SOLS Challenge in the Classroom
I am thrilled to hear so many plans to extend Slice of Life Story Challenge to your classrooms. Thank you to those who have shared their thinking. My friend Ruth … Continue Reading SOLS Challenge in the Classroom
How’s Your OLW?
I think choosing a OLW (one little word) for the year is a great way to embark on a reflective life. When I chose vitality for my OLW, I knew … Continue Reading How’s Your OLW?
An Inspirational Professional Text + A Giveaway
When I was a classroom teacher I had my fair share of challenging students. Through the years I taught had quite a few students with social-emotional issues, learning disabilities, and … Continue Reading An Inspirational Professional Text + A Giveaway
NCTE: A Very Brief Reflection
Hugged. Home. Unpacked. Can’t wait to talk with Andy. But first, a very brief reflection of NCTE. I promise more will come. Still, in a word, this is what I’m … Continue Reading NCTE: A Very Brief Reflection
Feeling Stressed?
It’s that time of year for teachers . . . everything is piling-up, we’ve passed the “honeymoon period,” and our lists of things to do could stretch to the moon … Continue Reading Feeling Stressed?
Will you be at KSRA?
Ruth and I will be presenting twice at the upcoming Keystone State Reading Association Conference in Hershey, PA this-coming Sunday and Monday. Our presentations are scheduled for Sunday afternoon, October … Continue Reading Will you be at KSRA?
Conferring.
Tomorrow I get to meet with a book study group. We’re going to read Conferring: The Keystone to Reader’s Workshop by Patrick Allen. Deb Gaby, an incredible reading coach for … Continue Reading Conferring.
Highlights from the Week
I have been in a lot of different writing workshops lately. Just this week I’ve been in 13 writing workshops and have met with 13 different teachers in either reflective … Continue Reading Highlights from the Week
What is MOST important?
This question has been tumbling around in my mind lately: What is most important when it comes to literacy instruction? It stems from state mandates, district expectations, curriculum guides, and … Continue Reading What is MOST important?
Words that are Speaking to Me
There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you. — Maya Angelou Remember awhile back when I shared about my YA reading life? I promised to … Continue Reading Words that are Speaking to Me
Reflecting on Reading Like a Writer
So I took some time to create a video about the system I created in order to track and reflect on my summer reading. Because I pushed myself to reflect … Continue Reading Reflecting on Reading Like a Writer
Reflection after Returning the Manuscript
According to Merriam-Webster Online: Main Entry: copy editor Function: noun Date: 1899 1 : an editor who prepares copy for the typesetter According to me: Main Entry: copy editor Function: to prevent … Continue Reading Reflection after Returning the Manuscript
Individualize Writing Process + Standardized Tests
Sometimes when I write in this forum it is about topics I have thought through and know exactly where I stand and what I think. Other times I write here … Continue Reading Individualize Writing Process + Standardized Tests
The Life Lessons We Teach
On Sunday, June 13th my husband and I attended a retirement celebration at Norwalk High School for Jeff Smith, who is retiring after 34 years as a music educator. My … Continue Reading The Life Lessons We Teach
Gratitudes.
It’s been a long time since I’ve made a list of gratitudes. Isn’t it interesting how embedded in the word gratitude, is almost the word attitude? I’ve found if I make … Continue Reading Gratitudes.
Year-End Student Reflection
An integral part of being a writer is taking time for reflective practice. The end of the school year is one time to ask students to reflect on their lives … Continue Reading Year-End Student Reflection
Influence
Today I’m reminded how little things add up to make a big difference in our lives. Recently we learned my daughter has many issues with her teeth. What started as … Continue Reading Influence
A Quick Reflection.
Stacey and I are big on reflective practice. (It’s one of the main reasons for our blog.) To encourage you to do a little on your own, there’s a little … Continue Reading A Quick Reflection.
Big Picture Series: Conferring
“Teach the writer, not the writing.” – Lucy Calkins Do you ever feel exasperated by all of the errors you see in your students’ writing? The conference begins and … Continue Reading Big Picture Series: Conferring
TWO WRITING TEACHERS 