Our move from a small town in WI to Brooklyn was a whirlwind. From the time I accepted a teaching position, we had two months to sell our house, find a place to live, and figure out 1,000 other little … Continue reading The Blank Canvas Classroom
It seems silly that the belief, children are capable is new to me this year. I’m sure I’ve always felt this way, but it became a true part of my philosophy when there was a shift from my role as the sole … Continue reading Children Are Capable, But We Must Let Them Be (Part 2)
As I watch the group of survivors from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School spark a movement across the nation, one that has been unsuccessfully attempted by adults, something inside me rejoices: CHILDREN ARE CAPABLE. I think about the much smaller … Continue reading Children Are Capable, But We Must Let Them Be (Part 1)
Writing workshop used to be a “no talking” time in my classroom. As soon as the classical music started, so did my reminders of “silent work.” Conferences and small groups were interrupted by my need to shhhhh. As voices spread across … Continue reading Before You Silence, Listen
Here’s an experiment for you, as a parent or teacher: Put 4 pieces of masking tape on your arms. Spend an entire day with a pen in your hand and make a tally mark for every type of sentence you … Continue reading The Language of Command
Close your eyes. Picture your classroom. Picture what a typical day looks like. What are your kids doing? What are you doing? Where is the furniture? What’s on the walls? Now picture the classroom you want to have. Are the … Continue reading Big Picture, Small Steps
