Celebrating Imagination and Creativity
Roxaboxen, a hill in Yuma, Arizona, littered with rocks and wooden boxes, serves as the setting of this children’s book, which tells a true tale of one child’s active imagination. “With the aid of her...
View ArticleTreading Mud . . . Writer’s Block
Hah! Whoever said a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step should have his/her head examined. The truth is a thousand steps in lots of directions might—one day, if you’re lucky—–coalesce...
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A Picture Spawns a Thousand Words
Fifteen of my family members gathered at my house for the Thanksgiving weekend. For three days we feasted on turkey, pie and family stories. Laughter laced the ebb and flow of conversation and cameras...
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12 Ways to Help a Kid Conquer Writer’s Block
If you’ve been writing for any length of time, you know what it’s like to have the words dry up. It’s like you’re dying of thirst, and the rusty ol’ spigot just won’t give up a drop. I probably felt...
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February: Lanterns ‘n Tigers and Mandarin…Oh My!
Valentine’s Day is Feb. 14, but did you know it’s the first day of the Chinese New Year, too? Yup – the Year of the Tiger is upon us! Maybe your child or class would have fun with some global fusion...
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Wordless Picture Books on Big Universe
Keisa Williams (aka Ms. K) is a K-5 School Librarian at Monarch Academy, a public charter school in Oakland, CA. She is certified in secondary and elementary education (MLIS and MEd) and loves...
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Book Review: Famous Figures of Ancient Egypt by Cathy Diez-Luckie
Famous Figures of Ancient Egypt written and illustrated by Cathy Diez-Luckie Figures in Motion, ©2009 Interest Level: 7 to 10 Readers can select from among the group of 19 men and an elephant...
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Children Love to Share Their Favorite Books
Anyone who spends time in a classroom can tell you–students love to talk about their favorite things. Any opportunity to share stories, new toys, or exciting experiences is usually highly anticipated...
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Reading Essentials Part 1: Reading Aloud
Reading aloud is something children never outgrow. The benefits extend far beyond the classroom, and it can be a vital part of a child’s literary development. Let’s investigate some ways to use this...
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Using Reading Minutes to Motivate Readers
Most classrooms assign nightly or weekly reading minutes. But what happens after the minutes are recorded and turned in to the teacher? Here is an easy, fun, and creative way to get students...
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The Interactive Read-Aloud: Keys to Successful Reading at Home and In The...
One of my favorite activities in the classroom is the interactive read-aloud. Every page is an opportunity to engage the students and help them build reading strategies through creative and fun...
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Readers Theatre: Increasing Comprehension and Fluency
What is Readers Theatre? Readers Theatre involves students performing from a written script without costumes, scenery, or props. The readers have to use strong voices and emotion in their reading to...
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Using Poetry to Teach: Phonemic Awareness
Poetry is a creative and meaningful way for children to build a strong foundation for literacy. Children love the natural rhythm of poems and songs, and poetry that rhymes is especially appealing to...
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Reading, Writing, and Fun With Nonfiction
With the implementation of the Common Core State Standards comes a long overdue excitement over the non-fiction genre. This category has always been a favorite of mine, and I’m thrilled to see so...
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Reading Essentials: Creating A Successful Classroom Library
A classroom library should be inviting, comfortable, and highly visible. Let students know that book are valued and reading is important. A well planned classroom or home library can improve reading...
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Story Elements: Plot
All the events that happen throughout a story make up the plot. This is usually something students understand well. When students retell a story, they are describing the events sequentially, which...
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Opinion and Argument Writing and The Common Core State Standards
Writing Opinions and Arguments The Common Core State Standards require students to write opinion pieces starting in early elementary school. As students enter middle school, the Common Core State...
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Using Books, Writing and Crafts To Celebrate Valentine’s Day
English Language Arts Ideas for Valentine’s Day Writing Ideas For Valentine’s Day Valentine’s Day is a wonderful time of year to get children writing. Children can write cards and letters to family and...
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Different, Not More: Differentiation for Gifted Students in the General...
Teachers feel the pressure to create differentiated instruction for their students. We plan lessons and modify them for our special education students, but often our gifted students are neglected. They...
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Using Children’s Hand-Crafted Artwork
Creating Extraordinary Cards And Memorable Presents Young scholars create weekly art pieces in schools across America each week. Parents can highlight their children’s artwork by framing them and...
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