Content Category: Lead Literacy
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Quick Check-ins: Touching Base Before Coaching Sessions
Coaching places teachers’ self-esteem and professional respect on the line, because it exposes how teachers teach, how they think about teaching, and how they plan for teaching to the scrutiny...
Time In/Time Out Conference: Andrew
In this "time in/time out" conference, Ruth Ayres and Cathy Laker meet with second grader Andrew, who is working on a "versus" story in writing workshop.
Virtually Coaching a Lesson
I'd known Chad for about two months when his first observation was scheduled. Chad had shared with me that he didn't feel like his new principal understood him. Even though...
Coaching Minute: Venting and Rant Ruts
Heather Rader explains in this one-minute video the difference between healthy venting and "rant ruts," with advice for how to help colleagues move beyond unhealthy talk patterns. A transcript is...
The Power of the Spoken Word
I am exploring the new Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts (ELA). I flip to a new section and read Speaking and Listening, Comprehension and Collaboration. My eyes...
High Expectations? Looking for Evidence
Without any say in the plot, my life's story was already written. My high school counselor casually checked off that I had met the minimum requirements in math with an...
Coaching Minute: Working with Principals
Ruth Ayres has advice for how literacy coaches can work effectively with principals in this one-minute video.
There’s a Lot More There Than Just a Share
It’s the last eight minutes of writing workshop and Cheri calls the students back together. Most students stop and look up from their writing spots, but not all. She shows...
A Small Group Coaching Cycle in Action
Success! That’s the word that comes to mind as I reflect on a recently wrapped up small group coaching cycle. This particular group consisted of two kindergarten teachers, both new...
Coaching Minute: Different Philosophies
What do you do when the teacher you are coaching has a different philosophy? Ruth Ayres advises you to find common ground in this coaching minute video.
Why I Hate Homework
I hate homework. I hate it more now than I did when I was the one lugging textbooks and binders back and forth from school. The house my children are...
Something to Talk (and Write) About
Amy, a literacy coach, invited me to sit in on a first-grade team meeting. She had had a breakthrough with the group and wanted some input for next steps with...
Picture It: Demonstrating Observation Skills
Amanda Adrian (left) sits close by colleague Linda Karamatic during their introduction to reading workshop class for teachers. During the “show it” phase, Linda and Amanda alternate conferring with student...
Time In/Time Out Conference: Ava
The Time In/Time Out Conference is a terrific way for coaches to maximize time and reflection in classrooms. Literacy Coach Ruth Ayres and Cathy Laker confer with Ava, a second...
Who’s the Audience for Demonstration Lessons?
Demonstration lessons are one of the most effective components of coaching, but the purpose of them is often unclear to participants. Many teachers share with us that initially they thought...
Exploring Themes in the Intermediate Grades
At a recent third-grade team meeting we unpacked Common Core Standard #2. We looked at the standard, asking ourselves what it means and how might we teach it: R.L....
Picture It: Objectives and the Coach
Setting and communicating clear objectives to students is essential. In his article “Objectives That Students Understand,” Robert J. Marzano points out that an ineffective use of objectives is “writing the...
Video and the Thoughtful Coach
Three years ago I began video-recording teachers during lessons. It seemed like a win-win. The teacher would reflect on what went well and what needed tweaking inside their lessons, and...
The Dangers of Overplanning
I am a planner and a list maker. I am the person who goes out jogging in the morning, sits down, makes my list, and writes “jogging” and crosses it...
The Worried Parent
Jackson’s parents came into my office one day in early November, right on time, and settled into the chairs across from me. From an earlier phone call, I knew they...
Clarity and Connection: The Language of Change
Effective leaders are able to articulate their most important ideas with clarity, and they use language that emotionally connects with their audience. Connection creates meaning, and change will not occur...
