Beyond the Classroom: The Gift of Hindsight
Identity is a fascinating concept. It shifts, alters, appears, disappears, much like the moon or sun or seasons. Writing forces you to stare in the mirror at yourself, causing you … Continue reading
Blog Revival – Making the Time to WRITE
I’ve learned that when I avoid something – there is a true underlying factor and simple avoidance is not the issue. Often times it means I haven’t completely created my … Continue reading
Beach Musings: Mentor Texts
“What have you read that is like what you are trying to write?” -Katie Wood Ray, Study Driven, 2006 Examples either create, reinforce, or deepen our schema. Without them as … Continue reading
The Literacy Workshop: Scaffolding Choice
The liveliest discussion bubbled from the circle table today around a trio of books I never dreamed would ignite such passion. I WISH I recorded it. Note to self: Have … Continue reading
Workshop Magic Example #1
I feel the need to share some of the fruits of my last post……from my students’ minds, of course! Sacajawea February 6, 2012 @ 4:15 PM 7 Comments I went … Continue reading
Writer’s Workshop Magic
Folk tunes drifted from the lips of my 4th graders as pencils scribed and minds churned. In the midst of our second day with old-time-musician-in-residence Jeff Warner, these learners’ thoughts … Continue reading
Use your schema, avoid confusion! (or at least avoid oxidization…)
Teaching kids to use their schema, not just possess it, is one of the toughest skills to teach. When you think about it, though, actually applying this skill, is hard … Continue reading
Everyone needs one.
The theme of the week in my world? You don’t know everything. And won’t. And can’t! Well, obviously I know that, but I embrace the reminders, especially as I reflect … Continue reading
Who’s on the runway?
It’s a new world. Perhaps you can relate. As a person who avoids change whenever possible, I am beginning to recognize change and at times even embrace it, albeit years … Continue reading
Boy Writers PART II
So impressed at the quick and thoughtful response I received today. Thanks, Ralph Fletcher. At this moment, I only have time to post the reply, but I will keep you … Continue reading
Boy Writers…
Fueled by some great tunes in my background, here I let loose on my topics of discussion from this bright blue October day (Hundred Dresses), ironically met with 80 degree … Continue reading
On how not having a plan allows a magical level of connections…
Deep into Sign of the Beaver (Elizabeth George Speare) at the climactic points of battling wildlife and participating in traditional Penobscot ceremonies, listener attention is on high. Each time I … Continue reading
So what’s with the new obsession…?
It’s always something. My husband will tell you that, but it takes one to know one. When I was in 6th grade, I became very interested in “pop tops”, you … Continue reading
Bet you didn’t know telling people about Jesus requires comprehension strategies…
I wonder if pastors, preachers, religious leaders and the like, are aware of how to successfully equip listeners with the strategies to truly comprehend, to truly internalize the concepts? For … Continue reading
On learning to read becoming learning how to choose friendships…
If you reflect and review your various friendships over the years, for sure you might notice the number you remember, yet cannot put your finger on what created that bond … Continue reading
on exploring intuition…
Sand, beach, blanket, books, teachers, friends. On the shore each summer, we truly tackle the tough stuff. I believe the world will never understand what happens in souls of teachers … Continue reading
On discovering purpose…on so many levels…
At 6:00 am on Sunday morning, I am surprisingly wide awake, getting myself off to pre-church service band rehearsal. I love this kind of purpose so early in the morning, … Continue reading
soul strikers 