Introduce readers to the joy of discussing books with others. From scaffolding, to listening, to comprehension, Better Book Clubs by @sarakugler.bsky.social has strategies for all the skills students need for successful book talks. www.youtube.com/watch?v=0g2P... www.routledge.com/Better-Book-...

We had an extra easel for a few days so the first graders wrote their own morning message and then worked together to edit it for capitals and lowercase letters. #transfer #independence ♥️

Adapted some grammar lessons by using the lesson structures in Patterns of Power. These 6th graders studied commas in a series, then applied their new understanding with a partner before editing their own essays.

Working (and supporting) book clubs in first grade. These kiddos had some time to read and jot their thoughts before launching into the discussion. #betterbookclubs

Our current curriculum unit is focused on the US Government and being a “good” and “responsible” citizen. How are we complicating this idea for our students? How are we helping kids grapple with the idea that sometimes laws and rules are unjust and it is heroic to break them?

I’m so tired of forcing kids to do things under the guise of “accountability.” www.alfiekohn.org/blogs/hands/

If students aren’t “responding” to a scripted curriculum because they need more time, structure, or repetition, what those students need is not another program. They need a responsive, knowledgeable teacher.

Oh man. #NCTE was just what my soul needed this year. Loved seeing old friends and meeting some new. See you all next year! ♥️

“Teaching is a lot more fun when we look at kids with an expectant lens, rather than a deficit lens.” -Emily Callahan #NCTE

“Hopelessness is the enemy of justice. Hope is not always rational but it is always necessary.” -Bryan Stevenson #NCTE

“We are held back by the chains that are rooted in silence about our country’s history.” -Bryan Stevenson

Using mentor text to help students see expressive possibilities that answer the question “why write?” #ncte24 @carlanderson.bsky.social

Tools for Resistance: Identify yourself as an advocate and activist, learner and responder, rather than a pedagogue. -Douglas Kaufman #NCTE

Tools for Resistance: Define any curriculum as a living document that MUST be revised. It’s only our best guess at the beginning of the year. -Douglas Kaufman #NCTE

“The question of our time is, are we going to be ruined by our greed or saved by our ingenuity?” -Kate McKinnon #NCTE

NCTE2024! Can’t wait to see people!