After lunch my kids used to come barreling into the classroom. They had wolfed down lunches and then run off to play basketball or gossip among themselves. They came into class sweaty and chatty. They would throw their backpacks down, grab their books, pens and papers, and sprawl in their chairs. How would I ever … Continue reading Reading Aloud in Middle Grade Classrooms
I decided I was going to be a teacher when I was in the second grade. At the time I believed that meant I would wear turtleneck sweaters and have blonde hair that was flipped up at the bottom like my teacher. Of course, I knew I had a lot to learn before I would … Continue reading What’s on Your Walls? How My Classroom Helped My Students Learn
I correspond on a regular basis with a group of writers who also teach at writers’ conferences. We attend other workshops as well, in which we hear how it is important to have an “online presence.” Is an online presence also important for us as classroom teachers? Is it important for our students? I’m fortunate … Continue reading Tips for Starting a Classroom Blog
I just returned from a wonderful vacation. My husband and I spent five fun-filled days in Las Vegas—at Dance Camp. I have written before that dancing makes me better at what I do. Being a student for an intense week of lessons improved on that. When was the last time you spent real time as … Continue reading I’m a Dancin’ Machine…