Clear, specific feedback helps children view themselves in a positive light in the learning environment and in life.
Inspiring Independent Writing Project Mentor Text (Part 4 of 5)
An interview with Author Germano Zullo + a giveaway of his new book, Line 135.
Words That are Speaking to Me
“We all have our own stories. The story you tell about yourself, even if you only tell it to yourself, drives your actions and has a significant impact on your focus.” ― Mani S. Sivasubramanian
How the Finns Create a Sense of Community in Their Schools
How do we compare a country with a fairly homogeneous population of five and a half million people, with less than 5% of the population in poverty, to the United States? Well, forty years ago, when Finland was overhauling their education system and studying models from other countries, they could have followed our lead and jumped on our No Child Left Behind bandwagon, eventually moving to high-stakes testing and teacher assessment as a means to improve education.
Tuesday SOLSC
Please share your link and give some comments to (at least three) other slicers.
Memorial Day
Here's hoping your Memorial Day was filled with remembrance, rest, and gratitude. Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong. ---James Bryce
Friday Favorites
Send a note. This week I have been intentional about sending notes of thanks and encouragement. It is a sure-fire way to turn the day positive. Sevenly. I love the way I can support a variety of charities and restock my closet. I really like following Sevenly on Instagram. Great photos + awesome quotes. Quote.… Continue reading Friday Favorites
Inspiring Independent Writing Project Mentor Text (Part 3 of 5)
If you're planning to launch independent writing projects in your class during the final weeks of school, then you'll most likely have several students who might want to write a book about a topic of expertise. Therefore, it might be nice to have a few new mentor texts on hand that you didn't use when… Continue reading Inspiring Independent Writing Project Mentor Text (Part 3 of 5)
The Payoff
I've been working with Keith Bollman and his fifth grade class on a research project. The end result is a tour of the solar system, completely planned, designed, researched, and created by the students. I have learned so much about collaboration through this experience. One of the parts they designed was to collect key information… Continue reading The Payoff
Slicing on Tuesdays
Purposeful Persuasion
"Mom, you need to talk to Noah and tell him I need more cinnamon on my morning toast." I raised my eyebrows at the first grader. "I doubt you need more. You already go crazy with it." "Seriously, Mom. Noah skimps on the cinnamon. I tried to tell him, but he says I have enough.… Continue reading Purposeful Persuasion
WN Collecting Idea
Writer Jordana Horn went into her son's class, filled with seven and eight year-old kids, earlier this month to lead a session on journaling. She asked the students to write what they don't 'get' about adults and what they will definitely do/not do when they are adults. She transcribed part of the conversation she had… Continue reading WN Collecting Idea

