Author studies examine one author’s work using multiple sources. Author studies are undertaken by a whole class, small group, or even just the educator. These studies pack in multiple opportunities to explore reading, writing, and critical thinking. They expose learners to both literary and information texts. They deepen our reading while providing an opportunity to […]
Families have a lot going on. When you’re trying to raise a reader, summer can be a tough time (although the data about summer learning loss is inconsistent). Plenty of kids want to fling their bookbag into the back of the closet and never crack a cover for the next ninety days. Without the structure […]
I first fell in love with the work of Matthew Cordell when I read his 2018 Caldecott acceptance speech for Wolf in the Snow, followed by the book itself. Cordell says, On the other end of this human spectrum, children rather terrified me. With their keen, sometimes brutal insightfulness, their unpredictability, and their unrelenting energy. […]
Jefferson-Madison Regional Library kicked off its summer reading challenge on June 1. The challenge runs through August 8th. Racking up reading minutes gives readers a chance to come to the library and pick out two books of their own (one book for every 500 minutes read). Today, I logged minutes for four members of our […]
Throughout the school year, I compile a list of award-winning and starred picture books. You can read more about my sources here. Although I’ll keep updating the list until the end of the school year, I thought it might be helpful to those making purchases for next year to see the list so far. Anything […]
Rachel Vogus' Habits and Hobbies 