Author Spotlight Series · writing

Writing with All the Feelings by Liz Garton Scanlon

Author Liz Garton Scanlon implores us to let "you be you" in today's Author Spotlight post.

Author Spotlight Series

Do Your Best Writing: Kick Down the Bumpers by Julie Falatko

Today's post is by picture book author, Julie Falatko.

Author Spotlight Series

Salchows and Semicolons by Isabel Bandeira

YA Novelist Isabel Bandeira shares what she learned about writing and the publishing process from ice skating.

Slice of Life Story Challenge

SOL Tuesday

Write. Share. Give.

Author Spotlight Series · character development · Maribeth Boelts

Creating Characters as Real as Spit by Maribeth Boelts

Maribeth Boelts provides us with tips for creating authentic, unforgettable characters in stories.

art · Author Spotlight Series · research

Research is My Friend by Lauren Castillo

Lauren Castillo, a Caldecott Honor author and illustrator, kicks off this year's Author Spotlight Series with a piece about how important research is to her artistic process.

authors · community

Live From #KidLitPalooza!

Stay tuned this morning as I add to this post about #KidLitPalooza, live from this amazing event that connects children's authors to students!

play · writing workshop

Purposeful Play: A Review and a Giveaway

In the new book Purposeful Play: A Teachers Guide to Igniting Deep & Joyful Learning Across the Day, Kristine Mraz, Alison Porcelli, and Cheryl Tyler have laid out the research and practical advice that many of us have been looking for.

writing workshop

Why Would Writing Stop When School Ends?

"Janie, you have a lifetime of writing. Writing, collecting stories, and sharing with others is a gift of life, and it never ends. Aren't we lucky Janie?"

vocabulary · word study

In the Classroom We Are All Learners: Reflecting on a Year of Becoming Word Conscious

Elizabeth Siracusa, a fourth- and fifth-grade looping teacher, reflects on the ways she infused vocabulary instruction into her classroom this year.

Slice of Life Story Challenge

It’s SOL Tuesday!

It's time to share your slice of life stories!

poetry · writing workshop

A Poetry Break: If I Were…

Making space for poetry.