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A Practical Guide to Step-by-Step Reading to Writing Instruction When teachers talk about literacy instruction, reading and writing often get separated into different lessons, different blocks, and different skill sets. But the truth is this: students learn best when reading and writing work together . For many learners, especially EAL/ELL students, the jump from understanding a text to writing about it is enormous.  They can answer comprehension questions orally, but when as

The winter months are tough, aren't they? Post-holiday fatigue sets in, the days are short, and student engagement can feel like trying to pull a wool sweater over a grumpy cat. As ELA and EAL teachers, we face a big challenge: how do we keep the academic rigor high—pushing for deep comprehension and evidence-based writing—when student energy is running on fumes? The answer isn’t more flashy activities; it’s creating a  weekly reading to writing cycle   . Unstructured ELA tim

If you’re like most teachers, the thought of running STEM activities in the classroom can feel overwhelming—especially during the busy winter months. Between report cards, holiday programs, and keeping students engaged during chilly afternoons, planning hands-on challenges can feel like just one more thing on your to-do list.  But here’s the truth: STEM doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. In fact, with just a few essential materials , you can run engaging, meaningful

If you’re like most teachers, winter can feel overwhelming. Between holiday concerts, report cards, and trying to keep students engaged during those chilly months, planning STEM activities can easily fall to the bottom of your to-do list.  But here’s the good news: hands-on STEM learning doesn’t have to take hours of prep. With the right structure, you can turn winter-themed challenges into low-prep STEM centers  that engage your students, teach problem solving, and even give