Content Category: Choice Literacy
Results
July 3, 2026: Announcement
It is almost impossible to watch a sunset and not dream. —Bernard Williams Embrace the Sunset As I write this, I am imagining you next to me in a rocking...
June 19, 2026: Keep Curiosity Alive
Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity. —Simone Weil The Power of Presence I’m an officially certified lifeguard. If you’re like anyone else in my life, you’re asking,...
June 5, 2026: Listen to Students
Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens. —Jimi Hendrix Let Summer Be Sacred I’m standing on the edge of summer with my toes hanging over the edge of a cliff. It’s been...
Classroom Talk: Three Kinds
I was in the middle of a mini presentation to a small group of teachers. I was sharing how I use my classroom library throughout the day, throughout my classroom...
Student Feedback Shaping Classroom Environments
When teachers receive feedback about their impact, then the students are the biggest beneficiaries. —John Hattie Throughout my years of teaching, I have collected many ideas and tips for instructional...
May 29, 2026: Celebrations
I've decided it is true: Celebration saves. —Ruth Ayres Celebration Saves Many years ago, I selected the word unhurried as my One Little Word for the year. It was when...
May 22, 2026: Picture Books
To validate the existence of another human being is one of the most beautiful and selfless gifts we can give. In doing so, we also validate ourselves. —Tracey Willis Gates...
Unlikely Friendships: A Multi-Generational Booklist
To validate the existence of another human being is one of the most beautiful and selfless gifts we can give. In doing so, we also validate ourselves. —Tracey Willis Gates...
May 15, 2026: Things That Mean the Most
Out of difficulties grow miracles. — Jean de La Bruyère Small Things Matter I’ve been in a season of personal and professional upheaval. Many of you can relate. When things...
Making Meaning of Story Through Modeling
Pictures and manipulatives can hold an idea in place right in front of you so that you can think about it more deeply. —IG: @MixandMath When I saw this quote...
“I Was Scared”: Manny’s Story
I was sitting next to Manny reading a beginning book with her. As I coached her through the text, she turned to me and said loudly and dramatically, “Mrs. Parks,...
May 8, 2026: Reflecting on Growth
Becoming is better than being. — Carol Dweck Becoming At this point in the school year, the materials in our classroom reflect the truth faster than we can. Broken crayons...
April 24, 2026: End-of-Year Plans
All we have to decide is what to do with the time given to us. —J.R.R. Tolkien Countdown A few years ago I was having a difficult time being grateful....
Addressing Attention Spans
A common observation from educators, parents, and other adults who work with children seems to be “They just don’t seem to be able to pay attention for long,” or “It’s...
Let the Math Linger: Creating Spaces and Conditions for Students to Revisit Math Materials Over Time
“Hey Siri, add bananas to my grocery list." “Got it, bananas added to your grocery list.” “Hey Siri, remind me to get money for Ms. Christy tomorrow at 4 p.m.”...
Eight End-of-the-Year Routines
Spring was in the air, and there were whispers in the hallways about how many more Mondays there were in the school year. One morning during our morning meeting a...
Cool Things Happening This Year: Celebrating Greatness from Within
“Something cool is going to happen for you today!” As I gripped the steering wheel on my morning commute, I heard these words echo out from the car speakers. A...
March 27, 2026: Special Edition: Spring Break
My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style. —Maya Angelou How Will...
March 20, 2026: Stay Mentally Fit!
Find people who make you better. —Michelle Obama Build Friendships I have a theory about friendship: It resists the ordinary rules of time and space. Once you’ve forged a true...
Building Community and Culture with a Restorative Approach
Many teachers today believe that managing student behavior is one of the most challenging aspects of teaching. If you scroll long enough on social media, you will find articles, threads,...
Navigating Complex Conversations with Young Children
As Fred Rogers said, “Look for the helpers.” When we train our own brains to notice the helping, we invite children to do the same. As humans, it can be...
