In April 2024, a robin’s nest was discovered in a perfect spot for observation on a ledge right outside my learning commons. My initial excitement quickly turned to wonder, and I was determined to capture nature’s show for our community to see. In my 25+ years as a media specialist, I have learned that capturing interest and the hearts of students is key. You can have a strong instructional...
As a K–12 student in the mid 90s through the late 2000s, I was taught how to use computer programs like Microsoft Word, leveraging new tools like spellcheck to expedite and support my work. After I graduated high school, K-12 schools began expanding technology coursework to include computer science, giving students opportunities to build, not just use, digital tools. Today, students...
Previously, I shared a blog on 10 ways to make inquiry work in the ELA classroom where I reflected on my frustrations as a 10th-grade English and speech teacher. Too often, students passively engaged with literature—turning to shortcuts like SparkNotes—while lacking genuine excitement for reading, writing, and speaking. I wanted them to become curious thinkers, eager to explore texts...
As an English and speech teacher for mostly sophomores, I found myself frustrated when students seemed to be just going through the motions, looking for every shortcut available (ahem, Sparks Notes). I wanted my students to be genuinely curious about the literature we were examining or to be genuinely excited to write for an audience. The speech teacher in me wanted students antsy for...