5 tips for creating a ‘writerly’ environment in your classroom
Often when schools want to work on improving their students’ growth in writing they start by changing their teaching. (‘Something isn’t working- let’s try a new program or a new …
classroom library
6 Picture Books Featuring Disability
I’ve been watching the Paralympics recently and have thoroughly enjoyed it. The determination, persistence and resilience of the athletes constantly amazes me. And then there’s the post-event interviews! Yes, it’s …
Is non-fiction dead? Insights from a Book Week Judge
Not That I’ve finished my stint as a CBCA Book Week Judge for the Eve Pownall Information Book Category, it’s finally safe to reveal a dirty secret I’ve held for …
Why is literacy important? (A lesson from 2020)
As far as books go, 2020 has turned into Margaret Wild’s ‘The Sloth Who Came to Stay.’ You know the picture story book about the busy family forced to adjust …
5 common mistakes teachers make in Independent Reading
Being a literacy consultant, I get the opportunity to visit lots of schools and observe in lots of classrooms. I see all types of wonderful teaching practice and I get …
Classroom Libraries: All Your Questions Answered (Part 2)
In last week’s post we looked at the research behind classroom libraries, the number and types of books they should contain and the need for diversity on our shelves. This …
Classroom libraries: All your questions answered (Part 1)
It’s early days in the school year and you want to make sure you are setting your students up for absolute success in all things literacy this year. You’ve got …