Belief Statements · choice · feedback · middle school

Beliefs Guide Actions

Right now, we really do not know how school will look in the coming year.  Will it be virtual?  Will it be physical? Will it be a hybrid model?  Who knows?  But if we agree that our beliefs are implicit, and that they guide our intentional actions, then perhaps not only reading this post but also examining and identifying your own will help you be the best you can be... whatever the circumstances you find yourself in next year. 

Belief Statements · community · current events · writing process

The Unpredictability of a Writer’s Process

Writing has been a struggle for several weeks now. Today I take you through my process to get where I am now and the journey I intend to continue.

Slice of Life Story Challenge · SOLSC

TUESDAY SLICE OF LIFE STORY CHALLENGE

Write a slice of life story. Share your link in the comments section of this post. Give comments to at least three other Slice of Life stories. Welcome to Tuesday’s Slice of Life Story Challenge. Below are some quotes to challenge and inspire your thinking and writing. We hope you will join us.

voice

Building Space for Voice

On a drive with my eldest son a few days ago, I turned to ask him, “Have you ever felt racism?”  My sons are 21 and 24 years old. We are brown. It is what most people assume upon noticing our last name, Rodriguez. This was my first time asking a question of this nature… Continue reading Building Space for Voice

social justice · writing workshop

Look Harder, Be Braver, and Speak Louder: My Challenge to Myself

Right now, I want more than Hallie did when she wrote to her sister, Codi in one of my favorite books of all times, Animal Dreams, by Barbara Kingsolver. That being said, I will continue down my own hallway, running harder, stretching my arms further. And my hope is that there are more of us who are doing the same.

COVID-19 · creativity · curriculum planning · differentiation · Distance Learning · writing workshop

Thoughts on a Way Forward: An Interview with Cornelius Minor

When the COVID-19 crisis hit, probably like many of us, I sought out voices of hope. For me personally, I knew one of those voices would be Cornelius Minor. I knew him to be the kind of teacher with the capacity to help us all see things in a new way during this unfamiliar period of virtual teaching.  Fortunately,  I was able to reach him by text.  We sat down recently on a Zoom call to discuss his views on teaching remotely, his book, and a way forward.

Slice of Life Story Challenge · SOLSC

TUESDAY SLICE OF LIFE STORY CHALLENGE

Welcome to Tuesday’s Slice of Life Story Challenge. The world seems to be spinning around us and so too the opportunities to tell our stories. #TWTBlog #SOL20

antiracist · reading · social action · social justice

Read With Us: How To Be An Antiracist

Though our topical blog posts pause for the summer, we hope you will join us as we engage in literacy-rich and anti-racist work by reading How To Be An Antiracist.

Author Spotlight Series · challenges · COVID-19 · craft · mentor texts · writing workshop

Instructional Ideas Inspired by the Author Spotlight Series

Have you been a reader of our annual Author Spotlight Series? How have you used these posts to inspire your teaching? Read on to find a collection of the Author Spotlight posts and ideas for using these treasures with your students.

celebration · Distance Learning

End-of-the-Year Distance Learning Writing Celebrations

It can be done.

COVID-19 · independence · independent writing · summer vacation

Reimagine Tools for Summertime Writing

Many of us will be satisfied if kids choose to JUST WRITE this summer. However, for the students who are ready to do more than just write, we can provide them with a nudge to transform tools they’ve leaned on during the school year so they can become updated tools for at-home, independent use this summer.

Slice of Life Story Challenge

Tuesday Slice of Life Story Challenge

We hope you'll join us this Tuesday for the Slice of Life Story Challenge!