Tips to help teachers feel more confident, build more independence and cultivate more engaged learners.
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It’s time for another teacher confession. When I first started teaching, I paired up my students to do peer editing before publishing their writing. It seemed like a great idea, and it is. Just not the way I did it....
I’ve taken up running again — and I have to be honest, I don’t love it. Every time I have to do it, I groan to myself and try to think of all the reasons I don’t want to do it. And here’s the crazy thing — when I do...
Recently, I finally gave in to peer pressure and bought an air fryer. So 2020, I know, but I couldn’t imagine adding another kitchen appliance to my roster back then. After months of feeling uninspired to cook...
As I share articles here on various topics, one thing remains top of mind about the life of an educator that we don’t talk about often enough. It’s about showing up. As an educator, showing up each day for your kids...
The beginning of the calendar year or the new semester is the perfect time to think about goal-setting. No, not those new year’s resolutions that we all make (or vow not to make) and then forget about by February....
In our work with clients, we’ve been investigating ways to further support teachers with informational writing units. We see some common issues repeatedly as we visit and talk with teachers who are diving into...
Halloween is almost here, so let me say something that might sound scary. It might be time to drop the Halloween writing project. (Cue dramatic, horror-film music.) I know, I know. Your students love writing spooky...
When I remember back to my experiences in elementary and middle school with small group work in reading, what sticks out in my mind is that the groups were always organized by level. We followed a tracking process, so...
When I was a classroom teacher, I admit that I didn’t often use small group instruction with my writers. I knew it was an excellent way to go and would give me more bang for my buck but writing my mini-lessons daily...