Life Your Way

My mom and grandmother administered the girls’ standardized tests while we were in Florida (in West Virginia, a parent can’t administer the official tests that we submit to the school board), and one thing I realized when I was flipping through the test booklets was that we haven’t really spent enough time focusing on language [...]

Most students are in countdown mode:  they know exactly how many days are left until summer.  Children and teens everywhere envision sleeping in, lazing by the pool, and playing with friends. All of those things are appropriate – when balanced with the realities of responsibility. What is this teacher’s plea? Please don’t coddle your children [...]

Bookmaking is a simple and fun way to get kids excited about reading and writing. When I was an elementary school teacher, bookmaking was always a favorite activity. I’ve recently started making books with my five year old, and he is now obsessed! Simple accordion envelope books are an easy project for kids of all [...]

Memorial Day is right around the corner, and so are lots of summer cookouts, picnics, and BBQs. Anyone on a restricted diet will tell you that invitations to these events can cause waves of anxiety, especially if the dietary change is new. Do you accept the invitation? If so, do you eat? Will there be [...]

Success! I actually read a book (or most of a book, LOL!) this week. I have a lot of work projects to do before the baby arrives, and while 5 months seems like a long time, I know it will go faster than we think, so I’m trying to make time for reading without sacrificing [...]