Full Disclosure: I believe that you can use almost any picture book to support conversation skills. Think about it. The structure of a well-done read-aloud is a scaffolded conversation. The book is our central topic. We use ... Read More
Teach Conversation Skills in 6 Easy Steps
Virtual Teammates, it’s time we chat… about chatting. Recently, many of you reached out asking for advice on one common struggle. How do I teach conversation skills? After settling into the year, you've noticed some ... Read More
Low Frustration Tolerance: 3 Ways to Support Struggling Learners
Virtual teammates, I hear you. Our virtual community stretches far across the country, and I feel honored to hear from many of you in times of excitement and in need. Recently, I'm seeing a pattern. Teachers are noticing high levels of ... Read More
FREE Number Talks
First grade teachers, access 20 FREE Number Talk Prompts to enhance your place value unit and get your students engaged in conversation.
Addition and Subtraction Word Problems: Why We Should Avoid Math Keywords
I don't know about you, but early in my career, I was encouraged to teach math keywords as a primary strategy for solving addition and subtraction word problems. Oh, how I wish I could have a do-over! If you're not sure why I want a ... Read More
5 Types of Text Structures Every Critical Reader Needs to Know
I love teaching nonfiction reading and writing. When I reveal a well-written, nonfiction read-aloud, the class erupts. Joy floods the classroom as students murmur with excitement about learning new facts and information. And, if I ... Read More
Teaching Story Elements with a Single Text in 4 Easy Steps
Virtual Teammates, I have a confession. I struggled with teaching story elements for many years. Characters, setting, plot, conflict, and resolution. I knew I had to teach them. I knew their importance in the grand scheme of reading ... Read More
