Writing About Reading For many years, when I heard the word “jot,” my mind went straight to an explosion of sticky notes. I pictured post-its falling out of students’ books, littering the classroom floor, crumpled up...

Want to build a love of learning? Start learning what they love! I’m not embarrassed to admit that I get a lot of recommendations from my students! Whether it’s during recess or dismissal, I’m always curious to...

Maybe you have noticed that when you go around to confer with students, you end up teaching the same strategies over and over. This is so common! So what can we do when we look back at our conference notes and notice...

It’s hard to believe we’re almost to winter break. This time is a natural turning point in the school year, where the buzz and newness of fall has faded into a smooth predictability and the engine of the classroom is...

The final countdown to winter break is on! These last few weeks can feel like a blur and then, before you know it, you’re locking your classroom door until early January. One of the most common things we hear...

When I began school at the age of five, Spanish was the only language I spoke. Being bilingual was a priority for my parents and they knew that I would eventually pick up English at school. As a child, all I saw were...

The first few weeks of school buzz with a nearly palpable energy as students settle in from the summer and embark on a new school year. We commit ourselves to building a positive, inviting classroom community and...

Picture this … You’re standing in the center of your classroom before the school year begins. There are boxes all around you, bulletin boards are bare, and there’s a minefield of tables and chairs. You hear your heart...

The countdown is on for summer 2023! Closing out the year with students and getting the classroom cleaned out are two of the top priorities as the year comes to a close. And while August may feel lightyears away, it...