For my birthday this year, I asked my sweet mom to buy me the book, So What Do They Really Know? by Cris Tovani. I also asked for Kelly Gallagher’s new book, Write Like This: Teaching Real-World Writing Through Modeling & Mentor Texts. Sure, I used to ask for cool shoes or a fun pair of earrings, but now I’m on to professional reads. Why? Well, I guess I am still trying to figure it out. I’m still trying to find another way to help my students. I want to recognize what my students need to become successful literate adults.

Both books are outstanding (gifts that keep giving) and I’ve been taking notes while talking to friends about them (literacy = reading, writing & speaking). I’m a lifelong learner and I’ll be happy to model that for my students and for my children.