ME
This is me at Madhatters, after teachers's convention. I was able to see and speak to my hero, Taylor Mali. I am an unabashed Taylor Mali groupie. I have seen him perform and listened to his distinct voice for years now, so naturally I was thrilled when he came to our MPTC this year. He even gave me a treasured pen with my favorite poem on it! He is one-of-a-kind.
I chose this Sendak photo as it represents a lot about me. Though this book took Maurice Sendak five years to write, it is a exemplar text for both children and writers. There is plot, there is subtext, there is adventure, well chosen words and engaging relatable characters. Not only did I read this extensively to my own kids, but also to the countless primary aged children that I taught for over 30 years. Max is a kid with a wish, and my wish is that readers everywhere are challenged to read between lines, and to provide evidence for their thoughts. My wish is that teachers consciously plan to have students engage deeply with a story, to transcend the page and journey to far off places or learn something new about the world and relate it to their own experiences. There is not much more to say about this page, other than I have added a Shelfari with my favorite kid books on them in case you need a good one for read aloud and class discussion. The following books are excellent choices.
I chose this Sendak photo as it represents a lot about me. Though this book took Maurice Sendak five years to write, it is a exemplar text for both children and writers. There is plot, there is subtext, there is adventure, well chosen words and engaging relatable characters. Not only did I read this extensively to my own kids, but also to the countless primary aged children that I taught for over 30 years. Max is a kid with a wish, and my wish is that readers everywhere are challenged to read between lines, and to provide evidence for their thoughts. My wish is that teachers consciously plan to have students engage deeply with a story, to transcend the page and journey to far off places or learn something new about the world and relate it to their own experiences. There is not much more to say about this page, other than I have added a Shelfari with my favorite kid books on them in case you need a good one for read aloud and class discussion. The following books are excellent choices.
" IF WE NEVER PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR STRUGGLERS TO ENGAGE IN COMPLEX THINKING, HOW ARE THEY GOING TO LEARN TO MAKE THE COMPLEX DECISIONS THEY WILL ENCOUNTER THROUGHOUT LIFE?-Armstrong & Haskins
"Make it a rule of thumb to give away as few answers as possible, so that students have the opportunity to work toward the answer themselves."