Mary Howard's Products

• Product orders from individuals can be mailed along with a check, directly to:
  

Reading Connections
PO Box 52426
Tulsa, OK  74152-0426

• District purchase orders can be mailed or faxed to:

918 512-4466

• To order with a credit card click here.

Scroll down for a description of products.

Order Form

Words to Live by: My Teacher Think's I'm Special Poem

Display a constant reminder why you became a teacher with Mary’s original poem, My Teacher Thinks I’m Special. Mary's memorable poem will help you maintain a healthy perspective and sense of purpose.

Clothespin Readers Clothespin Set

Clothespins are excellent reading tools for drawing attention to specific aspects of a text throughout reading. Coded clothespins are used by the teacher to highlight key stopping points for predictions, discussion or reflection activities or to record information on a graphic organizer. Students can use clothespins to signal text examples to support a question or discussion or to highlight specific vocabulary. Red, yellow, green and blue mini-clothespins are coded with a specific focus to highlight comprehension, fluency, word recognition and decoding. Clothespin set includes twenty-four coded clothespins (six of each color). Clothespin readers are sure to become a classroom favorite.

Clothespins are excellent reading tools for drawing attention to specific aspects of a text throughout reading. Coded clothespins are used by the teacher to highlight key stopping points for predictions, discussion or reflection activities or to record information on a graphic organizer. Students can use clothespins to signal text examples to support a question or discussion or to highlight specific vocabulary. Red, yellow, green and blue mini-clothespins are coded with a specific focus to highlight comprehension, fluency, word recognition and decoding. Each packet includes twenty-four coded clothespins (six of each color), a description of the strategy and engaging student and teacher forms. Clothespin readers are sure to become a classroom favorite.

Set of 8 coded clothespins

This larger version of the mini clothespins is perfect for teacher-supported shared reading activities of enlarged texts such as big books, posters, and charts. Each set includes eight three-inch coded clothespins (two of each color). This is a wonderful complement for small group mini clothespins, allowing the teacher to model clothespin readers in whole and small group reading activities. Each coded clothespin is designed to direct student attention to a specific key idea, word, or concept to support the discussion after reading.

Warning: Shared Reading Clothespins have been spray painted by hand with a protective coating. They are not intended for little hands or those sensitive to these materials.

This variation of clothespin readers provides a tactile-kinesthetic way to visually highlight key text following oral or silent reading. Create your own clothespins with this “do-it-yourself kit” by cutting out and gluing five category labels (Star Reader, Mood Detector, Mind Picture, Personal Favorite, Word Detective) to clothespins (not included). Students simply secure a clothespin in the left or right margin of the book to designate an appropriate word or selection to support the discussion. Each kit includes instructions and enough color labels to make twenty-four sets of each category, with eighteen additional sets of Star Reader and Word Detective.

(Completed clothespins are shown here as sample only)

Enlarged set of 400 high frequency words.

set of 4

White stove covers are the perfect resource to maximize word recognition and decoding for small group instructional contexts such as shared and guided reading, one-to-one support activities and independent practice. Specific magnetic letters can be stored on the bottom side for ready-to-use word strategies, using the top to manipulate the letters to make words. The top also serves as an inexpensive personal dry erase board. Each set includes four white stove covers (magnetic letters and dry erase markers not included).

set of 6

Ten minute cassettes are an ideal assessment and instructional tool for oral reading. Five minutes of recording time on each side provides an oral reading sample that is just right for repeated practice and as an instructional resource for assessing word recognition, fluency and comprehension. Quick Tape, an easy-to-implement strategy, is described with the purchase of six blank cassette tapes.

Class set of 28
(sold separately for $1.00 each)

Two-minute cassettes are ideal for quick assessment strategy. With one minute per side, students can tape a brief segment of reading to assess rate in words per minute and accuracy. The second side can be used for a follow-up assessment.

Class set of 28
(sold separately for $1.00 each)

Five-minute cassettes are just the right length for repeated reading. With 2 1/2 minutes per side, students can tape a brief segment of reading on one side, listen to and evaluate the reading and repeat the same text or complete a retelling on the second side. Quickly add a comprehension component by asking students to draw a picture or write three questions to accompany the reading.

