Surround yourself only with people who are going to take you higher.
—Oprah Winfrey
Get Connected
I am overflowing with joy as I write this note to you. Because relationships are built over time, progress can be made in the second half of the school year that is impossible in the first.
I am excited for all of the incredible growth that will happen for the readers and writers in your classrooms. I am also reflecting on the way I have been nourished as a professional.
Just like growth in our classrooms is dependent on healthy relationships, growth in our professional lives is dependent on the same. We are fortunate to live in a time when professional connections can be made through screens. We can learn with others from around the globe while sitting on our own couches.
Yet, these connections will always be limited by space. Gathering in person with other professionals is unique and special. It is impossible to replicate this experience through a Zoom room or a TikTok video.
That is why I am grateful that CCIRA has intentionally built a lineup of speakers to bring back the power of in-person conferences. Nothing can replace the strength and nourishment we receive when we attend a professional conference…and CCIRA, in Denver, is the place to be this winter.
It is not too late. Check the website. Harness your passion and positive energy and use it to get others excited. You may be pleasantly surprised that a simple ask has your registration paid.
I am humbled to be the opening keynote for a conference with an incredible lineup of speakers who are guaranteed to nourish and strengthen your practice…All you have to do is show up.
This week we look at ways to joyfully build learning communities—plus more, as always.
Shine on,
Ruth Ayres
Editor in Chief
Jennifer Schwanke shares her experience of having read-aloud go awry in a middle school classroom. This article was first published in 2017.
Bitsy Parks describes her process over the years in increasing both the quality and quantity of read-alouds in her first-grade classroom. This article was first published in 2017.
When’s the best time for some spontaneous opinion writing? Suzy Kaback argues it’s when class conversations get hot. This article was first published in 2014.
Are you looking for an in-person conference to attend? CCIRA is offering a remarkable lineup of voices for their annual conference. The theme is “A View From Here,” and you will be glad to be part of the learning.
The value of picture books with secondary students is often questioned. Picture Books and Older Students allows insight into the depth and power of picture books for adolescents.
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.
In a video, Deb Gaby confers with Riley about The Lemonade War. They talk about the writing about reading that students are doing for this whole-class read.
In an encore article, Ruth Metcalfe leverages pandemic adjustments into making the read aloud experience bigger and better for her students. The simple act of projecting the read aloud book leads to significant adjustments to meet the needs of young readers.
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.
Shared read aloud books are not just for children. Gwen Blumberg outlines the power of reading aloud with faculty.
In a PD2Go, encourage teachers to lift the level of students’ response to read aloud sessions.
In an encore Coaching Minute, Jean Russell explains how a simple trick with a coaching calendar can build in more time and expectations for leadership growth.
Quote It:
We are stronger when we listen, and smarter when we share.
—Raina Al-Abdullah
That’s all for this week!
