Literacy Learning Zone

I love sharing book titles with close friends, so I'm happy you are here! I want to share a book that you must add to your to-be-read list. Ruth Ayres has a brand new book titled  Enticing Hard-To-Reach Writers   published by Stenhouse Publishers. It's another must read from Ruth. There are many professional development books available to learn about mastering our craft of teaching.   However, there are only a few that make a true impact -- and this is one book that weaves raw truth, research, practical ideas, and story all in one {cute} little package.  In  Enticing Hard-To-Reach Writers , Ruth allows her worlds to collide during the creation:  "In this book, I entwine my three story lines as educator, momma, and writer." (p. 6) And she does this in an amazing way through sharing stories of her family, adoption, children living in hard places -- and doing their best  -- and healing. She shares how we can use research ...

Slice of Life is  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ a day goes by ... my notebook awaits with empty blank pages a week goes by ...  i write nothing more than a grocery list a month goes by ... i'm out of practice and it's just hard to write time goes by quickly ... i must try to slow down time a day goes by ... i notice moments to cherish in my notebook a week goes by ... i collect memories and practice the craft of writing a month goes by ... i write with ease with continued practice

Slice of Life is  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ Today is my Mom's birthday. And I can't wish her a happy day. There's a reason ... and it's not what you are thinking. My Mom is one of the most giving people I know. Right now she is volunteering on a mission trip in Guatemala for the week, and communication is limited. I sent her an email and a text this morning not knowing when or if she will receive them ... so today I'm honoring my Mom! My Mom is a truly amazing person. She really is! My Mom has always been so giving and...

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...

Slice of Life is  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ A long weekend getaway is needed every now and again. Quiet days slowed enough to hear only my breathing. Time to just be together as a family and make memories. No email. No internet. Disconnected. Just time. And books. And outdoors. And us. The crisp fall air enticing the colors to begin to glow. Outdoor events filled our time from hiking to ATVing to boating Nightly star gazing, stories by the campfire in the stillness of the country. Squeezing...

Slice of Life is  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ Books have created an amazing bond between us. It's that special time we get to sit, side-by-side, snuggled in close with a book shared between the three of us. The story, the characters, the laughs, maybe even a few tears. The information, the interesting facts, the surprises, the I-didn't-know-that! Favorite authors, amazing illustrators, continued reading in a series, brand new titles. We read and reread. Some titles again and again and again. My daughter P.'s goal is to checkout a...

Slice of Life is  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ Change is ... How would you finish that thought? There are so many different ways to think about change. Change can be necessary. It can be healthy.  Change can be positive or it can be negative. Change can be lonely. It can be a personal choice or a decision that has been made for you. Change impacts our thoughts, our emotions, our present and our future. It's only been a little over a month. Five and a half weeks. Forty-two days to be exact. All that time in a new school in a new role...