Listening

Literacy + STEM = A Perfect Pairing

When it comes to STEM and literacy, one can’t exist without the other. STEM teachers emphasize the Engineering Design Process and computational thinking, as well as technology tools. But the work of engineers and scientists goes much further than the traditional STEM subjects of science, technology, engineering, and math. They are also communicators, collaborators, writers, …

Literacy + STEM = A Perfect Pairing Read More »

Raised hands

Promoting Classroom Conversation

Every single day we are tasked with ensuring that our students are entering into our building safely, that they are to learn wholeheartedly, and that they get to experience a wide variety of knowledge along the way. In doing this, as educators one of the pivotal roles we play is to promote classroom conversations. These …

Promoting Classroom Conversation Read More »

Young boy sitting atop a stack of books

Poetry: My Story

In 1994, my 6-year-old son Nicholas failed first grade. Testing revealed he could read ten words, showed no strengths, and had a low IQ. The prognosis was dire, his future bleak. Finally, the diagnostician called him: “The worst child I’ve seen in twenty years of teaching.” I had the option to remove my son from …

Poetry: My Story Read More »

Fairytale; social emotional learning

Reading Supports Social Emotional Learning

How reading helps children learn social emotional skills I am a lover of all things book and the written word. As a child, I was precocious and very curious. Thankfully, my father had a great passion for reading and ensured that I, along with my siblings, understood the importance of literacy and that it was …

Reading Supports Social Emotional Learning Read More »

cover image of The Dot by Peter H Reynolds; this book helped improve culture at our school

Using Children’s Literature and Stories to Change Culture in Your School or Classroom

Using children\’s stories to bolster a sense of community connectedness and improve the culture at your school Imagine this… You are a classroom teacher or a counselor or a principal. You see and feel the culture of your learning community and note the need for a change. It is 2021 and people from all walks …

Using Children’s Literature and Stories to Change Culture in Your School or Classroom Read More »

Family Joining Puzzle Pieces; schema

Background is Everything

Although we don’t generally think about it, every experience we have adds to a repertoire of events that create “us” – our background. The stories we share with friends, the lessons we teach our kids, and the bank of knowledge we use to make decisions in the moment. Everything we encounter adds to this background, …

Background is Everything Read More »

crying sad child - little girl face with tear on the cheek; normalizing emotions

Normalizing Emotions

Emotions. We all have them. We’ve felt the good, the bad, and the ugly. Happiness, sadness, anger, disappointment, guilt, love. Even though kids are small they can feel some huge emotions, and they should be normalized and discussed. Building a Support System Your child should feel safe to discuss emotions and feelings with family, friends, …

Normalizing Emotions Read More »

Smiling mother reading book with daughter; read with child

READ IT AGAIN! – Reading to Your Child

Young kids love to read the same book over and over again. Their developing brains see new things in the pictures and better understand the story each time they read it. Plus, the consistency of seeing the same story unfold the same way each time helps children develop a strong sense of sequencing and process. …

READ IT AGAIN! – Reading to Your Child Read More »

cute American father and son reading book together

Finding Books Your Child Will Love

If you’re a reader, you’re familiar with the pull of another world. You’ve slipped into other lives to become fairies and dragon slayers, adventurers, and heroes. Now you want your child to experience new adventures and far-off lands, while tucked safely in their beds at home. Opening the door for them shouldn’t be stressful. I …

Finding Books Your Child Will Love Read More »

Scroll to Top