Pamela Paul wrote an article, "The Playground Gets Even Tougher," which appeared in the Sunday Styles section of today's New York Times. The article discusses mean-girl bullying, which has been seen as early as Kindergarten. This article is a must-read for anyone who has or teaches elementary school age girls. The article reminded me of… Continue reading Bullying and the Writer’s Notebook
Author: Stacey Shubitz
Stacey Shubitz is a K-6 literacy consultant and former elementary teacher. She is the author of CRAFT MOVES and other professional books on writing workshop. Her forthcoming book, MAKE THE SCHOOL SYSTEM WORK FOR YOUR CHILD WITH DISABILITIES (Guilford Press, 2026), empowers parents to navigate the special education system.
Worst Case Scenario Blog Tour + Book Giveaway
This post is part of two-week long The WORST-CASE SCENARIO Survival Handbook: Gross Junior Edition Blog Tour, which is co-authored by David Borgenicht, Nathaniel Marunas, and Robin Epstein; illustrated by Chuck Gonzales. We're hosting a giveaway for The WORST-CASE SCENARIO Survival Handbook: Gross Junior Edition. To win a copy of leave a comment about this… Continue reading Worst Case Scenario Blog Tour + Book Giveaway
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Do you use DonorsChoose?
I've talked to quite a few public school teachers here in Pennsylvania in the past few weeks who've never heard of DonorsChoose. I'm always shocked when I hear about teachers who don't know about this incredible organization since DonorsChoose enabled me to create the type of classroom I wanted when I was teaching full-time. In… Continue reading Do you use DonorsChoose?
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SOLSC
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Winding Down the Knuffle Bunny Trilogy
Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion, by Mo Willems, was released last week. This book is the final part of the Knuffle Bunny Trilogy. Initially I felt sad when I learned Knuffle Bunny Free would be the final installment of the "series." After all, I had such joy reading aloud from the first two books… Continue reading Winding Down the Knuffle Bunny Trilogy
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Haiku Writing Station
Earlier this month I shared an idea about a writing station (aka: center) for older students. Another product from Chronicle Books has crossed my desk and has piqued my interest as something that can be used in the classroom. This time, it's a poetry-related writing station using Haikubes, which are 63 word cubes that can… Continue reading Haiku Writing Station
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Have you shared your writing lately?
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Words of Wisdom for Former Students
Right before I went to sleep last night I checked my e-mail. It contained a couple of useless e-mails from companies trying to get me to by their wares as well as an e-mail from one of my former students. I quickly deleted the marketing pitches and went right to this student's email. It's been… Continue reading Words of Wisdom for Former Students
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Polacco’s Newest Book
Patricia Polacco's newest book, The Junkyard Wonders, can be used during the first month of the school year when you're teaching students about the climate of respect (for differences) you expect*. This exquisite picture book, based on a real-life event from Polacco's life, is an excellent companion to Thank You Mr. Falker, a book I… Continue reading Polacco’s Newest Book
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The Stir Over Superman
I've been home sick with a horrendous cough and cold this week. I've had to cancel everything for the past three days in an effort to get well. Needless to say, I got bored very quickly. However, my boredom has afforded me with an opportunity to learn more about "Waiting for 'Superman'," the documentary that's… Continue reading The Stir Over Superman
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Planning Read Alouds that Support the Workshop Model
lock·step noun, often attributive \ˈläk-ˌstep\ Definition of LOCKSTEP 1: a mode of marching in step by a body of persons going one after another as closely as possible 2: a standard method or procedure that is mindlessly adhered to or that minimizes individuality — in lockstep : in perfect or rigid often mindless conformity or… Continue reading Planning Read Alouds that Support the Workshop Model
