Some words feel wonderful in your mouth: benevolent, pashmina, Constantinople. They roll right off one’s tongue and into one’s imagination. Words hold meaning and are the building blocks of all human thought. When I began teaching thirty-seven years ago, I marveled …
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‘Tis the Season to be Baking!
As the holidays approach and cold weather sets in, we often think of indoor, hands-on activities to engage and motivate children. One activity that enriches experience, extends critical and creative thinking is cooking. And it’s delicious and tasty too! …
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Mindful Literacy: Breathe, Lean in, and Listen!
Fall is here and for me September and October, mean it’s time for ELA assessments. The teachers, specialists, and I gear up to assess the reading, phonics, spelling, and writing skills of students to help support their learning throughout the …
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Poetry in Play!
Experts in literacy and child development have discovered that if children know eight nursery rhymes by heart by the time they’re four years old, they’re usually among the best readers by the time they’re eight. – Mem Fox, Reading Magic, 2001 Poetry …
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The Joy of Reading Aloud
“The shortest distance between two people is a story.” Throughout the school year, I offer various book club opportunities to our students. It is a time when I get to celebrate reading good books with the girls in a …
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