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Professional Learning Accountability Partners
I have a friend Julie. We have known each other for nearly 15 years. We have worked together in two different buildings, collaborating easily together, finding a groove quickly, and...
Learning Joy
I was scurrying around to a few students whom I had a hunch would benefit from a few books I'd selected—high interest but also decodable—from my “little” library. I slid...
Planning for Virtual Literacy Intervention
If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that nothing is for sure. At least, not during a pandemic. Early on, I found myself scrambling to help teachers shift...
Five Books to End the Year Coaching Strong
Instructional coaches have many tools in their coaching toolboxes to support teacher learning and reflection: sticky notes, chart paper, anchor charts, conversational protocols, templates, and more. But my favorite coaching...
Research and Learn
Matt reached out to me regarding his third-grade writers as they were about to launch into their informational writing unit. After we administered an on-demand assessment and reviewed the data,...
It’s About Survival
It’s that time of year. The home stretch, the last leg. You are almost there . . . but not quite yet. Testing is done, the room is getting buttoned...
Take a Chance
In education, there is nothing as exciting as trying something new. There is also nothing as frightening. The idea that a new idea may captivate, inspire, and motivate 30 young...
Student-Planned End-of-Year Celebration
We look around the classroom and see students reading independently, some partner reading, others sharing exciting or surprising events in their reading. Writers conferring with one another, others co-authoring pieces....
Mini (But Mighty) Ways to Connect with Teachers
Communication, the human connection, is the key to personal and career success. —Paul J. Meyer Maintaining consistent contact and connection with teachers is essential for a strong relationship between teachers...
A Collection of Treasured Life Lessons
“Good morning, Arielle! It’s nice to see you,” I said. As she responded with her morning greeting, my eyes were drawn to her book bag. If she tries to add...
Creating Progressions to Meet Learners Where They Are
We’re a family of skiers who have been on the slopes for most of our lives. Each time we get on the mountain, we’re looking for ways to slightly improve...
Be the Teacher
You know that “teacher dread"? It happens when you think your students understand a concept, but then you watch as they complete an assessment and realize—Wow! I misjudged that. Later,...
The Choice Literacy Book Club Discusses Apple and Magnolia
Enjoy listening as the Choice Literacy Book Club discusses Apple and Magnolia by Laura Gehl and Patricia Metola. The Choice Literacy Book Club is open to everyone! You will find a book...
Deepening Discussion with a Circle Process
“What does that mean, ‘Listen to your heart’?” Enrique asked, as all eyes turned to him. My eighth-grade dual language class was exploring what it means to live with integrity,...
Determining Importance in Fiction
Dylan, a fourth grader, was a beautifully fluent reader. The words flowed seamlessly from his mouth. He used punctuation to guide him, pausing at commas, his voice lilting melodically with...
Coaching Connections: Drop-In Visits
At the start of my first year as a literacy coach, I was more than a little overwhelmed by my new role. I needed to quickly build relationships with teachers,...
Student-Led Reading Seminars
First thing in the morning: “Hi, Mrs. Mulligan, do you think I can read this to the class today?” Later at a transition, another child asked, “Could I read this...
Create-Your-Own Reading Challenge
Beginnings are a great time to look ahead, make plans, or set goals. For teachers, beginnings can be a new calendar year, a new school year, a new grading period,...
Invitations to Reading a Variety of Genres
Moving to middle school years ago I noticed right away that my students didn’t seem to understand genre any better than my elementary kids had. I wanted to explore genre...
The Choice Literacy Book Club Discusses The Proudest Blue
Enjoy listening as the Choice Literacy Book Club discusses The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad, S.K. Ali, and Hatem Aly. The Choice Literacy Book Club is open to everyone! You will...
Using Photographs for Coaching Conversations
When beginning a coaching cycle, I typically start the conversation with student achievement goals. As I work side by side with a teacher, we start with a goal where we...