Fluency has recently assumed an increasingly prominent role in literacy discussions. A wealth of new research demonstrates the crucial part fluency plays in reading development and the value of repeated reading. Fluency Lip will create a daily fluency ritual across the curriculum. Teachers and students use the clip to target one-minute texts for independent or peer repeated reading practice. Each order includes on Lip Clip as well as a step-by-step description of the strategy. Lip Clips will become a classroom favorite for rich reading opportunities that engage student in the process.

This award winning digital timer is a unique way for students to monitor and record daily reading time. The thin bookmark design allows students to activate the countdown timer with alarm at the touch of a button. A clock feature makes it easy to switch to a time mode or a cumulative timer can be usedfor multi-session readings. The durable polyethelene plastic body comes in three bright colors (green, blue, and purple) with a replaceable battery to give the bookmark a long life. This clever new reading tool is a wonderful classroom resource.

See activity suggestions at
www.mark-my-time.com)

This must-have teaching resource is specifically designed for timing a wide variety of classroom activities. TeachTimer can be projected onto a screen using a standard overhead projector or placed in a stand-up position for personal viewing. The timer counts up or down in minutes/seconds, with a pre-alarm warning feature to signal that the activity is coming to a close. A clock mode is also available in a twelve or 24-hour format. This indispensable time management tool will become a classroom favorite. One-year warranty.

The TeachTimer Manual can be downloaded here.

This affordable timer is ideal for a variety of instructional and independent classroom activities. A three-key operation (lap • start/stop • on/reset) simplifies use, with an easy-to-read display showing hours, minutes, seconds and hundredths/second. An automatic shut-off when not in use will conserve battery life. Individual timers include a lanyard and instructions, with a clear storage box included for a set of six. One-year warranty.

This four-key operation timer (minute set • second set • Start/Stop • On/Reset) is a more detailed version of MyChron that includes count up or down timer and alarm. It is perfect for small group or independent classroom activities or whenever you want to time a specific event or activity. Fully Warranted

Help student manage their time in and out of the classroom with this unique timer. Purchase includes a student Hall Pass and Teacher Monitor that can each be set for the time allotted for a designated activity. This is the perfect way for the student and teacher to monitor outside (bathroom, office) or inside (literacy centers) classroom activities. A TIME’S UP warning lights up and sounds an alarm on both the teacher and student timer. There is also a memory time feature in the teacher monitor showing the last three uses of the Hall Pass. Hall Pass comes with an accompanying lanyard for hands free use. Hang it on the wall or set it on the teacher’ desk when not in use for easy access by students.

(AAA batteries are not included)
Includes a one-year warranty.

The Hall Pass Timer manual can be downloadedhere.

This packet is designed to support teachers in creating and extending a high frequency word wall. The first section cites the research supporting the use of word walls, with specific suggestions for implementing them. Both activity suggestions and several management forms are included with a list of 400 high frequency words. Words are provided on both blackline master and cardstock cards printed on sheets of 1 1⁄4 by 2 inch squares that can be cut apart and laminated for immediate use.

Note:  An addendum packet is available with the 400 words recorded on 1 ¾ by 3 ½ inch squares. This packet is $15.00 when purchased individually or $10.00 if purchased with Word Wall Packet #1. The addendum packet includes only cardstock cards of the 400 words, with no descriptions or activity suggestions provided.

Onsets (r-) and rimes (-at) are a powerful way to enhance both reading and writing using spelling patterns (fat, cat, sat). Onsets include twenty-one consonants, thirty two-letter consonant blends and eight three-letter consonant combinations, with eighty-seven rimes. A detailed description of the research is included with activity suggestions, blackline masters and cardstock cards. Blackline masters are included on sheets of both 1 ½ inch by 2 ¼ inch and 2 ¼ by 3 ½ inch squares. Smaller cards can be used for small group and individual use, with cardstock cards provided for whole group activities.