The End of Standardized Tests?

We’ve been seeing it for the last year or so: the education pendulum on the verge of swinging. Standardized testing, … More

Act Aloud Plays

That you’re visiting my blog tells me you’re most likely already a fan of reader’s theater, so I needn’t tell … More

Girl. Fighter. Hero.

Women soldiers? It’s not so unusual in 2015, but back in the 18th century, the very idea would have drawn … More

Old But New Favorites

Imagine saying the Pledge of Allegiance to a bright yellow flag featuring a coiled rattlesnake! The history of the flag … More

Why You Should End the Year with Algebra

I think much of what I know about teaching, about kids, about life itself, I learned from Spanky and Our … More

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