Yesterday I received a note in snail mail from a former student who graduated this year.  Here is what it said, typed as closely as possible to the original: Thank you Mrs. Ayres, you tought me alot you always were there for me to help me through the ruff times.  you Believed in me when… Continue reading the big picture.

At my daughter's k - 3 school, there is a summer reading challenge.  Each year the challenge changes, but the idea is to encourage a LOT of reading over the summer.  This year it is to read 1000 pages over the next 10 weeks.  Wow! At first I thought we'd have trouble.  However, last night… Continue reading Summer Reading.

From time to time I check in on Sara Holbrook's blog.  Today I was shocked and saddened by the death of her 7 year old granddaughter earlier this month.  I was also touched by her genuine emotions and willingness to share these emotions with the strangers of cyber space.  I was reminded of the importance of being… Continue reading remember this.

Last week I posted an end of the year refection for teachers to use to assess their writing workshops.  I also believe it's important for students to do this same sort of work.  Although I have students complete writing analysis alongside each published piece, I also ask they do a more comprehensive reflection on themselves… Continue reading end of the year student reflection.