Reading – Page 3 – Write Away

April 14, 2015

National Library Week

Public libraries have been around since Benjamin Franklin donated over a hundred books to the town of Franklin, MA, about forty minutes away from me. I grew up around libraries, even worked in one, studied in many, and built my classroom library through constant scrounging as well as donations from families. One of my earliest Continue reading

Celebrations, English Language Arts, Reading, Teaching and Learning

books, ELA, library

January 5, 2015

Columbus’s Mermaids

January doesn’t usually remind us about Christopher Columbus, but on January 9, 1493, he described seeing mermaids swim near the Dominican Republic. (See the History Channel’s “On this Day in History.”) However, Columbus was mistaken. What he saw were not mermaids swimming, but manatees. These animals are exceptionally lovely. Large and slow-moving mammals, manatees eat Continue reading

Interdiscipinary learning, Reading, Science at Home, Science Every Day, Teaching Science

September 29, 2014

The Great Johnny Appleseed

Drive west from Boston on Route 2 and as you enter the town of Leominster, Massachusetts, a huge sign welcomes you to the hometown of Johnny Appleseed, born here in 1774. Turn to the kids and ask what they know about this remarkable man. Share what you know about Johnny (Chapman) Appleseed. If you’re like Continue reading

Family, Reading, Relationships, Social and emotional development