This is the first time I can remember that I’ve felt like maybe I can’t go on, maybe I won’t make it, and I’m not sure I want to try! I don’t know what else to do with some of these students. …feeling like my work and myself …Read More

In the classroom I strive to maximize excellence and efficiency coupled with education. “Today I’m going to tell you about an excellent resource that will enlighten all your writing assignments and expand your vocabulary,” she beamed holding up a three-inch-thick tome. Paging to glad, students’ jaws dropped, amazed …Read More

I am a writer. I have been a teacher. And as a teacher—writer or not—I found writing one of the most difficult skills I ever tried to teach. Looking back, I think I focused too much on writing as an assignment—a thing that had to be completed before …Read More

After assigning the research paper (addressed in this blog post), you should have mini-classes to guide your students through the assignment.  First, teach them how to pick an appropriate topic. Choosing a Topic Choosing a good topic might seem self-explanatory to the teacher, but students will benefit from …Read More

A few years ago, a friend suggested the title The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo as a worthwhile story time read.  It is! In the story, a china rabbit named Edward, who, in spite of being deeply loved, is completely self-absorbed and unable to love …Read More