Content Category: Lead Literacy
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Throw It In, Stir It Up, See What We Get: English Language Learners Tackling Complex Texts
“Being able to read complex text independently and proficiently is essential for high achievement in college and the workplace and important in numerous life tasks.” Appendix A, Common Core English...
Demonstration Lesson: Deeper Reading with Advanced Third Graders
Clare Landrigan works with a third-grade teacher and two of her students to help two advanced students read deeply and look for evidence in texts in this demonstration lesson. The...
Inviting Teachers into the Digital World
When I became a writing teacher who wrote, I believe I became a better writing teacher. I better understood what my students felt when I asked them to share their...
Coaching Minute: Pinterest
Clare Landrigan and Tammy Mulligan share the many ways Pinterest has enhanced their professional development with teachers. Here is the link to their Pinterest boards: http://pinterest.com/tammyandclare/
Literacy and Technology: Changing Structures
Thirty years ago, in the cracked cinder-block rooms of my small, rural elementary school, the teaching protocol was standard and simple. We walked into school. We put our backpack where...
Confessions of a Struggling Beginning Reader
If you had the chance to learn to read again, would you take it? Well, I leaped at the opportunity. I was so excited! I expected to gain all sorts...
Infusing Technology into Writing Celebrations (Grades K–2)
I understand that I am fortunate to work in a building that has a 1:1 iPad environment in grades 3–8. However, this hasn’t stopped some of our younger students and...
Aligning Coaching and Teaching Teams
The most empowering condition of all is when the entire organization is aligned with its mission, and people’s passions and purpose are in synch with each other. Bill George...
Coaching Excellent Teachers
“I have no idea what to do with her,” whined Judy. “She’s freaking AWESOME!” Judy, a middle school literacy coach, was struggling with a problem that would be wonderful to...
Coaching Minute: 100% of the Time
Do all teachers need a literacy coach's support? Heather Rader has wise words of advice in this quick video tip. A transcript is included below the player. I...
Instructional Coach: A Position of Contradictions
Love. Hate. Productive. Frustrated. Peace. Stress. We live in a world of tension. We are constantly pushed and pulled. This is especially true for an instructional coach because it is...
Quick! Hide the Chocolate: Challenging Coaching Relationships
If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Maya Angelou As an instructional coach, I collaborate with colleagues as they try new...
Coaching Minute: Quick Connections
Clare Landrigan and Tammy Mulligan share the value of informal chance meetings with teachers they are coaching in this three-minute video.
Picture Walks Gone Wild: Supporting Teachers in the Appropriate Use of Picture Walks
Rita was literally sitting on her hands and biting her lips to keep them clamped shut. I checked the clock on the wall again. Rita was right – this picture...
Coaching Demonstration: Conferring with a Struggling Third-Grade Reader
Clare Landrigan works with third grader Reese as his teacher observes in this coaching demonstration conference.
Coaching Minute: Kinesthetic Transitions
Heather Rader has fun transition suggestions for use during demonstration lessons in this quick video tip. A transcript is available below the player. When doing a demo...
Coaching Minute: Editing
Heather Rader has some quick tips for editing emails and other important writing in this brief video. A transcript is available below the player. I always try...
Mentor Texts for the Writing Process
A staple in every literacy coach’s toolbox is a library of mentor texts. Coaches share these books with teachers as well as students in minilessons to show them how published...
Monitoring for Meaning Small Group
Clare Landrigan guides a small group of first-grade English language learners in a demonstration lesson. This 13-minute video includes an assessment meeting with the teacher before the small group, the...
How to Start a Writing Group
Thinking about starting a writing group? Follow these steps. 1. Consider Who You Should Invite Consider people you know who want to write. When I put together my writing group,...
Slow Down: The Power of Two-Word Goals
For the past few years, I’ve made a simple two-word goal for myself. Last year, it was “Talk Less.” I established the goal because I had become irritated with my...
