Quick & Fun Lesson Closures? Yes, Please!

Thursday February 16, 2023Sunday February 12, 2023 Pam Koutrakos5 Comments

Embrace the thrill of trying something new. Know that doing so doesn't require abundant time, energy, or preparation. Small shifts have a real impact on classroom energy, enthusiasm, and engagement. How do you add variety, joy, and/or playfulness to lesson closings?

gratitude · reflections · writer's notebook

Revisiting Writing Through a Lens of Gratitude

Wednesday November 23, 2022Wednesday November 23, 2022 Sarah Valter4 Comments

As we head into a season of thanksgiving and celebrations, it is worth it to take the time to simply pause and reflect on writing with our students.

gratitude · notebooks · writer's notebook · writing workshop

Gratitude Journaling

Monday April 18, 2022Sunday April 17, 2022 Betsy Hubbard6 Comments

Back in January, my students began writing gratitude journal entries. As unpredictable schedules and interuptions await us, gratitude journaling might be just what your students need now!

gratitude · journaling

One Good Thing

Thursday October 21, 2021Thursday October 21, 2021 Therapi Kaplan5 Comments

Recently, my 11-year-old daughter was cleaning out her dresser drawer. She came across a small blue journal from second grade and ran into my bedroom as I folded the laundry. "Look, Mom! This is my "One Good Thing" journal from Ms. Hale's class." The laundry could wait; we had some reminiscing to do. Some of… Continue reading One Good Thing

character development · COVID-19 · gratitude · Read Aloud · vocabulary

Exploring Character Traits with Reflective Journal Prompts

Thursday September 10, 2020Thursday September 10, 2020 Kathleen Neagle Sokolowski16 Comments

A back to school 2020 problem for those of us teaching in person- what do you do during masks breaks? A reflective journal that connects to character traits was my solution! Read on for resources I am sharing that match character traits with read alouds and reflective journal prompts.

back to school · gratitude · growth mindset · inspiration · LIWP · plan book · reflective practice · writing workshop

Writing: A Path to Become an Intentional Educator

Monday September 26, 2016Sunday September 25, 2016 Kathleen Neagle Sokolowski3 Comments

What if there was a way to build in opportunities to reflect, in writing, about my teaching right in the place where the lesson plans reside? And what if that place could also offer daily inspiration and opportunities to set positive intentions for the week ahead?