SERIOUS ABOUT A DOG NAMED SIRIUS

My four sixth-grade reading comprehension classes recently read Joan Hiatt Harlow’s historical novel, Star in the Storm, set in Newfoundland in 1912. A slobbery, lovable “Newfie” dog named Sirius stole the show and the hearts of my students when he...

SCIENTIFIC NOTATIONS

A couple of good friends publish a newsletter full of everything literary, and this week they really struck a chord with me when they featured an array of appealing science books for kids.  As a sixth grade science teacher, I know my students could easily get...

FROM CHAOS TO CALM

I recently attended a wonderful lecture at the Rankin Institute, the outreach component of The Fletcher School where I teach.  Granted it was a school night and had the importance of attendance not been impressed upon the faculty, I may have passed.  But five minutes...

YA Books in Verse

I have a very demanding friend who pushes me around a lot.  I mean, some years back she said I ought to get more involved in the writing scene so I ended up helping her out managing the SCBWI critique group here in Charlotte.  (If truth be told, we had a third party...

LAUGHING ALLEGRA WILL MAKE YOU SMILE

Working with learning disabled students is like solving a variety of intricate jigsaw puzzles on a daily basis.   Thankfully I’m part of a team-teaching group, but honestly, some days our collective wisdom is insufficient towards solving the puzzles that embody...

MENTAL HEALTH CHECK FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

Recent news of the tragic shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and the reports swirling around the alleged shooter, Jared Loughner, brings mental health to the forefront once again.  So far, the facts seem to indicate that Loughner was suffering from an...