When I taught upper-grade students, one of our end-of-the-year activities was a reflection/evaluation letter. I asked my students to complete an in-class, two-paragraph writing assignment using the friendly letter format we had learned. In the first paragraph, I asked my students to tell me about things that worked — things…
Learn more >It’s been my experience that people are quick to criticize Los Angeles public schools. Critics contend that classrooms are over-crowded and poorly funded. They believe students are undisciplined and unprepared for the future. However, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I would instead like us to acknowledge all that is good…
Learn more >When I was a teacher, I was known for many things: not allowing use of the word “hate,” wearing a lot of rings on my fingers, and hugging. Whether I was teaching kindergarten, fourth, or fifth grades, I always hugged my students (if they wanted a hug). I hugged them…
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