Tag Archives: Common Core

06 Sep

Our littlest angels are learning to read and write.  We are all teachers and learners, together. In celebration of Labor Day weekend, my goal is motivate and inspire you. Beginning Sept. 8, International Literacy Day, spotlight shines on the development of literacy, U.S. and worldwide. Our hopes and dreams for children everywhere highlight the intense need for literacy. Individuals and grassroots movements gain momentum. I’ve never been prouder. According to RIF (Reading Is Fundamental), 65% of fourth graders read at…..

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25 Aug

Here’s how to boost kids’ comprehension. Check out these classroom-perfected success secrets. A big help for Back-To- School gear up! These strategies work with Non-fiction/infotext, a big focus in Common Core. Most kids K-8 benefit from many of my favorite activities. As easy as A B C D E! #Let’s Plain Talk, Together! What really matters to help kids understand what they read?  A. Make Connections. Start by connecting to the prior lesson, as a quick review. Find out what…..

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22 Jun

Childhood is a precious time. What’s the rush? Summer is the perfect time to enjoy reading with your kids for sheer pleasure and enjoyment!  During the extra time of summer break, children read in homemade forts, on blankets, under trees, at the library, bedtime and hopefully with the family before or after dinner. Reading is such a blessing to share with our kids. This is truly the gift of gifts that keeps on giving. Turning off all media for set…..

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25 May

Let’s talk so we can understand each other. I really enjoyed this thoughtful article which I am sharing with you today. What a brave new Common Core world! There are so many educational buzzwords I have trouble understanding them. Maybe you do too. The constant is change; the future is now. Memorial weekend means a lot to us. We all know someone who has sacrificed for our country. My son-in-law was in the navy in Iraq. He is a hero to…..

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16 Mar

This is the blog I did not want to write. Why so many tests?  Be sure to read an eloquent post  by Diane Ravitch about saving No Child Left behind after I share a few thoughts. People have never agreed on the best curriculum, pedagogy (methods) and materials. Programs come and go, but skills remain the same. Meanwhile, teachers and principals spend their own money to provide for kids. How did we become a nation of testers instead of learners? Why was…..

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17 Oct

I raised four children (three of them stepchildren), and now I’m a grandma. I just moved from my mountain home to Eugene, Oregon, to be with my kids. In the midst of chaos, I started writing this blog, babysitting a toddler and teaching a third grader. I like to think I am like Cher on her Farewell Tour, and she was great. Many of you probably still remember me from a school visit, seminar, keynote or hanging out with you……

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