For some of us, spelling comes easily. For others, like me, it is wildly apparent that English is derived from a confusing array or sources. While most good spellers are good readers, not all good readers are good spellers. Still, kids need to be held accountable for their spelling. Every fall parents ask about spelling: […]
Featured
Posted inElementary School, Featured, Series, The Student Teacher Diaries
Student Teacher Diaries: Week One
Starting back to school after a break is always a mixture of emotions. I am excited to get back into a routine and see my kids. But I miss the lazy days of Christmas break, eating when I am hungry, using the restroom whenever I want, and snuggling on the couch reading. This semester I have […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy
Beyond a Venn Diagram: Making Movies Work in the ELA Classroom
The students of today are not like the ones twenty years ago, ten years ago, or even five years ago. Our students are used to a world where images change every second. A world where you can buy music, movie, or a book instantly without even going to a store. If you assign a book, […]
Posted inFeatured, Interviews
Inspirational Student – Kid President
Our favorite student we’ve never taught is Kid President. Known at home as “Robbie,” this little 11-year-old truly embodies the term “inspiration.” His Facebook messages, tweets, and videos will put a smile on your face and warm your heart. Now he has a book – The Guide to Being Awesome – set to be released this […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy, Middle School
Teaching with Controversial Topics
The purpose of an education is to create functioning members of society. It is not about what the author meant when he said this, or what degree of angle is this if the other two are this and that. It is about being able to identify a problem and solve it. Sometimes problems can be […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, High School, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy
Give Them Time and A Book of Their Choice in School
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, […]
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 inFeatured, How to Fix Education, Opinion, Uncategorized
Drive: Debunking Standardized Tests & Merit Pay In One Book & Video
I’m going to admit – I’ve been a bit flummoxed lately. Perplexed. Bemused. Set back. I tussle with many of life’s questions, but one of the greatest is — How do I help my students achieve more? As a 9-year teacher, I stand in front of the classroom with a wide variety of tools on […]