I would build sandcastles in my home state of New Jersey, but would also build them on our family vacations in California, Massachusetts, and Florida. The sand quality of each state was very different, ranging from sugar white to pebble-dense smoky gray. It didn’t matter the quality or color of the sand, I just loved to imagine and build.
Category: reading
What is Writing? – The Work of Lynda Barry
Knowledge is power, and reading is the main way to gain knowledge. This is something that was instilled in me from a young age. And though throughout my childhood, reading took hard work, I became an avid reader. I loved that reading took me away from my suburban life and transported me to so many different places and experiences. Reading made me a writer.
Pomodoro Fresco: A Love Story
My heritage is Italian, so naturally I love tomatoes. I’m sure there are people of Italian heritage who don’t like tomatoes, but I haven’t found one yet. My love of tomatoes surely came from my grandfathers, Charlie and Tony, who both kept their own gardens.
Exploring the Wonder of David Wiesner
I have been teaching for two-thirds of my life, and I am now looking back over those years and thinking about how we learn and what makes some of us life-long learners. I am especially interested in how some people love to read and some do not. I can’t imagine my life without stories. Since … Continue reading Exploring the Wonder of David Wiesner
Small Wonders
I am constantly attuned to the little things stirring: the beetle, the butterfly, the inch worm, and the ladybug. I sit and watch them, meditating, slowing my breath, taking in all they have to teach me. I want to learn their ways. I want to be completely in their world even for a moment. When I become them, I become more myself.
The Incredible Events in the Life of a Teacher
Being open to possibility is the key to life-long learning, and life-long learning, I believe, is the key to happiness. It gives one purpose, and a sense of purpose is what keeps us humans strong and resilient.
Mentoring Gifted Readers
As Parker Palmer says, “Teaching is a daily exercise in vulnerability.” Sharing my struggles and successes with students help them to take a risk and share what is easy and difficult for them. Then, together we plan next steps to reach our goals.
You’re Invited to a Poetry Party!
his year, I will be published in three anthologies, so I thought, "It's time to read in front of an audience." I chose well. I chose our 2nd through 5th grade students. Deb, our school librarian, was encouraging, and we set a series of times in the library when I can be the guest poet.
Tea & Empathy
I wanted to shine a light on those students who loved to read, write, and research. I wanted the girls to have an opportunity to learn about all kinds of women from all kinds of backgrounds doing amazing things.
What the World Needs Now…
This week, I’m thinking a lot about love. First, because it’s February, and Valentine’s Day leads us all to think a little more deeply about love, but also because February has a special meaning to me.
Word Dancer: Literature, the Arts, & Education 