Self-Reflection
Fiction or Nonfiction? Why Do We Care?
From the desk of Amanda… Teacher: So we’ll be reading a text today called My Bones. Is this fiction or non-fiction? As a student, I love this question because I have a 50/50 shot even if I completely guess. As an adult, I’m thinking, “Boy, I’d love to take those odds to Vegas.” Student 1: …
Read MoreI was in the minority and I didn't like it!
From the desk of Hope… This year for spring break my family decided to go to the Dominican Republic with three families from our neighborhood. We had a wonderful time at the beautiful resort Casa de Campo. The thing I was not prepared for was the language barrier. I am not sure how I missed…
Read MoreQuestioning Questioning Part 2
From the desk of Amanda… Last week we talked about taking the first step in having students ask questions. The goal with step one is just to practice asking questions so students can strengthen their inner voices—the simple act of being conscious and intentional about asking questions helps achieve that. But we can’t stop there. …
Read MoreA Blessing or a Curse?
From the desk of April…. To be both a mother and an educator… is it a blessing or a curse? Will I ever know the answer? I am blessed that I learned how to promote the love of literature to my children from Dr. Baker at Salem College. I know how valuable it is to…
Read MoreA Baby Only Wears a Sweater When . . .
From the desk of Karen…This true story is one I live by and I offer it to you for reflection. A darling little boy was born into this world. His mother was thrilled. There were problems, of course. In the first 10 days, the baby would not stop crying. Despite all her efforts, the baby…
Read MoreAmanda's Perfection Paralysis
Amanda’s TO DO Lists September 15, 2011 Do invoices Pay tutors Finish feedback Write blog for ERG October 1, 2011 Staff development activity Prep for ERG meeting Bank deposits Finish schedules Write blog for ERG November 18, 2011 Reschedule dates for 2 schools Contact principal about new project Make list for Thanksgiving Write…
Read MoreA Reading Journey
From the desk of April F… I have a confession. Though my professional career is now devoted to Literacy, I was (into adulthood) an apathetic, reluctant reader. I could read, though I didn’t know about any strategies. If I looked at the words long enough I could figure them out or fake it. That was…
Read MoreLet's Be Solution Oriented
From the desk of Hope… As I reflect on my work week I keep thinking about all of the obstacles and barriers I heard that keeps progress from happening. I recounted conversations over and over in my head and the more I recounted the more stressed and drained I felt. All of us are guilty…
Read MoreLess is More-Part 2
If you are a frequent reader of our blog, you know that my kids made up a game called “Sleeping Doggy” in a previous post. It started with a card board box. Seriously. Bossy Boots and Mr. Friendly are 4 this holiday and they make for a very fun holiday season. They are into the…
Read MoreLess is More- Part 1
It’s the weekend before Christmas and I am trying to tie up the loose ends I have on my list and make sure I have all the gifts for the upcoming festivities and especially Christmas morning. As I was mentally checking off people in my head, I walked into my kitchen to find Bossy Boots…
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