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Common Core Standards: Spreading the Word
As a district-level literacy coach in California, I've been given the task of helping move our system toward implementation of the Common Core Standards. We are a large urban district...
Previewing Nonfiction
Most of my own nonfiction reading is connected to my life as a teacher. My professional reading of books and magazines about literacy education takes up much of my nonfiction...
Best Practices in Spelling Instruction
My fascination with spelling is personal and professional. My oldest two kids with similar DNA and educational experiences are very different spellers. My son needs to look at a word...
Teaching and Assessing Persuasive Writing Skills
Some time ago I led a writing class with fifth-grade teachers. Our purpose was to write our own essays, using state classroom-based assessment criteria to analyze them. I chose the...
Guided Reading in Perspective
Recently I presented my work at a regional conference. A teacher came rushing to the front of the room as I packed my computer after the session. "Do you have...
How Do We Know Small-Group Instruction is Effective?
An interesting question to pose is: Do beliefs change behavior or does behavior change beliefs? Many people think the former: that beliefs change behavior, which is why so many new...
Stopping and Jotting
Let's face it -- we teachers are control freaks. It's in our blood, and what in many ways makes us great at what we do. Yet sometimes that need to...
The Affect of Tech on Splrs
"The spelling of English words is not fixed and invariable, nor does it depend on any other authority than general agreement. At the present day there is practically unanimous agreement...
Teacher Language and Listening with Ellin Keene (PODCAST)
Ellin Keene is the author or coauthor of many books for literacy educators, including the classic Mosaic of Thought. She has spent much time in the past four years developing...
Why Read? – A Question to End the School Year
After Memorial Day, I always feel a slight sense of euphoria, but also one of dread. My school year ends in mid-June, and while I love summer vacation, the perfectionist...
Supporting New Teachers and Appreciating Their Gifts
The research is clear and the statistics are grim. The most important factor which influences student achievement is the skill of the teacher, yet we lose more than 50% of...
Beyond Harry Potter: Tapping Student Interest in Fantasy
Ever since the Harry Potter craze several years ago, the fantasy genre has been a popular one. I often have students in the library who would like to read more...
Oral Language and Understanding with Ellin Keene (PODCAST)
Ellin Keene is the author or coauthor of many books for literacy educators, including the classic Mosaic of Thought. She has spent much time in the past four years developing...
Books that Make Kids Squeal
When kindergarten teacher Michelle Martinez read my article, "Books that Touch the Heart," she wasn't impressed. While she personally enjoys a good cry over a book, the list did not...
Standards and Magic: Digging Deep and Being Spontaneous with Infographics
Recently, I experienced a rare kind of classroom magic with the 4th and 5th graders who participate in our school's environmental club. I had about fifteen minutes to plan our...
Evocative Coaching in Action (PODCAST)
In this podcast, Bob Tschannen-Moran uses the strategy of imaginative listening to process an unsettling interaction Heather Rader had with a colleague. Heather: Well, your model, your four-step dance,...
The Power of Games for 21st Century Learners
When we think of 21st Century skills for students, our thoughts often go immediately to technology. Although our school has many technology tools, we know that these important skills are...
Building Community Protocols
When we plan professional development sessions, voluntary courses, and literacy team meetings, we are always on the lookout for new ways to build community within the group so that everyone...
A Seating Arrangement that Empowers: The Conversation Circle
How many of you have tried to lead a writing or reading share time with elementary students who'd rather chat with a friend about recess, or hide under the easel...
Using Video to Build the Home-School Connection
Kelli Demonte reaches high as she teaches in a diverse, urban setting. She is a third-grade teacher looping with students since second grade. Last year she won a grant that...
What Can You Learn from Slice of Life Writing?
Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going. —Jim Ryun Writing on a regular basis is a tough habit to develop. There are many things vying...
