Donalyn Miller's Blog, page 11

Best Book Awards for Teaching to the Test

Dear Author,

Congratulations on winning the (insert name of major literary book award here). It must be gratifying to receive recognition for your work and its outstanding literary merit. I know--because my state standards tell me so--that authors write for many purposes: to inform us about the world, to express your emotions and opinions, to provide entertainment, to persuade us to act or believe a certain way, or to reflect on your life and your impressions of it. I am sure that your book ...

Best Books Awards for Teaching to the Test

Dear Author,

Congratulations on winning the (insert name of major literary book award here). It must be gratifying to receive recognition for your work and its outstanding literary merit. I know--because my state standards tell me so--that authors write for many purposes: to inform us about the world, to express your emotions and opinions, to provide entertainment, to persuade us to act or believe a certain way, or to reflect on your life and your impressions of it. I am sure that your book ...

Best Books for Teaching to the Test Awards

Dear Author,

Congratulations on winning the (insert name of major book award here). It must be gratifying to receive recognition for your work and its outstanding literary merit. I know--because my state standards tell me so--that authors write for many purposes: to inform us about the world, to express your emotions and opinions, to provide entertainment, to persuade us to act or believe a certain way, or to reflect on your life and your impressions of it. I am sure that your book conveys o...

American Library Association Awards Announced

At its Annual Midwinter Meeting, the American Library Association (ALA) today announced the top books, audiobooks, and videos for children and young adults-- including the Caldecott, King, Newbery and Printz awards. Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, ALA awards guide parents, educators, librarians and others in selecting the best materials for youth. Selected by judging committees of librarians and other children's experts, the awards encourage original and creative w...

Dear Parents: At-Home Reading

With my principal's hearty support, this is the e-mail I sent to parents today. I thought I would share it with you, too. We all address the same issue in our classes each day.

Dear Parents,

This weekend, commentary printed in the Teachers Leadership Network Forum, reinforced to me the importance of carving out reading time at home. Simply put, children who read the most at home surpass the educational success of their peers who do not read at home--even those who are hard-working, capable...

Dear Parents: At-Home Reading

This is the e-mail I would like to send to parents. Perhaps, I will drum up the courage to send it, but I thought I would share it with you, too. We all address the same issue in our classes each day.

Dear Parents,

This weekend, commentary printed in the Teachers Leadership Network Forum, reinforced to me the importance of carving out reading time at home. Simply put, children who read the most at home surpass the educational success of their peers who do not read at home--even those...

Conflict Resolution

As 2009 ends, the world gathers to reflect, compose a "Best ____ of 2009" list, and dedicate ourselves to improve in 2010. Looking back, 2009 was a stellar year for me. My book, The Book Whisperer: Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child came out in March and through its success, I have traveled the country talking to teachers, parents, and kids about reading motivation and engagement. Always looking for opportunities to expand my professional learning community (Didn't PLC and PLN become ...

No Apologies: Books Read This Fall

Donalyn Miller shares the 51 books she read this fall without apologizing for her choices.

NCTE: Reading Aloud

Donalyn Miller wraps up her visit to the recent NCTE Convention.

Is a Ning Enough?

Last night a few of the folks from Jim Burke's English Companion Ning met. In person. Donalyn and I arrived early. A few folks were there ahead of us. By the time Jim arrived, there were about 50 people. There...