Eventually the time will come when we ask our students to self-reflect and/or assess their writing. Sometimes in the form of a rubric - sometimes in the form of a checklist - two stars and a wish, whatever you want... Continue Reading →
Born out of lack of success in having students independently use their class word wall, high frequency word lists, or personal spelling dictionaries to edit their writing my co-teacher @YYteach and I decided to give the Don't and Do spelling strategy... Continue Reading →
Every year the struggle is the same. Eager second grade writers pour their hearts out into their "small moment" personal narratives but without much to show for in terms of word choice or elaboration. In the spirit of sharing, one... Continue Reading →
I don't exactly remember how or when I learned to read, but I do remember what I loved to read ... National Geographic. Apparently I would sit in a way too big for me armchair next to my grandfather thumbing... Continue Reading →
This post is all based on awesome idea #99 by my fab co-teacher @YYteach. The problem we were facing was that we had great mini-lessons and charts, but the students struggled to apply the teaching points independently. With our personal... Continue Reading →
The catch phrase seems to be "coding is the new literacy" and while reading & writing will remain essential skills in the future now and always; these six apps are what I enjoy using in my coding ASA and classroom... Continue Reading →
February 14th is traditionally known as Valentine's day, a day to celebrate love in all its forms. However, as poetic justice would have it, this year's Valentine's day also coincided with the first funeral I have had to attend for... Continue Reading →
"If you are what you eat, then I only want to eat the good stuff." - Remy (Ratatouille) The same analogy applies to books. Not all books are created equal. Some books I wonder how they ever got published in... Continue Reading →
I am a creature of habit. After another long day I lay down, flip open my Kindle, expecting to read the daily edition of the Times Colonist (a newspaper out of Victoria, BC that makes me feel connected to "home")... Continue Reading →
