WITS created reading challenges as a way for reading teams to discover new genres of books. Epic! has a vast selection of awesome, diverse books. It can be difficult narrowing … Read More
WITS Kindergarten: The Power and Magic of Interactive Read Alouds
Story time is sacred. When I was a kindergarten teacher, one of my favorite parts of the day was interactive read alouds. I would sing our jingle to signal to my students to … Read More
What is a Book Talk?
A Book Talk is like a very short “commercial” for a book. The goal of Book Talks is to share favorite books so that students can learn about titles recommended … Read More
How WITS Programs Align with the New CPS Reading Plan
Over the last two years Jane Fleming, Chicago Public Schools Director of Literacy, has led the creation of a robust vision for literacy in CPS. WITS was excited to have … Read More
Providing Consistent, Positive Support for WITS Students
Last month, WITS began its virtual program, a space for students and mentors to engage in shared reading and community building. This program has been months in the making, involving … Read More
Meet Atticus and Elliot May
We are all going through a lot of change. As adults, we are adjusting to new habits, routines, and responsibilities. It can be overwhelming, and whether you exercise, bake bread, … Read More
October is National Principal’s Month
October is National Principal’s Month. Ordinarily, principals and school administrations are tasked with building community, enforcing structure, and supporting teachers, students, and families through their visionary leadership and attuned involvement. … Read More
WITS Virtual Program Orientation
As WITS staff members plan for the new opportunities and challenges presented by this upcoming program year, one thing remains consistent: our dedication to creating a safe and joyful reading … Read More
WITS Gears up for Student-Centered Virtual Programs
Over the past few months, we, as a society, have rearranged our lives to deal with COVID-19, and WITS is no different. While apart, we work hard to create and … Read More
First Time as a BRI Facilitator
This past August, I was fortunate enough to co-facilitate a session of the Rochelle Lee Teacher Award (RLTA) program’s Becoming Readers Institute. Unlike other RLTA sessions, the Becoming Readers Institute (BRI) is not designed to explicitly teach transferable skills or strategies … Read More
