This lesson talks about how I approach designing the characters in my novels. It shows how you can create a… more

This lesson will discuss the importance of the first scene in a story, called The Hook. It will show examples… more

Kindness…for some, it comes so easy, but for others, it can be a struggle. The answer often lies in a… more

This sample World History ‘Learning Log’ resource. Pirates and Pioneers, was developed for grades 3,4, 5 &/or 6 classes for… more

This sample ‘Learning Log’ SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) resource, Be Brave, was developed for grades 3,4 &/or 5 classes… more

This sample Primary Fiction ‘Learning Log’, Action Ahoy,resource for Grades 1 & 2 classes was developed for a school with… more

The IDEAL Writing Process emerged from work over two decades that began with the goal, at first, of helping boys… more

Having students set goals in the ELA classroom (or any other classroom, for that matter) should not be an annual… more

This one-pager helps teachers and writers assess the degree to which the writing workshop is truly student-centered. The criteria included… more

“Placematting” is one really effective structure for collaborative work.  What do we all hate about group work? Yep, that one… more

This graphic explains what exactly is depth of knowledge.  It’s based on Dr. Norman Webb’s research with aligning assessments, Dr…. more

Born out of the Let Them Speak! Project, these reflective prompts for teachers and school leaders act as great discussion… more

Here are some FREE resources that will entice your reluctant readers ages 8-13, especially boys, to read. They are based… more

Dialogue is a fantastic tool in writing to create tension, reveal the internal struggle of a character or just deliver… more

Improv guidelines and games for building literacy, problem solving, and classroom community.  This is the paper mentioned in the podcast,… more

Looking for an authentic audience for your students’ work that will have a wide reach? Do you want your students… more

This lesson describes how Sentence Structure can be used to keep a story more interesting and engaging. I’ve done this… more

Pixar’s Storytelling Rule #4 is a strategy used at Pixar Studios to develop their stories. It can help a young… more

This guide provides Socratic Seminar discussion questions and a brief synopsis for every chapter of Animal Farm by George Orwell, a… more

This guide provides Socratic Seminar discussion questions and a brief synopsis for every chapter of Out of the Dust by Karen… more