Well, I am officially on vacation. The children and I barely got through the last week of school without a major mishap as they were at each other’s throat from the first day of the week. There were a lot of conflicting feelings for many of them and although we talked about this they are… Read more

Nine great reasons why teachers should use Twitter Read more

This year, I have been experimenting with math workshop modeled along the lines of reading and writing workshop. In reading and writing workshop we always start out as a group so that I can teach a lesson, do a read aloud, or give a writing assignment for the children to do in the children’s writer’s… Read more

Playing For Change | Peace Through Music Posted using ShareThis I discovered this website from a friend. The music is wonderful and uplifting and the video is beautifully done. Enjoy! Read more

I spent the last couple of weeks, including spring break, sick as a dog. I am just now staring to feel better and am regaining my strength. This illness has forced me to reevaluate my time, my commitments, my inability to say no. I need to slow down and simplify. I need to set priorities… Read more

Today I did a writing lesson on voice with my students. Each of the members of my Professional Learning Community (PLC) decided to choose a trait from the 6 +1 Traits of Writing and teach a lesson as a way to become more familiar with the traits. I chose voice because I find that while… Read more

I have started doing a series of Wednesday afternoon sessions for teachers at my school on Writer’s Workshop. The first session was this week. I love doing these workshops for teachers because it helps me articulate my philosophy and practice. They help me think through the what and why of my practice. They keep me… Read more

Yesterday, at Teacher’s Convention in Calgary, I heard Alfie Kohn speak. Although I’ve read articles he has written I had never seen him in person. If you ever get the chance to attend one of his lectures don’t walk, run, to see him! He is passionate about children and teachers. He wants to keep classroom… Read more

Last week my students presented what they had learned about Guatemala to three different groups of classes at my school. It was part of the now annual Celebration of Learning. Although it started out as a way to highlight the Latin American holiday of Carnaval it has taken on a life of its own. We… Read more

The answers depend on the questions you ask. What a simple and provocative statement! When we worry about students who don’t seem to be making progress we often start by asking questions such as these: –Why can’t F. retell simple stories? –Why does F. get a blank look on her face when you ask her… Read more