Literacy Learning Zone

__________________________________________________ The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers . Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ Be the light the one who comforts encourages shows kindness When we feel that little nudge -- to send a text make that call When we hear the whispers -- to say a prayer buy a little gift Do so without embarrassment fear, worry judgement For it can give the greatest gift of hope, strength and love Little nudges can make a BIG impact -- and you may never know the depths But sometimes you may learn about the power of your generosity I believe those nudges, those whispers are God's way of connecting us And, in time, the gift of hope, stren...

__________________________________________________ The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers . Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ Thursday nights are dedicated to gymnastics class for my daughters. We spend the evening at the local YMCA from 5 to 7:45 pm. It's also my special one-on-one time with each of my girls. They have class at different times, so this has allowed me the opportunity to be present with only one of my daughters at a time. Without sister interruptions. I had already shared with my girls that I was participating in the March Slice of Life challenge again this year and that the goal is to write every day of the month. "What will you write about every day?" M. wondered out loud. "Little stories from our d...

Slice of Life is  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ My twin daughters usually do everything together. To be honest, it makes life a little easier for us.  However, I am learning that it isn't always feasible and it's not always the best choice. For example, think about school. I thought it would be great to keep them together.  One teacher, one set of expectations, same homework. My husband disagreed. The girls reside in separate classrooms and it has been a positive experience for both. They have truly blossomed as little peopl...

Slice of Life is  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ Last night as I sat watching my girls tumble at gymnastics, I picked up my pen and notebook. I started with these words: What to write? And this is what spilled on the page ... straight from my heart. What to write ... I wonder, think, ponder. My words are hard to find today. There are many celebrations and joys to share, but the darkness of frustration and loneliness hide them temporarily. What to write? I question, grumble, sigh. My words are bubbling to the surface...

Welcome to the SEVENTH #cyberPD summer event! Check out our   #cyberPD Google Community   to learn more about our summer PD.  Cathy Mere  and I can't wait for  YOU  to join our community and conversations. _______________________________________________________________ I cannot believe yet another school year is ending and endless days of summer will be arriving. For me, summer is an opportunity to experience the fun of playing at home, outside in the backyard, visiting local parks and zoos, stopping by the library, getting lost in a book, and occasionally getting bored with my twin seven year old girls. I also like to dig into a professional book (or a few when time allows ...) with a group of amazing educators that participate in the summer learning of #cyberPD. This group pushes my thinking and makes me want more.  Kylene said it best: Our goal is to pick THAT book that will teach us something, touch us, make us want mo...

Slice of Life is  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ I debated writing today. I debated about what to write about today. I did my usual pre-procrastination social media scroll. Twitter. Instagram. Pinterest. Ahhhh ... I linger as I scroll and smile. "Yes. Oh, I like that one. Favorite that! Agreed.  I needed to hear that." And, so, to continue on with my procrastination, I needed to share my love ... And, thus, a tweet that led to writing this slice. This last year I needed some positive reinforcements and to re-c...

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join us for a month of writing! _________________________________________ Finding our new home has been a love story , as Terje beautifully stated in her comment a couple days ago.  We were disappointed looking at house after house until we found this home.   The home went on the market the evening before we first saw it, so there was no lockbox yet.  The owner was there to let us in.  We briefly said hello and he respectfully left to give us space to walk through the home.  When we first walked into this Colonial style home, it took our breath away.  White.  Super white.  Lots of white.  And good thing, we like white.  It was open and airy and light and bright and, yes, white.  The main f...

The Slice of Life is hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ I have not had the time or space to fully reflect upon my learning experiences at ILA in St. Louis. Except that it was invigorating to be constantly surrounded by and connecting with ... Passionate educators who care so deeply about students, reading, and thinking  Teacher leaders in literacy education that I listened to very carefully to breathe in every word and the opportunity to meet some of them, even if to briefly chat Amazing authors trying to reach children and adults of all ages with the p...