Literacy Learning Zone

Check out more Slice of Life Stories  at the  Two Writing Teachers Why write? Wow! Such a simple question  with so many possible answers.  I write for me.  I write to capture a moment.  I write to struggle through the process  so that I can teach my students and  help them find their voice. Why do you write?  Here's what a couple of friends said: Lucky for me!  I won this poster from the   Stenhouse Blog !

Check out more Slice of Life Stories  at the  Two Writing Teachers As I sat down to read next to a second grader, I was surprised by his initial thoughts of the photograph on the cover of the book: "This reminds me of my grandma," Brian said pointing to the crocodile head. "Oh.  Really?  Tell me more."  I had to hear more of his thinking!  I'm thinking he's going to tell me about her dry, wrinkly skin or the yellow, gnarly teeth. "Well, she's kinda grouchy," he stated matter-of-factly. We are learning about making connections.  Not the type of connection that is going to help us better understand the text, but I have to give Brian credit:  He's thinking about his reading . . . and he made me smile!

Check out more Slice of Life Stories  at the  Two Writing Teachers It's only thirty minutes and it gives me time To think To write in my head To plan my to-do list To be by myself. It's only thirty minutes and it is worth it To get up a little early To start the day off right To be energized To just breathe. It's only thirty minutes and I just need to do it To relieve stress To get my heart pumping To feel healthier To feel alive. It's only thirty minutes and it's time to exercise.

Check out more Slice of Life Stories  at the  Two Writing Teachers Last week was a celebration!  The BIG 100 blog posts!           (Hands in the air! Wave 'em like I just don't care!) Well, almost.           (Arms down. Smile to a frown.) Ok.  So, I thought I was celebrating my 100th blog post last week.  As I read the glorious congratulatory comments, my eyes drifted to the left-hand side of my blog.  A huge 2011 (95) screamed out at me.           (Bug eyes in total surprise!) Apparently, I have written 100 posts, but only published 95.  I'm kinda, like, short of that 100 mark.           (Shaking head in disappointment.) Yep, celebrated prematurely.  Hope that's not bad luck or anything . . . But . . . now, I've got myself wondering about those five secret posts that I wrote, but never published.         ...