It’s the beginning of a new school year, which means new books for my classroom library. After moving a few shelves into place and rearranging some books, it is very clear to me that I need to do more curating … Continue reading →

I am a little behind on my reading, as I try to get back into the rhythm of the school year. There are so many things to do, and never enough time to get them all done! However, my priority … Continue reading →

Life on the Deckle Edge has this week’s roundup. Thank you, Robyn! It’s hard to believe that 14 years have passed since 9/11. For this week’s poem, I’ve chosen one from poet Mattie Stepanek, from his book, Hope Through Heartsongs. … Continue reading →

It’s almost Thursday, and I can’t believe I missed #IMWAYR this week! Time is flying! My school finished two weeks of professional development last Thursday, and this week we are “off” before school starts on Monday. Anyone who teaches knows … Continue reading →

Yes, it is once again Poetry Friday! I am up to my eyebrows in classroom setup stuff, and want to share a favorite Eloise Greenfield poem this week:   BOOKS By Eloise Greenfield I’ve got books on the bunk bed … Continue reading →

Alyson at Kid Lit Frenzy hosts Non Fiction Picture Book Wednesday today. Teachers and librarians have been sharing favorite titles of mostly fiction picture books, and I wanted to make some space for some favorite non-fiction picture books. I tend … Continue reading →

Reading is EVERYTHING! Independent reading is everything. I will be addressing this all year, as I embark on another year with 5th grade readers. I find inspiration in many places, and the past couple of years I’ve leaned into Donalyn … Continue reading →

“Good readers tend to have very large and sophisticated vocabularies in the language in which they are reading. A lot of English language learners are still acquiring that vocabulary, and so they don’t bring with them enough vocabulary to make meaning from the text.” Nonie LeSaux, HGSE Continue reading →

One of the most exciting aspects of planning for the new school year centers on selecting picture books to read aloud in the first weeks of school. Of course, reading novels aloud is also part of the equation, but for … Continue reading →