Literacy Learning Zone

Slice of Life is  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ Today I am so thankful for my daughters' teachers. Every day my girls come home with stories and stories to share. Stories about school and friends and special teachers. "You know, Mom.  My teacher said when you think you've finished, you've only just begun. Turn the page and write more." "Mom, I got to read with my teacher today! I read a story in the morning and then another in the afternoon." "My teacher is reading a really good book to us." I smile and share i...

Slice of Life  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers I have taken a much-needed break from Twitter the last couple weeks, or maybe it's even been months.  You see, it can be very addicting and overwhelming and time consuming.   However, I had to return.   I love being able to learn from committed, caring, courageous, curious educators from all over the world right from my laptop or phone. Constant professional development that fits my needs. Picking and choosing articles to read. Blog posts to think about and respond to. Conversations to engage in.   With a little bit of free time this weekend, (OK.  Late, really late Friday night and my hubby was out of town), I jumped into Twitterland, and this tweet caught my eye: I didn't hesitate.  I clicked to watch - go ahead and take 5 minutes to watch this video of "Why I Stay" if you haven't seen it yet. I watched it.  Twice. ...

Slice of Life Stories hosted by the  Two Writing Teachers What does one need to know in order to throw a great celebratory party? Delicious food.   Check. Fine wine.   Check. Great people. Check, check, check. A standing ovation.   Check. A little rockin' music.   Check! Last Friday night, three teachers from my school celebrated their journey of teaching.  Planning such a night can be bittersweet.  It's a celebration of their dedication, hard work, blood, sweat and tears for a combined total of 102 years!  Yet, uncertainty as this BIG chapter concludes . . . all the while knowing many new chapters are waiting to begin. It was such a special evening to honor these three women through words and songs.  Story after story after story that was shared, confirmed their dedication to teac...

Are you feeling it? Summer is coming. Time is up. Seventeen more days. We're making lists.   Sharing data. Using every last tick of instructional time. She's moving? Oh, they need to be separated. Intensive.  Strategic? Keep an eye on him. We have all year to stress about our students and what we are teaching, yet it catches up to us in May.  We feel the push.  We want what is best for our students and prepare them for the next grade.  We plan extra mini-lessons.  We plan with big ideas.  Then the questions begin:  Did I do enough?  Is she ready?  What about this?  I still need to teach them that.  It feels like May is jammed and crammed. We should be feeling this pressure all school year.  We should feel this concerned and aware of who is sitting in front of us.  We should be worried about what we need to teach them to move them forward.  All. Year.  With excitement and enthusiasm. Let's teach...

Teacher Appreciation week is May 2 - 6.  I loved the simplicity of the words reminding me of my potential impact on the students I teach every day:  possibility, inspire, curiosity, hope, confidence, and my personal favorite: shake loose dreams. Share this with a teacher, a colleague, or anyone who ever had an inspiring teacher!  And say, "Thank you!"