writer's block imaginable. Your Ticket Outta Here is a simple daily writing program helps to alleviate that issue while providing students with a sound way to practice for the CSAP constructed response questions on state mandated tests. By having students tap into current events, innovative and engaging literature quotes from contemporary literature, and fun debatable "topics in a question" students have something they feel comfortable writing about each day. This project focuses on the use of a notecard, and media resources familiar to students, which many of them access daily. By asking them to write, in only the amount given on a notecard, about a lyric, quote, story, or question, students have a way to focus on writing in a non-threatening manner. Completed at the beginning of the class, this writing activity is a way to bring introduction into the topic at hand, or a focused writing exercise as soon as a student walks in the door. By asking them to complete this card by the time they exit, and use it as a "ticket out the door" they have completed a piece of writing that is engaging, short, and focused using writing strategies we want them to learn for the CSAP. And, by having this as a ticket out of class, students have a defined completion time and task, limiting how they write, how long they have to write, and how they have to express themselves. Your Ticket Outta Here is quick easy and fun, and it makes writing all of the above.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing: 1,2,4,5 History: 2

For More Information Contact:
Michelle Pearson
Hulstrom Options School
10604 Grant Dr.
Denver CO , 80223
720-972-2251
kpear12@aol.com