• Traditions play a key role in our society. Traditions compel us to eat cake on our birthday~ toast the coming of a new year~ send cards to sweethearts on days set aside for love~ display our flags to celebrate our national pride~ ignite fireworks to honor our independence~ stuff ourselves with turkey as we give thanks~ and exchange presents during many religious holidays.
• School traditions play a key role in the rhythms of our schools. Traditions allow us new beginnings~...

My wife~ my mother~ and a handful of very close friends could all attest that I am rarely heard to utter the sentence~ I am impressed. Its not that Im some kind of pessimist; quite the contrary~ hope springs eternal with me. The world at large~ however~ dashes my hopes more often than Id like to admit. I have all kinds of wild expectations that keep me from being impressed. I want politicians to tell the truth the...

This week~ I want to share a project idea that might satisfy your students need for creative expression.

When finished reading a book~ I offer my students the option of creating a book hook (a mini commercial for the book). The goal of the hook is to get other children interested in reading that particular book. The project serves another purpose: it provides students with an additional outlet or assessment for demonstrating their understanding of the book.

When you give...

• Students are facing semester examinations~ and teachers are facing a time of reflection about the semester's work. Are our classes meeting the needs and interests of our App Generation students; how are we activatinglearning? How do we know if we have been successful in our efforts?
• 1. Are the voices of our students being heard in authentic ways?
• 2. How are we as teachers asking them to partner with us in their learning?
• 3. Are students empowered by their...