Three books that I have enjoyed reading are Pies from Nowhere: How Georgia Gilmore Sustained the Montgomery Bus Boycott by Dee Romito, Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson, and The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard. These stories bring out the strength, determination, and perseverance of different individuals… Read more: Recommended Reads

“I don’t know what to write!” is something that I have heard countless students say when they have been told that they could write on any topic of their choice. Some students would jump straight in with ideas flowing, while others sit not knowing where to start. Their uncertainty led me to think about ways… Read more: Generating Writing Ideas

This Valentine’s Day activity is an opportunity for students to tell each other how they are special.  At the end of the activity, each student will have a You Are Special Because  . . . heart that has been signed by their classmates with comments about what makes them special. Preparation Before the Activity Print… Read more: A Fun Valentine’s Day Activity

I have found that it is helpful to introduce the writing process to students at the start of the school year and/or before we jump into focused writing. When I do this it helps the students become familiar with the writing process vocabulary, see the big picture of how we will approach writing, and understand… Read more: The Writing Process

My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Martin Luther King lll This picture book narrative is told from the perspective of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s eldest son, Martin Luther King lll. He says, “There have been a lot of books written about my father. But not a whole lot has been written about my… Read more: Recommended Read Aloud Picture Book for MLK Day

To help elemenatry students develop their writing muscles, early in the school year I introduce our daily sessions of 10 minutes of uninterrupted writing time. This is a very simple, yet effective strategy that can help students become comfortable with writing. I am all about helping students get over the hump of being reluctant writers!… Read more: Building Elementary Writing Muscles