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The Amazing School Librarian: An Interview with John Schumacher (PODCAST)
In this podcast, Franki Sibberson and John Schumacher chat about how John managed to read over 1700 books in 2010, as well as keep up with his popular blog and...
Lady With the Yellow Umbrella
Coming down the lane, like sixteen, sneakers kicking up ructions, smile erupting buttercup dust, hair thinned out, spiked up from a deep mix of chemical spice creeping through her veins,...
Books Struggling Readers Can and Will Want to Read: Building the Classroom Library
Cleaning up the room after school, I noticed Sammy's reading bag under the table. I've been finding his reading intervention bag left on his hook lately, and have been wondering...
Common Core Conversations: The Half ‘n’ Half Shift for Nonfiction Reading and Writing
As teacher leaders in a state that already has rigorous standards, the thought of transitioning from our district standards to new standards is daunting. We can just hear the cry...
Getting Started With Twitter
Years ago, I reluctantly signed up for a Twitter account. Shortly after the initial confusion and frustration, I became addicted. Many days Twitter is my free-time activity of choice. My husband tired...
Tuesday Trades: A New Literacy Ritual in My Classroom
How can it be mid-winter already? The first months of school flew by, and so many important things happened; sometimes evolutions and revolutions occurred and we were just too busy...
Books, Books, Books
It is a sad day when a bookstore closes. I have fond memories of many Friday night dinner "dates" with my husband that ended with a trip to our local...
Great Lead Investigators
It's writing time. As I meander around the room and read over the shoulders of my 6th graders, I realize it's time to talk leads. Writing leads is a strategy...
Letting Go After Holding on Tight: Reflecting on the Last Days of School
Teachers will tell you that the end of the school year means several weeks of never-ending to-do lists, the scary prospect of packing up a room so walls can be...
Kelly Gallagher on Readicide (PODCAST)
Kelly Gallagher is the author of numerous bestselling books for high school teachers, including Reading Reasons and Readicide. In this podcast with Franki Sibberson, he explains the concept of Readicide, and what we need...
Acquiring Knowledge Two or Three Strategies at a Time
"Hey, Papi! What is that crop growing over there?" My dad responds patiently to repeated requests by my nine-year-old son, Jack, to identify exactly what is growing in the fertile...
Organizing a Classroom Nonfiction Library with Students
I will be honest with you. I am not a shopper. I do not like strolling through malls, hunting for bargains at outlet shops, or spending extended time under the...
No More Excuses: Reading Workshops in Nontraditional Middle and High School Settings
Think you don't have enough time for reader's workshop in your classroom? Worried that you don't have enough books to go around? Feel like you just don't have the space...
A Poetry Cafe Celebration
Every April National Poetry Month is celebrated here in the United States. I love that poetry has its own place in the calendar, a whole month dedicated to increase awareness...
Born Wonders: Tapping Student Interest in Animals, Babies, and Books
Children love to read and learn about animals of all sizes, shapes, habitats, and species. As parents, learners, and teachers, we understand why kids are fascinated with small creatures: Animals...
Spring Reading Interviews (TEMPLATE)
We believe strongly that students should live authentic lives as readers in our classrooms. Following each interview, we want to put the information together for ourselves. We start by asking...
Ubiquitous Venns, Watch Fors, and Leverage Points: Coaching for Depth
Ubiquitous Venns Ubiquitous Venns -- you see them everywhere. Those friendly overlapping circles. Some are hand-drawn and look more elliptical than circular, and the intersection is never large enough for...
Mentor Texts to Help Students Monitor Their Actions
Thoughtful planning, experience, and visualization were not enough to help me at the beginning of the school year two years ago in kindergarten. After spending five years with third graders,...
Knowing Students Beyond Test Data with Kathy Collins (PODCAST)
In this podcast, Kathy Collins chats with Franki Sibberson about the importance of getting to know students beyond test data, and what that might mean for teachers. Kathy's latest book...
Strawberries, Fun, and Student Blogging
Growing as a teacher and learner requires honest feedback. Who else could be more honest than students? During winter break, I reflected on my teaching practices in order to set...
An ESL Poetry Cafe Celebration (Part II)
In Part I of this feature, I shared some projects, expectations, and activities for our Poetry Café celebration. This is an event where families enjoyed listening to their children read poems,...
