How to Counteract the Terrible Test

I can gripe with the best of ‘em, and every year the teaching profession seems to provide plenty of new … More

Celebrate Your Slow Readers

I recently read an article about how “slow reading” is gaining acceptance as an academic approach. Though the piece was … More

MLK Day Inspiration

I’ve been fortunate to have forged a lasting relationship with Scholastic publishers, particularly the wonderful editors at Storyworks and Scope … More

Thanks!

As we wrap up 2014, I just want to thank you for making this the best year yet for Read … More

Please Don’t Be a Troll

One of my favorite scenes in literature is in Tolkien’s The Hobbit. Three bumbling trolls capture Bilbo and then argue … More

Not Too Late for Holiday Plays

I was recently contacted by a theater company in Maryland which wants to add my adaption of “The Gift of … More

Why this Play is Important to Your Students

Students will quickly connect with eight-year old Sheyann Webb. When African-Americans were being denied the right to vote, she became … More

Text Books vs Read Aloud Plays

Admit it. You’re using one of those big fat textbooks to teach reading, one of those monstrosities brought to you … More

Nine Minutes, Two Misconceptions, and One Easy Fix

The good people of America have some misconceptions about teaching. Planning for a lesson, they believe, is as easy as … More

One of My Best MLK Plays, Free!

As part of its Black History Month celebration, Scholastic publishers is offering my most oft-published play for free. I Have … More