Archive for January 2017
When Passion is the Problem
From the desk of Alice… I recently had a conversation with a teacher who is in her 6th year of teaching. She is dedicated, professional, has non-instructional duties under control, has a growth mindset and is fully focused on best practices with teaching and learning. This particular teacher taught several years ago and is back…
Read MoreThe Bear Did What???
Well, he might have eaten your sandwich. Then again he might not have. You’ll have to read the picture book, The Bear Ate Your Sandwich by Julia Sarcone-Roach, to find the answer. This is a delightful book which provides many entries into teaching vocabulary, comprehension, and writing. The story is told by an unseen narrator…
Read MoreThe Arts – A Great "How"
“If our goal is for children to become knowledgeable, critical thinkers who are good at solving problems, we need to pay attention to the ‘how’ of teaching.” – Linda Crawford I want my students to thrive! I want them to soak up their learning experiences, remember, recall, and apply their knowledge at school – and…
Read MoreThe Friz Doesn't "Play School"
“Take chances, make mistakes, get messy!” The immortal words of one of my favorite teachers, Ms. Frizzle. Every time I pick up a Magic School Bus book I secretly wish I could be like the Friz. I love her passion! As you probably know, Valerie Frizzle is the creation of author (and former teacher)…
Read MoreIn the Woods
From the desk of Alice… When I was a child, I played outside any chance I could. These were the days before home computers and 500 TV channels, so playing outside was actually more fun than being inside on most days. There were some woods behind our house that my sister and friends and I…
Read MoreA Passion for Read-Alouds
ERG’s theme for the month of January is Passion and I have a passion for children’s literature. A great read-aloud, shared with tender loving care, can change the climate of a classroom in a heartbeat. You know that quote, “Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast.” Well, a good picture book hath the…
Read MorePeople Who Need People
Over the last couple of weeks I’ve been trying to figure out what my passion in life is. There are lots of things I enjoy doing, but figuring out what makes me tick, what I have to have to exist has been difficult to say the least. Then one morning a friend called unexpectedly. Suddenly…
Read MoreWhy Broken Hearts Aren't A Bad Thing
From the desk of Alice… We have decided to take a cue from Brené Brown at ERG and spend a year daring greatly. As part of our year, our theme for January is PASSION. This is one of those things that draws educators right into the idea of teaching. We have a passion of some…
Read MoreHoning the Habit
Happy 2017! Happy New Year! Happy 2017! Happy New Year! Happy 2017! Happy New Year! I am psyched and ready for a wonderful year! It’s time to embrace my great aspirations and resolve to do it all a little better. You know – clean up my act. I am saying this because the holidays…
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