Jump, and you will find out how to unfold your wings.
—Ray Bradbury
Nourish Independence
My youngest son, Sam, accepted a job with Norfolk-Southern railroad and is in Georgia for conductor training. He is 19 and was determined to travel alone to the training center. He drove part-way and stayed with grandparents, and then continued the next day.
Although I wanted to travel with him, help him get settled, and then fly home to Indiana, I sent him off with a box of snacks and a prayer. It’s important to let people spread their own wings.
I knew he would be fine, and Andy especially knew he would be fine, but we’ve been thrilled to see him thrive. He went to the grocery store after he unpacked the car. He prepped his lunches for the week. He cooked dinner—and used a meat thermometer to make sure the pork was cooked through. He sends photos of his meals, and there are vegetables on his plate. He meticulously keeps his schedule and participates in study sessions.
One of my deeply rooted core beliefs is to give people space to make their own choices, which is why Choice Literacy has always resonated with me. This week’s articles are particularly dear to me, because with the recent life experience of our youngest son heading out into the world, it is clear that the more we help others become independent, the more we are positioning them for success in the world. This week we look at nourishing independence in readers and writers—plus more, as always.
Shine on,
Ruth Ayres
Editor in chief
Tara Barnett and Kate Mills share their favorite strategies for building a classroom community of readers where everyone has several options for choosing their next book.
Jay Schauer shows why reflecting at the end of the year is so important for growth, and shares a worksheet for getting started.
Consider attending the NCTE-NCTM Joint Conference in Chicago on June 16—18. I’ll be presenting with other Choice Literacy/Numeracy contributors: Jodie Bailey, Becca Burk, Mallory Messenger, and Mandy Robek. We’d love to connect with you!
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.
Dana Murphy outlines three options to respond to a student who is stuck when reading and looking to the teacher for the answer. By being mindful when students appeal for help, we can make intentional, on-the-spot decisions to empower students to become better readers.
Patty McGee offers strategies to intentionally help students transfer their grammar knowledge to authentic writing experiences in this final installment of the Not Your Granny’s Grammar series.
Video | Gwen Blumberg offers ways to make the library a welcoming space for readers to settle in with their choice of books. Classroom teachers can consider creating a living room, too.
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.
Your notes deserve better than to be forgotten. Matt Renwick shares a system that supports what you know, think, and write and helps ensure your ideas have a home beyond a disorganized binder.
Video | Tammy Mulligan helps Katie, a sixth grader who lacks confidence in her reading abilities, reflect on her strengths and make plans for summer reading. This demonstration conference includes a prebrief and debrief with Katie’s teacher.
Stella Villalba shares some simple strategies to foster more reflection and feedback with the teachers she coaches.
Quote It:
May is a bridge between winter and summer.
—Terri Guillemets
That’s all for this week!
