Are You the Mad Scientist?

Just as all television families seem to live in mini mansions, whenever TV-world students put on plays, the sets are … More

Okay kids, fork over those taxes!

No doubt you’ve had kids ask, “Why do we need to know this stuff?” In my classroom, we spend a … More

Tongue In, Mouth Closed

McKenna, one of my most “with-it” fourth graders, came up with a new concept I think is worth sharing here. … More

Pairing Plays & Picture Books for Black History Month

With Black History Month upon us, two bits of news caught my eye last week: the State of South Carolina … 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

Selma Movie, Selma Play

Buzz about Oprah Winfrey’s new movie Selma is shining a light on the Selma to Montgomery March. The film, which … 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