Why would I be writing about rethinking school awards right now with everything going on in our country and around the world? The teachers I work with have been working so hard to meet the challenges of these tumultuous times. And they’re tired. I’m tired. When you’re...
During the past year, I’ve been thinking a lot about our read-alouds — the curriculum and the need for our books to be more inclusive and diverse. We know that for our classroom to be truly inclusive, we need to have books that allow our kids to see themselves. These...
Last month an anti-racism PSA video from the Cartoon Network went viral. Its message was simple: tell the whole story. The short clip depicts a teacher lamenting the incomplete picture the students were taught about the invention of the lightbulb. Did the name Thomas...
Congratulations educator! You made it! This is the final push — just a few more days until your much-awaited winter break. At the time of writing this article for you, we’re just about to log off of Zoom for a few weeks, rest, and reset. And of course — read! You’re...
When I think back to my classroom, I taught primary grades for all of my early years. I can recall using tools like problematic behavior charts and centering perhaps more common winter celebrations. Now that I know better, I can do better. Later, I came to realize how...
In this article, Vivian Chen, Literacy Partners senior staff developer, gives us an important lesson behind her realizing the harm of behavior charts. When it comes to Twitter, I tend to be more of a read-only participant. So when I do post things, I typically hear...
In this article, Vivian Chen, Literacy Partners senior staff developer, gives us a thorough book review. Getting students to lead their own meaningful conversations has always been a challenge, but it might seem impossible in virtual spaces. The book, Hands Down,...
In the age of distance learning, does this sound familiar? “My kids aren’t writing as much as they did in the classroom.” “Writers aren’t trying any of the strategies I’ve taught them.” Many teachers I’ve worked with have shared these sentiments when working with...
Last year I started a yoga practice. And not just any yoga — but hot yoga. If you’ve never tried it, 2020 probably isn’t the time, but if you have — you either love it or hate it. The second you step into the heated room (often between 93 and 98 degrees F), you begin...
Picture it: I’m meeting with a large group of educators and I can’t see everyone on one screen because I’m not techy enough yet to have set up two screens. Someone speaks up, but it takes me an awkwardly long time to figure out who’s speaking. Even after an extended...
One of the most common questions we’ve received these past few months inside our Office Hour sessions is around engagement. How can we make sure we’re keeping kids engaged — especially now when they’re online and not in the classroom? This is such an important...
In this article, Vivian Chen, Literacy Partners senior staff developer, shares a story that will give you some clues as to what your English language learners may be feeling. In Vivian’s words… I’ll never forget walking into my first French class in college. As we...
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