The Power of Language
Clear, specific feedback helps children view themselves in a positive light in the learning environment and in life.
Monthly Archive: May, 2013
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Inspiring Independent Writing Project Mentor Text (Part 4 of 5)
An interview with Author Germano Zullo + a giveaway of his new book, Line 135.
Words That are Speaking to Me
“We all have our own stories. The story you tell about yourself, even if you only tell it to yourself, drives your actions and has a significant impact on your focus.” ― Mani… Continue reading
How the Finns Create a Sense of Community in Their Schools
How do we compare a country with a fairly homogeneous population of five and a half million people, with less than 5% of the population in poverty, to the United States? Well, forty years ago, when Finland was overhauling their education system and studying models from other countries, they could have followed our lead and jumped on our No Child Left Behind bandwagon, eventually moving to high-stakes testing and teacher assessment as a means to improve education.
Tuesday SOLSC
Please share your link and give some comments to (at least three) other slicers.
Memorial Day
Here’s hoping your Memorial Day was filled with remembrance, rest, and gratitude. Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong. —James… Continue reading
Friday Favorites
Send a note. This week I have been intentional about sending notes of thanks and encouragement. It is a sure-fire way to turn the day positive. Sevenly. I love the way I can… Continue reading
Inspiring Independent Writing Project Mentor Text (Part 3 of 5)
If you’re planning to launch independent writing projects in your class during the final weeks of school, then you’ll most likely have several students who might want to write a book about a… Continue reading
The Payoff
I’ve been working with Keith Bollman and his fifth grade class on a research project. The end result is a tour of the solar system, completely planned, designed, researched, and created by the… Continue reading
Purposeful Persuasion
“Mom, you need to talk to Noah and tell him I need more cinnamon on my morning toast.” I raised my eyebrows at the first grader. “I doubt you need more. You already… Continue reading
WN Collecting Idea
Writer Jordana Horn went into her son’s class, filled with seven and eight year-old kids, earlier this month to lead a session on journaling. She asked the students to write what they don’t… Continue reading
Inspiring Independent Writing Project Mentor Text (Part 2 of 5)
The Day My Mom Came to Kindergarten can be used to help kids find a topic and to teach students a variety of craft moves. Read more about this book and then leave a comment if you’d like a chance to win a copy.
Writing Matters
Today Deb Gaby and I finished leading the third day of a three-day Foundations of Writing Workshop training. At the end, we asked for reflections. Teacher after teacher commented on the impact of… Continue reading
Preparing a Keynote
The keynote speeches I’m preparing to deliver this summer have been on my mind for weeks. In an effort to craft inspiring speeches, I’ve been looking for some guidance so I move from outlining to writing the speeches.
SOLSC
Leave a link to your slice of life stories here.
Connect in Person!
Whether you are a regular commenter, a Slicer, a blogger, a Twitter-addict (or a friend of someone who is!), if you are near Warsaw, IN on June 19, consider joining us at The… Continue reading
Friday Favorites
Unfortunately I don’t have a photo from Favorite #1. Christy Rush-Levine and I met for a walk + dinner on Tuesday. Christy is one of those people who help me feel grounded and… Continue reading
Inspiring Independent Writing Project Mentor Text (Part 1 of 5)
Amy Krouse Rosenthal provides insight into her new word play book. Chronicle Books offers a giveaway of the book to one reader who comments on this post.
This Quote
I love this quote. It is one of my favorites to share in a workshop. I read it today with an epic-cool group of teachers at Southbury School. (I learned epic-cool from a… Continue reading