Literacy Learning Zone

Slice of Life is  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ For six years of her life, I have provided my daughter choice when it comes to selecting books to read. At the public library we visit often, she will grab a book that interests her, sit down on the ground, and slowly, carefully study the book page-by-page to decide if it will make it into the check out pile. There are no levels or discussions about letters. There are no rules or boundaries. (I'll be honest. There have been an occasional eye roll at a book selection ... but I can only take so much Barbie or My

Slice of Life is  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ Yesterday was my first day of school with my colleagues.  Starting the year off with meetings. There were many new faces, including new staff members, teachers, and student teachers. As they were introduced, one name sounded familiar. I leaned forward to get a better look at this student teacher. There was a familiarity in the face. But I just wasn't sure. The meeting moved forward and I continued to think about this name and face.  I did the numbers in my head. That's it! That has to be

Check out other favorite Picture Book Lists:  Picture Book 10 for 10 Google Community Learn more about #pb10for10 from Cathy at   Reflect and Refine  and Mandy at  Enjoy and Embrace Learning ______________________________________________________________ Picture books tend to touch our hearts and leave us with so many different feelings.  All of the picture books I selected for my list are #heartprint worthy.  They have left an impression on my heart and I want to share these books and feelings  with my students, my own children, and you.   Our hearts overflow with feelings with each picture book. My #pb10for10 list of books is full of feelings -- inspired by the picture book   In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek .  (Yes, I snuck in an extra book!) In my heart ... ______________________________________________________________ 1.   This is when my heart is ...  HAPPY:   Mother Bruce  by Ryan T. Higgins My girls and I have read this

Slice of Life is  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ This summer Olympics has a new level of enjoyment.  This summer we introduced our girls to the amazing world of pure determination to be the best of the best in the world at your sport and represent your country yearning for a medal. What a perfect opportunity to share a love a sport where you commit to practice and practice and more practice.  As you set into motion talent and commitment, there are visions of greatness and dreams of winning at the Olympics in front of the world. The variety of spor

Slice of Life is  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ I still remember. I was driving to school that beautiful day. It was only my second year of teaching precious second graders. The sky was an amazing, crystal clear blue with white puffs scattered about. I was on Higgins Road speeding through the forest preserve listening to a local Chicago morning show that was usually full of laughter. A serious tone in the voice of the announcer had me captivated. I turned up the radio. "A plane ... New York City ... not sure ... small plane ... lost