I am a huge fan of bookmarks because they can be a great tool for students to use during independent reading. Every June, I share a special bookmark printable with students...
In close reading, it is important to compare texts with similar purpose, point of view, or other specific aspects. The more specific the comparison being made and the greater...
This post explores what effective feedback in education looks like and why principals and specialists should seek it out rather than be afraid of receiving it. You'll...
The week before Memorial Day, I always spend some time discussing this symbolic holiday with my students. My mini Memorial Day lesson is simple and yet always makes an...
Review reading comprehension strategies with my Mother's Day-inspired compare and contrast lesson. Although this compare and contrast lesson was inspired by Mother's Day, I...
Learning Transformed: 8 Keys to Designing Tomorrow's Schools Today by Eric C. Sheninger and Thomas C. Murray is a MUST READ for educators. In this article, I've summarized...
In this article, you'll discover how to use text-dependent questions to engage students in close reading. I share text-dependent questions and passage I use from the book, ...
Like many of you, my students will be taking the SBAC (Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium) for the first time this spring. In my reading and literacy instruction this...
Use the 2018 Winter Olympics to engage students in a series of nonfiction reading strategy lessons! Use the lessons and printables below to teach (or review) nonfiction...
Having your students do multiple reads of a text (that is, re-reading more closely with a specific purpose for each read) is an excellent way to deepen their understanding of...
Two of my favorite books to read in December are The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg and The Gingerbread Man by Jim Aylesworth. I love to use these books not only...
If you have visited my blog before you know that I try to incorporate my students' current interests into my lesson plans. I believe students learn best and retain the...