This article outlines how educators can use the CSI– Color, Symbol, Image Thinking Routine to engage students in visible thinking and includes an awesome printable graphic...
Many of us struggle to balance our personal and professional lives, and I found that for me it only got harder once I had children. I knew I was going to have to loosen my...
Recently some of the mothers at the preschool where my own children attend started a book club. Our first book was Pulitzer Prize winner, The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. If you...
Winter is a special time to enjoy the outdoors. Children like to frolic in the snow, build snowmen, go sledding, and after getting rosy cheeks, come inside to sip hot...
Most days we start class by reading independently for five minutes before reviewing the vocabulary words of the day. Often, students will excitedly share when they read a...
I find that thanking the school staff who often get overlooked, is one of the best ways to show appreciation. However, it can be a tricky and costly venture, so here is a...
I mentioned in a previous post that through my blog I would be sharing with you 'inspiring reads.' These are books that 'inspire' my students that typically do not enjoy...
Today I’m continuing the Professional Development series about how principals, school leaders, and teachers can implement thinking routines in schools. This article outlines...
While reading students’ work, teachers at every grade level are reminded about the importance of capitalization. A proper noun names a specific person, place, or thing;...
It’s so easy to put ourselves down and give up when challenges arise; I know, I sometimes feel defeated by the innumerable ways that I could be a better teacher, librarian,...
One of my favorite parts of being an English teacher/librarian is going to conferences and meeting authors. Over the years, I have honed my “author meeting techniques” so I...
I love the idea of combining writing with speaking as much as possible. Speaking what you have written is a great revision strategy. In addition, hearing the words allows the...