Teaching
Blessing and a Curse
In February, it only seems fitting that we write about things we love. I love words and books and I especially love reading. And recently, I have realized that my love of reading is a blessing as well as a curse. As far back as I can remember, I loved to read. My parents are…
Read MoreLearning to Love Words
Have you ever read a book you thought was just horrible from beginning to end? One you would never recommend? If the answer is yes, then give it to my friend Ginny to read. I can guarantee she’ll find something she loves about it. It may be a page, paragraph, or just a sentence, but…
Read MoreEmbrace the Mess
“Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end!” – Robin Sharma I am living proof that learning is messy. While rushing through my Saturday morning chores, I hurriedly threw the laundry into the machine. There were just a couple more towels than usual – and I didn’t want…
Read MoreWhat They Really Love
It’s February so the ERG blog theme is one of love, of course. This sounded like a great idea when we were mapping out the year but my deadline for writing came and went and I was totally uninspired. I could give you a litany of reasons, but at the end of the day my…
Read MoreLove the Uniqueness
This month our ERG theme is love! Webster defines it as an intense feeling of deep affection. As I sit and ponder over what it is that I love about teaching, my first thought is its uniqueness. Each day I have the gift of a fresh start and the privilege of working with very…
Read MoreWhen Passion is the Problem
From the desk of Alice… I recently had a conversation with a teacher who is in her 6th year of teaching. She is dedicated, professional, has non-instructional duties under control, has a growth mindset and is fully focused on best practices with teaching and learning. This particular teacher taught several years ago and is back…
Read MoreThe Bear Did What???
Well, he might have eaten your sandwich. Then again he might not have. You’ll have to read the picture book, The Bear Ate Your Sandwich by Julia Sarcone-Roach, to find the answer. This is a delightful book which provides many entries into teaching vocabulary, comprehension, and writing. The story is told by an unseen narrator…
Read MoreThe Arts – A Great "How"
“If our goal is for children to become knowledgeable, critical thinkers who are good at solving problems, we need to pay attention to the ‘how’ of teaching.” – Linda Crawford I want my students to thrive! I want them to soak up their learning experiences, remember, recall, and apply their knowledge at school – and…
Read MoreThe Friz Doesn't "Play School"
“Take chances, make mistakes, get messy!” The immortal words of one of my favorite teachers, Ms. Frizzle. Every time I pick up a Magic School Bus book I secretly wish I could be like the Friz. I love her passion! As you probably know, Valerie Frizzle is the creation of author (and former teacher)…
Read MoreA Passion for Read-Alouds
ERG’s theme for the month of January is Passion and I have a passion for children’s literature. A great read-aloud, shared with tender loving care, can change the climate of a classroom in a heartbeat. You know that quote, “Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast.” Well, a good picture book hath the…
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