I have seen how the monthly Scholastic Publishing Company book flyer can set student readers’ hearts aflutter. Scholastic’s marketing through classroom book clubs gives them direct access to all levels of student readers, and when a school hosts a Scholastic book fair, students can browse books or products with book title tie-ins. Moreover, Scholastic offers resources to teachers including lesson plans, discussion guides, […]
Literacy
Posted inFeatured, High School, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy
Channeling Your Inner Writer
Teaching writing is probably one of my most favorite activities on the planet! It’s my passion! If someone truly wants to be a good writer, it is honestly a simple process that could be accomplished with a just few polished steps. What it takes is concentration, aptitude and deftness. When people bring me their work […]
Posted inLiteracy, School Improvement, Social Studies, Technology, Uncategorized
Resolutions for a 1:1 iPad Pioneer
Just before the December recess a senior stopped me in the hall enthusiastic over his acceptance into college. He impressed upon me sincere gratitude for the letter of recommendation I had written. We exchanged compliments and I was given to reflection on two years we shared in history studies. In the recommendation I had highlighted his impassioned argument and […]
Posted inFeatured, From the Front Lines, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy, Opinion
Creative Writing Strategies For Elementary Students – Outside Of The Classroom
Writing is a huge component in my second and third grade classroom. Next to speaking properly, communicating through the written word is an important life skill that needs to be developed which will follow children throughout their lives. The sooner the basics of writing are introduced and honed, the easier this skill will become as […]
Posted inFeatured, High School, Literacy, Middle School
Questions on Co-Teaching
Co-Teaching was introduced to me three years ago when I was asked to attend a seminar by my principal. It was presented to me in the format of two teachers with equal degrees in the same subject, sharing the classroom teaching equally. Since then, it seems that co-teaching has evolved to the more common scenario of a regular ed teacher […]
Posted inFeatured, High School, Literacy
Finding the "I" in TEAM
We’ve all heard the old adage, “There’s no “I” in TEAM,” implying that we would do better to work together instead of independently forcing the venture upon one’s self. But, what is the usefulness of working as a team? Would we not be more productive if we held our own, stuck to our guns, stayed in our […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, Literacy
My Philosophy for Secondary Writing Instruction
A while ago, I shared tips for grading writing. Now, I am sharing my philosophy about writing instruction in the secondary English classroom. What follows are four of my strongest-held beliefs. Give students an opportunity to improve Many students believe writing ends as soon as they turn in their final copy. (For many students, it […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Instructional Strategies, Literacy, School Improvement
Putting the "A" in AP
It seems as though everyone is jumping on the AP bandwagon. Schools are offering professional development and a variety of incentives to implement this program. Advance Placement courses are intended to replace freshmen level course at the college level. This allows high school juniors and seniors to receive college credit early. Sounds great, right? Well, […]