Want to see more progress in your students’ writing?

Then it’s time to take a hard look at how we approach writing in your classroom.

We spend a lot of time teaching skills and strategies for writing, …

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING.

It’s such a buzzword lately, especially as teachers try to navigate the aftermath of the pandemic. 

Now more than ever our students are struggling socially and emotionally. 

M…

Dear old version of me...

We all look back on your first few years of teaching and cringe at some of the things that we have done with our students.

Sometimes, we just don't know any better...until we …

STOP.

Before you get started with readers and writers workshop this year, we need to talk.

I know you want to launch into your first reading and writing unit.  

I know you’re anxious to start that first…

IT CAN BE TOUGH BEING THE NEW GUY, RIGHT?

You may just be beginning your teaching journey, but that doesn’t mean you have to do it alone!

We’ve all been there.  While you might be excited to get that f…

TEACHERS: WANT TO THANK YOURSELF LATER?

Then do yourself a favor (or two) NOW.

Once the school year gets underway, teachers know just how challenging it can be to get ahead of the game.  Many times it …

It's Back to School time!

I am a self-proclaimed back to school junkie.  I love everything about it.

The back to school planning.  Decorating my classroom.  All of it.

No sooner did a school year end be…

It’s go-time.

Teachers - start your engines and get ready for the new school year.  I don’t have to tell you that planning for a new school year is a bit of an overwhelming process.

As exciting as it i…

Most teachers have a love-hate relationship with technology.  It’s true that classroom technology can help engage students like no other teaching strategy can.  But - with technology comes a whole ne…

We all get excited for the beginning of the school year.  Those fresh pencils.  Boxes of new markers.  Crisp chart paper just waiting to be used.

We can’t wait to dive in to all the lessons, activitie…

It’s no secret that if your classroom is a welcoming place for students, they’ll want to be there.

Not spending enough time building a positive classroom community is one of the biggest mistakes a tea…

If you know. You Know.

Teacher life is tough to explain to someone who isn’t a teacher.  We have our own language, shared struggles and triumphs - so many things that only another teacher can relate t…

Staring into a sea of glazed-over eyes is soul crushing for any teacher.  All teachers aim for a classroom of engaged and excited learners - but getting there can be quite a feat.  

The key is to vary…

Writing is often hard for students and teachers alike!  That’s why in this episode I’ve curated a batch of writing inspiration to help you get your writing plan in order for the upcoming school year.…

Who’s ready for a summer road trip?

We’ve been carpooling together all school year long - it only makes sense that we take this show on the road and swap the classroom commute for a summer road trip!

A…

HAVE YOU BEEN TEACHING THEME WRONG?

Maybe.  I was.  For a long time.

And my students struggled because of it.  I’d asked students the classic prompting questions like What did the character learn?  or …

There's always so much to do before summer vacation.

Before you can turn in your classroom keys for the summer you likely have paperwork to complete, reorganizing your classroom cabinets, closets, and…

DOES TEACHING STUDENTS TO SYNTHESIZE FEEL LIKE PULLING TEETH?

It sure does…. sometimes.  But why is teaching this reading comprehension strategy so hard?

There are a number of reasons students often st…