My apologies for a short (and late) post.  My six-year-old came down with a nasty stomach virus on Saturday.  She was back to normal by Sunday afternoon, but then it attacked the remaining four of us on Monday.  The good news is it hit us all at once and we are back to normal in time for… Continue reading Holding On to Good Ideas . . .

Last week as I was trying to keep everything straight, I made a "To Do" list.  I was reminded of an article my mom shared with me about a year ago about a woman who started concentrating on "To Be" lists instead of "To Do" lists.  The gist of the article was about living in… Continue reading A “To Be” List

Anchor charts have been on my mind lately.  I believe they can be a powerful tool in Workshop, yet I think I haven't quite tapped into their power.  Therefore,  I've been considering these questions: How should anchor charts be created? What makes anchor charts most useful to students? Do anchor charts lift the level of… Continue reading Anchor Charts

For the past six years I have been talking with a student in our school corporation.  The conversation has been completely one-sided because he has cerebral palsy and isn't able to communicate with words.  However, as the years have rolled by, he has learned who I am and will respond to me. He uses a motorized wheel… Continue reading “Hi!”

Sometimes I find my resilience cracking when it comes to standing up for meaningful, authentic instruction.  I get tired of being judged and questioned and badgered.  Thankfully I'm surrounded by people who encourage me even during the rough patches.  Not just in this online community, but also in the real world.  One (of the many)… Continue reading Pressing On.

The act of paying attention brings us peace. --- Julia Cameron Yesterday I was thinking about how life is messy and how often it is human nature to try and cover-up the mess instead of face it head-on.  As the day went on, I began thinking about Writing Workshop in these terms.   Anytime we teach in… Continue reading Peace in Workshop

I've been intentional about writing a teaching point for each of my lessons in Reading and Writing Workshop.  Last night I typed them all to share with my students.  Starting Monday, they will be responsible for recording the teaching point each day along with any needed notes. The teacing points are based on student need, as… Continue reading Writing Teaching Points

About a month ago, All-Write hosted Cris Tovani.  I probably should have blogged about the workshop the next day, but I didn't.  Instead, I'm blogging about it today after I've had some time to digest the information. First, if you ever have the chance to hear Cris speak, you should jump at the opportunity.  She… Continue reading Cris Tovani Thoughts

I rolled into my driveway around 8:30 last night.  Andy had given our kids late naps so they could stay up and see me.  This may not have been our best parenting move.  They were excited, but also tired.  Emotions swirled.  By 9:45 Andy and I were snuggled on the couch and there were no… Continue reading Chasing Big Dreams: Part I

Right now I'm sitting in Stacey's kitchen, thinking how good it is to be in the same house as my friend. I already know I have a great class.  (We'll see if I still feel this way after I get the sub notes for the three days I'm absent.) Yesterday we spent a good portion of the… Continue reading A Few Random Bits of Life