I will admit to being a high school English teacher with a word wall. Okay three word walls to be precise-one for each level of vocabulary I teach. I have finally realized...
Everyone has a favorite meal-foods that conjure up fond memories or set one’s taste buds to watering. Today, I propose we harness students’ stomachs and attach their...
Inspired by the PBS show, Word Girl, I've created a vocabulary activity where students teach vocabulary words to each other by creating a performing skits. So my pseudonym...
Deborah Hopkinson writes great children’s books! I was amazed by the vast number (over 40) of picture books and chapter books she has written. All her books are...
I want to bring Allan Wolf to my school-his energy and enthusiasm are catching. Not only is he is a great writer who can discuss all the books he’s written for kids and...
One of my favorite games growing up was “Mother, May I” where participants took turns asking the “Mother” if s/he could step forward in a certain style (ballet twirl, giant...
I always strive to come up with unique activities for teaching academic vocabulary. When vocabulary instruction becomes redundant, students tend to check out. Practice...
I have been a huge Jack Gantos fan for many years now, and so I am thrilled that he won the 2011 Newbery Award for his latest novel (and pseudo memoir) Dead End in Norvelt.
What is a sure fire way to get students excited about vocabulary? Ask them to come up with a fun name for a brand new car. Car names can be vocabulary words! I will never...
Patrick Carman is a truly amazing and prolific author! He has three series of books where kids go online at certain points during their reading to watch videos and listen...
Jon Scieszka is in a word-hilarious! He was funny, kind and gracious enough to grant an interview after a day full of school visits and his library event. I was even lucky...
Jarrett Krosoczka is awesome! His kid’s book Punk Farm and the sequel, Punk Farm on Tour, are hilarious (farm animals rocking beloved kid’s tunes) –and my three year old has...