#slice2013: 14 of 31

by Ruth Ayres

“Everybody–even monsters–needed a little attention once in a while.”  ― Rick Riordan, The Lightning Thief {Care} WRITE. Each day in March write a slice on your own blog. SHARE. Link your post here (using the… Read More →

Persuasion with Karen Caine

by Ruth Ayres

Last week I was fortunate to spend the day with Karen Caine. Are you familiar with her work? It is the book that I have had to buy the most — SIX times… Read More →

A Special Visit

by Stacey Shubitz

The more things change, the more they stay the same. –Alphonse Karr Last Saturday my cousin got Bar Mitzvahed in New York.  I tacked-on a few extra days to my weekend away so… Read More →

I’ve been studying sentence structure…

by Ruth Ayres

I was watching or listening or reading something this week — I don’t remember what — but the message was: You can’t be a writer if you’re not a reader. True. (And probably… Read More →

What are you thankful for?

by Stacey Shubitz

November is always the busiest month of the year for me.  When I was teaching full-time, November meant Parent-Teacher Conferences (and NCTE starting in 2007).  Now that I’m out of the classroom, November… Read More →

Reflections on September 11th

by Stacey Shubitz

Ten years have passed since September 11th, 2001.  In 2001, I lived in Manhattan when the planes hit the Towers, the Pentagon, and a field in Shanksville, PA.  Today I live in Central… Read More →

{Discover. Play. Build.} More on Maps

by Ruth Ayres

Last week… Stacey blogged about updating heart maps. (See everything we’ve blogged about heart maps here.) B. blogged about hand lists. I was reminded about writing close to the bones. I kept thinking… Read More →

“A” Collection (Ruth’s SOLS)

by Ruth Ayres

I collect the letter A. I think it’s fun to hide them throughout the house and in my office at school. I like to tuck them into unexpected places. On top of a… Read More →

Ruth’s SOLS: Mean Girls

by Ruth Ayres

My third grade daughter came home yesterday after school upset because she was: Kicked out of the Horse Lover’s Club at recess. One girl told another girl I don’t love horses enough and… Read More →

Thinking About Others

by Ruth Ayres

Most schools in this area are on break. However, my daughters’ school is not one of them. They continue to go to school through Wednesday. Today I volunteered in my first grade daughter’s… Read More →

Ruth’s SOLS: Away.

by Ruth Ayres

This afternoon Stacey said to me, “You don’t know what to do with yourself, do you?” She was right, I had no clue. Afternoons are the busiest part of my day. When I… Read More →

Remembering September 11th

by Ruth Ayres

If you teach eighth grade or younger, it is highly unlikely that your students personally remember the events of September 11; many of our students weren’t alive when the attacks occurred. For me,… Read More →

Ruth’s SOLS: Starting School.

by Ruth Ayres

For many, today marked the start of a new school year. For my son, it marked the start of a school career. He went to school for the very first time today. I… Read More →

One Time Stories

by Ruth Ayres

Do you know the old saying, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree?” I’m experiencing it first hand. My oldest daughter, Hannah, was given a writer’s notebook by her third grade teacher.… Read More →

Ruth’s Slice(s) of Life: A New Minilesson Idea

by Ruth Ayres

Slice 1: All morning I waited for Laurie Halse Anderson’s post about the writing challenge for today. Although a little apprehensive about whether this would be worthwhile, I found myself writing interview questions… Read More →

Ruth’s SOLS: Listening to Photograph by Nickelback

by Ruth Ayres

On Friday, after Andy and I spoke at Nate’s funeral, the song “Photograph” was played as the service progressed. Although I’ve listened to it many times before, it now clings to my heart.… Read More →

Ruth’s SOLS: Nate

by Ruth Ayres

Less than 24 hours after eating gummy worm brownies with Nate, Andy and I found ourselves standing in a hospital room with his family. Although Nate was young and strong, he had a… Read More →

Ruth’s Memoior-ish Monday: Bridal Shower.

by Ruth Ayres

This weekend I went to a bridal shower and I was reminded of my own wedding preparations.  Isn’t it strange the way time plays with your mind? It seems like it was just a… Read More →

Ruth’s SOLS: “Play Trains, Mom”

by Ruth Ayres

This is a common scene in my life right now.  The shirt changes and the track changes and the length of train changes . . . the the hat + the hobby + the… Read More →

Ruth’s Slice: Debbie Miller Observation!

by Ruth Ayres

Sitting on the floor of a primary classroom, watching Debbie Miller lead a reading workshop, I am reminded of the importance of a student-led classroom.  It all comes down to either embracing the… Read More →