After An Educator's Journey

Out of the classroom & into the universe

Once upon a time, I taught 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders. Now I’m retired and working on new ventures.

I taught second, third and fourth graders. Teaching was my passion and joy for 30 years. And it didn’t hurt that they called me “mom” sometimes.

Tag: Daily 5

Building Student Independence

December 6, 2014

I often hear what I hope are compliments when visitors walk into my classroom, and I am able to attend to this new intermission in our day’s work. It wasn’t always this way of course. Kids are kids. Their natural inclination is that the moment teacher is distracted it will seem like a golden opportunity to do “something else”. So,…
It May Just Be a Good Time to Cry “Uncle”

January 22, 2013

I’ve heard all manner of reasons for why this year is exceptionally difficult. I’m a believer in the Daily Five. It makes sense, it’s based on research – brain research AND literacy research. I saw my students grow. But I feel that it is time to give it up. The message I’ve been getting is…
D5 and Barometer Kids

July 24, 2011

One of the most powerful and admirable things about Gail and Joan – the Sisters – is how they openly share their teaching life. They don’t preach that they have all the answers, and anyone who has spent more than a nanosecond in a classroom knows that absolutely no one can have all the answers.…
Writing within the Daily 5

September 26, 2010

I was never much of a writer as a student, so working over the last 4 years within the structure of the Writing Workshop has sometimes posed a challenge. As a professional learning community, we’ve explored Lucy Calkins, Regie Routman, and other nationally known experts in writing literacy. We’ve incorporated these ideas in to our…