Category Archives: Uncategorized

Inevitably, there is some new initiative, some new program being introduced. If you have taught for a while, you have seen many of these come and go. Maybe last year was the year they introduced the new reading program that … Continue reading →

Dreams have a mystique in America. Teachers tell students to follow their dreams. Friends encourage each other: Go for it! Never quit! You can be anything you dream of being!!! Except… A dream is a regular idea with a fancy … Continue reading →

Read “Speaking Out” from Educational Leadership May 2022 issue Or click here.

[This was originally published at the HMH Shaped Blog. I am reposting it in response to the NCTE’s recent position statement which includes these lines: My wife recently rediscovered her grandmother’s copy of The Scarlet Letter. The edition was published … Continue reading →

“F9. Action” That was Mason’s response to the prompt “What’s your favorite movie? Why is it your favorite?” It was part of a Getting to Know You assignment at the start of the 6th grade year. I had to look … Continue reading →

You want students to speak to the class. Maybe they are sharing What I Did This Summer or About Me presentations to start the new year. Later, students will be reciting poetry or participating in a mock trial or presenting … Continue reading →

When teachers at Mission Viejo Elementary School came back from summer break, I was there. They wanted me to present on the morning of the first day. I have worked with hundreds of schools and districts across North America, and … Continue reading →

A fairly typical classroom current events discussion: Kids shouldn’t be allowed to play football.             Yes, they should! Football is fun!!             Remember when Denver won the Super Bowl?             Yes! That was a great … Continue reading →

I had a problem with being too nice. Because I once had a job that involved phone sales, I knew how hard the job is and I had a soft spot for those trying to make it work. So when … Continue reading →

Evidence that you are getting old: You watch the Grammy’s and don’t know many of the performers. You say, “These students used to be so much better.” You think the flipped classroom is a big deal. Let me focus on … Continue reading →