Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.
― Oprah Winfrey
Happy New Year
Nineteen years ago I gave up on New Year’s resolutions and began claiming a word to live by for the year. This practice has shaped me in many ways, and I’m grateful that it hasn’t worn out or become meaningless in my life.
Many years my word selection seems to be an argument or a negotiation. The thing I want from the year isn’t always the thing that is offered. I listen hard and invite a word into my life when it feels right.
This year, though, there was no tension in selecting a word. A few months ago wholehearted knocked on my door. I invited her in for a cup of tea, and she declared she would stay for the year.
I wonder if you might invite a word into your life this year, too. It has the potential to work in mighty ways, if you let it.
I’d love to hear your word, if you’d like to share it. I have a friend who collects words from more than 50 friends and family members in her notebook. I’d like to have this kind of collection, too. Just hit “reply” and let me know your word.
Shine on,
Ruth Ayres
Editor in Chief
Tara Barnett and Kate Mills show how to infuse poetic techniques into writing other genres. This article was first published in 2022.
Poetry can be the glue that holds many classroom communities together. It works for quick morning meeting openings, transitions, or even a bit of laughter when energy is flagging. Cathy Mere shares her favorite poetry resources for online learning. This article was first published in 2020.
We are meeting Tuesday, January 30, at noon Eastern for the FREE Coach-to-Coach Zoom Network. Join us and build professional friendships that will help you strengthen the skills and confidence needed to be a changemaker in your school.
Are you looking to engage with a community of instructional influencers? Join me on LinkedIn to continue conversations from the Big Fresh and connect with other educators who are just as smart and funny as you are.
In this Live Event, join Gwen Blumberg, Tammy Mulligan, and Dana Murphy as we dive into the nitty-gritty of analyzing data for small-group instruction, making instructional plans, and ensuring that all readers are growing. Get instant access to the keynote presentations and guided reflection.
Gwen, Tammy, and Dana are in-the-field educators who attend to the needs of all readers by using the five pillars of reading instruction. Get instant access to their keynote presentations and guided reflective practice. Live Q&A sessions are January 22 and February 5. The January 9 recording will be posted.
New members-only content is added each week to the Choice Literacy website. If you’re not yet a member, click here to explore membership options.
Gretchen Schroeder offers three ideas for partners or small groups to engage with poetry. Not only will they get creativity flowing, but they will also lift the energy of writers.
Mandy Robek shares an update to her Poetry Friday routine inspired by the professional book Artfully Teaching the Science of Reading by Chase Young, David Page, and Timothy V. Rasinski. You, too, will want to incorporate this poetry routine into your week.
Jen Court gets creative with using materials for more than one skill to layer in additional phonics instruction and practice. Jen provides a guide to think critically about reusing resources throughout the day and across content areas. Download the Planning Tool for Phonics Lessons.
Choice Numeracy | Bitsy Parks shares an initial read aloud to encourage primary students to develop the ability to see math everywhere.
New members-only content is added each week to the Choice Literacy website. If you’re not yet a member, click here to explore membership options.
When observing literacy instruction, Matt Renwick asks the question “Who is being served and who is not?” This question allows an entry point into a conversation based on teacher strengths while simultaneously being aware of equitable practices.
David Pittman is asked about the needs of primary teachers in a leadership team meeting. He suddenly realizes he hasn’t actually spent much time with many of them. This experience sets him on a quest to be more equitable with his coaching time.
Jen Schwanke believes the best tools a school leader has lie inside the heart and the head.
Quote It:
We always may be what we might have been.
—Adelaide Anne Procter
That’s all for this week!
