Summer school officially ended on Thursday, August 6, and I wanted to take a few weeks to gather my thoughts before posting. It was an intense six weeks, and I think I learned just as much, if not more than, as my students. Here are the top ten things that I'm thinking about heading into the new school year: Every student, even those that are labeled as "at-risk," can love to read . I have continued appreciation for receiving the Book Love Foundation 's grant last year. I took many of those books to my summer school classroom, and I had so many students tell me that this was the first time in years that they had read something they chose and liked. As I head into my classroom, I know that I can't have preconceived notions about which kids like books and which kids don't. I have to give them opportunities, time, and space to explore good books. After many years of not having choice in writing, it takes effort to move writers into finding inspiration . Be
Lessons from a novice teaching life