Differentiating New Teacher Support Programs
OK, so we preach about differentiating our lessons. We preach about differentiating our students. We preach about differentiating our assessments. But what about differentiating the requirements of...
View ArticleGod bless us, everyone…
On Christmas Eve, my 2 year-old son and I were driving home to meet my husband, when our Honda CR-V was hit by another car. It was pretty bad. But it could have been much worse, for which we are...
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Is Cursive Really a 21st Century Skill or is it History?
Look, we all agree, that our job is to prepare our students for their future by teaching 21st Century skills, right? Well, then why is cursive even a continuing debate? We can no longer afford to...
View ArticleSesame Street: Word on the Street
OK, so as I write this I’m watching Sesame Street with my 2 year old. This big-feathered muppet just announced that the Word on the Street is, get this…Struggle. I kid you not. I guess times are...
View ArticleSkills vs. Strategies: UCI Writing Project Challenge
The UCI Writers Project has monthly meetings for its alumni where we discuss certain topics, bringing our field studies and expertise into the conversation. Last night we tackled an issue related to...
View ArticleNewsHour with Jim Leher: Michelle Rhee
I recently watched John Merrow’s interview with Michelle Rhee on the NewsHour. Michelle seems like a real mixed blessing for education. On one hand, she’s willing to clean house, and education does...
View ArticleRecalling your own Metacognition
I’ve been working on metacognitive lessons with my middle schoolers in an attempt to teach reflection and the act of thinking about thinking. Anyway, one of the most important elements in teaching...
View ArticleMetacognitive Poetry: Writing About Thinking While Writing Lesson
Here’s a great metacognitive lesson that integrates poetry. Or is it a poetry lesson that is metacognitive? (Shrug) I believe that good writing and great structure can be taught through mimicking...
View ArticleCongrats Neil Gaiman!
All hail the mighty Neil Gaiman! I can’t say that I actually called it, but I did recommend The Graveyard Book, did I not? Yes, it seems The Sandman himself has gone and won the Newbery Award. So...
View ArticleMy New Interactive Whiteboard…an update
OK, you know when you get a new puppy and you love it and you couldn’t live without it and then you find out it has hip dysplasia? That’s a little of what my relationship is like with my new...
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Is EdTech changing how students think or is it addressing the changes in...
Science Daily is reporting that there has been a shift in how students are thinking as a result of their use of technology. They believe it possibly lowers critical thinking skills and analysis....
View ArticleHere’s why test scores shouldn’t be the only criteria…
OK, so my first period’s “Advanced” group went up 40% between their 1st district assessment and their 2nd. Another period went up 37%. Even my Honors class went from 81% Advanced to 97% Advanced,...
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Starting from scratch in teacher training
I recently heard Judy Willis (of “syn-naps” fame) speak at a conference. In her pre-teaching life, she was a neurologist and she brings her knowledge to the classroom and to her lectures. (See my...
View ArticleThe Death of Teacher Conferences or I Can’t Believe I Miss My Canvas Bag
So, CATE (the California Association of Teachers of English) just came to an end. The hotel was lovely. All ran smoothly. We were greeted with smiles aplenty, and everything ran on time. Sheridan...
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Top 10: How to Take Control of Your Teaching
Occasionally, I repost this article so that new readers can find it more easily. Based on some very enthusiastic feedback, it has since morphed into a book proposal called The Top Secret New Teachers...
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The Importance of The Classroom Library
I believe a classroom library is the heartbeat of a teacher’s environment. It is the window into their own personality, and it reflects the importance of literacy in the classroom. I believe every...
View ArticleHow to be an Ed Tech Advocate
OK, guys. So I got it from the horse’s mouth at CUE. According to the ISTE Director of Governmental Affairs, No Child Left Behind is not going away. In the weeks leading up to the election, the...
View ArticleTeaching Secrets: Finding a Job That You Love
Know a teacher who got a pink slip? Maybe my newest post at Teacher Magazine can help. Click here for the article. It’s Step 1 of my Top Secret New Teacher Handbook. Hope it creates some shortcuts,...
View ArticleMovie Trailer Review: Where the Wild Things Are
Yes, it’s true. I’m reviewing a movie review. But when you watch it, you’ll understand why. Spike Jonze of “Being John Malkovich” fame (amongst other image-rich movies and videos) is directing a...
View ArticleFictional Crushes
OK, don’t tell my husband, but I have a fictional crush. That is, I have a crush based on a fictitious character. I think I’ve always had one, but the object of my literary love has always changed...
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