…changing the world, one reader at a time.
My most recent anti-racist read was Subtle Acts of Exclusion: How to Understand, Identify, and Stop Microaggressions, by Dr. Tiffany Jana and Michael Baran. I experienced this book in the audiobook format. Here is some information about the book, from Bookshop.org: The first practical handbook that helps individuals and organizations recognize and prevent microaggressions so […]
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I’m calling if Self Confidence Skribbl, and it might just be the most fun way I’ve ever pushed middle schoolers outside of their comfort zones to help them see just how wonderful they are. Here’s how it works: Begin by providing time for each person to make a list of 10 things they love about […]
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My 7th graders are teaching me to code in Python. I have no idea what I’m doing. And it is so great. There’s some important context here, and it starts with a big question: Are you comfortable with not being the expert in the room? For me, that’s when the magic happens. When I first […]
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Recently, I’ve noticed that many of my Learn from Home students have hit a wall. It’s been almost a full calendar year since they have attended school in a physical building and regularly interacted face-to-face with a large group of people that love and support them. And for many, it’s been almost a full year […]
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Oh man, did I love Ramona Quimby as a kid. When one of my young readers begged to dive into Ramona and Her Father as our next virtual one-on-one readaloud, I couldn’t believe my luck. This reader has grown tremendously this year with the work of her dedicated team – she receives a mix of […]
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Looking for a book to add to your middle school curriculum that will spark meaningful conversation about racism, especially in schools and sports? Black Brother, Black Brother, by Jewell Parker Rhodes, could be it. Read it with… Jerry Craft’s New Kid to compare microagressions and overt racism, and open readers’ eyes to look more critically […]
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My November anti-racist read was We Want to Do More than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom, by Bettina L. Love. I experienced this book via audiobook, and then re-read the hard copy from my local library. Here is some information about the book, from IndieBound: Drawing on personal stories, research, and […]
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“I’m tired of hearing people say that kids are falling behind. Behind what exactly? We have third graders logging into Zoom meetings, troubleshooting technology glitches, learning to communicate their needs, and adapting to a completely foreign school environment. With these life skills, I think they just might be pulling way ahead.” I’ve been thinking about […]
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Catching up with kids after time away from school can be such a great way to learn more about their lives and deepen connections. And, this year, when teachers are being asked to blur the lines between being educators, counselors, and social workers, it’s more important than ever that we know our students as full […]
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Happy November, friends! Although there was no Haunted Library to celebrate the spooky holiday this year, there was plenty of opportunity to problem solve and get creative to safely spread some creepy fun in the era of Covid-19. Let me set the stage for you. We live in a neighborhood that normally sees quite a […]
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