Confident, intelligent student writers don’t appear overnight. Just like a house needs the right blueprint and materials, writing needs correct structure and components. In ELA classrooms, strong writers must be developed intentionally. They need clear instruction, guided practice, repeated opportunities to work through the writing process, and domain-specific language
ELA Success
If I asked you to list the top five sources of stress in your life, your answers might include things like money, work, relationships, health, and time. These common sources are no surprise, but have you ever thought about the stress that is created when you attempt to communicate about
ELA Success
If I could travel the world, I would! I love the excitement of finding a new destination to experience. I love having the freedom to go wherever I want or can afford, whether I have a detailed itinerary or not! For me, world travel is an adventure. But what if
Holiday Lessons/Resources
As a classroom teacher, returning from holiday break was always bittersweet. On one hand, I knew the pressure for “test prep” would be more intense, but on the other hand, the satisfaction of witnessing my students grow into wiser beings put a validating smile on my face. I imagine my
In the Spotlight
As a kid, do you remember the first time you took the training wheels off and tried to ride your first bicycle? In the beginner’s mind, it was the next step in being a big kid, and it meant being open to making mistakes and being willing to take
Holiday Lessons/Resources
As the calendar year comes to a close, a teacher’s journey is still moving at full speed. (It’s true!) We are not quite to the halfway mark of our year, and we still have much to do! As 2025 comes to a close and before you begin the
Holiday Lessons/Resources
There are only a few shopping days left before Christmas! (Let that sink in for just a minute!) I know that Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but right about now, I’m feeling a little less than wonderful! The very idea that I
Holiday Lessons/Resources
When the excitement of a snow day or a long weekend is over, you may want an activity to teach your students how to find interest in nature’s resting time. It's an opportunity to find the beauty on display right outside the window! Take a classroom field
Holiday Lessons/Resources
‘Tis the season for trimming the tree, caroling, and holiday cards! I am one of those people who love to send and receive mail. I think I am a dying breed, but it gives me joy to create a holiday card and send it to my friends and family. Of
Holiday Lessons/Resources
Coloring sheets, word puzzles, tinsel, glitter, and glue are just some of the items you’ll find scattered around many classrooms during the holidays. There are so many wonderful craft ideas and activities people have used to make the season a memorable one at school. Here’s a fun way
Holiday Lessons/Resources
Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. Some of the words associated with kindness are affection, gentleness, warmth, concern, and care. The act of being kind often requires courage and strength, but a simple act of kindness can have huge effects individually and globally. Think
Holiday Lessons/Resources
My family and I have played a really cool game throughout our years together. My wife and I thought it up when we were traveling on vacation several years ago, and it remains one of my all-time favorites. It only requires a brain, a vocabulary, and a voice. It’s