Category: Education
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Building academic success in a test-heavy, AI world
For many years, I took my sophomores to our local university library during their research unit. They entered, awed at the four stories of books available to them as they begin their academic writing careers. By the time they finished their instruction session and research scavenger hunt, they became intimate with databases, the electronic card catalog, academic…
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Why I speak gibberish
What was your first word? Of course, you don’t remember, but maybe your mom does. Or your dad, especially if it was “Da Da.” My oldest child’s first word was “Ah-ee.” Luckily, I knew that this two-syllable utterance actually had a meaning. Otherwise, I might’ve missed this watershed baby book moment. She was referring to…
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Poetry Is an Acquired Taste
Poetry is an acquired taste, kind of like roses. Often, we don’t appreciate certain things until we acquire a little maturity. That’s certainly true of me and poetry. When I was a kid, like brussel sprouts, poetry was foreign to me. It had a suspicious odor about it, and I instinctively knew that I wanted…
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Remember This in Your New Reading Plan
The book is well worn, its pages creased and soft, the edges frayed. The cover even has some teeth marks on the corners. That’s because it’s embroiled in a survival battle. For a second generation. “Moo moo buzz buzz pop pop pop!” I never tired of reading Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You? by Dr.…
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Only in My Dreams
Rugmini says I have been here before. In a previous lifetime.
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It’s time for teachers to be more inclusive.
My Indiana Writing Project colleague Kathy and I are pushing for a change. From all teachers! With all the hoopla about the science of reading, by now, most teachers and administrators know that using explicit instruction is required for successful ELA skill development. In addition to reading with purposeful mini lessons, writing frequently with explicit…
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An Indian New Year's Day Outing
With inspiration from my new young friend Today is Vishu, the Malayalam New Year. Yesterday, the streets of Palakkad, Kerala, India, were filled with newly constructed vendor stands selling fruits and vegetables for offerings to the gods and special meals. They were also crowded with people, budding entrepreneurs and consumers eager to make their last-minute…
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How does your personality impact your writing?
Maybe more than you think! It happened again. And what a powerful lesson our personalities hold! Every year when introducing my students to the elements of rhetoric, I use the Myers-Briggs Personality Test to make a much larger point, one I hope stays with them for the rest of their lives. About ten years ago…
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Engaging student writers with local history
A pandemic accomplishment to be proud of The school year always ends on a hectic, almost frantic note for me as I rush around with last-minute tasks. By the time the first day of summer vacation arrives, I revert to being a kid: I want to toss my spelling book into the campfire, stay up…
