A school is like a theater, and each classroom a stage. Well lit. Tables, desks, and chairs. Set decorations to match the subjects taught within. Mine, however, is an AVID classroom. My walls are adorned with posters, college pennants, and enough blank space...
The Last Pencil: Having Supplies for our Students
“Mrs. Thompson!” shouted Louis in a very disgruntled tone. His little arms crossed, barely able to see over my desk. “What’s wrong? Why the long face?” I said with a smile. He took a deep breath, “My pencil broke and it’s the last one...
A Path to Success: Finding Potential From A Big Brother
Three years ago, I was really struggling, feeling unmotivated and honestly… I felt worthless. In addition to my school studies, I was responsible for taking care of my aging and disabled grandmother, who suffered from heart disease and COPD. There was so much...
Let’s Read Together: Overcoming Language Barriers
Emilio’s preschool teacher asks us a question and I look at my husband. “Yes,” Eduardo says. “We understand.” We understand? What do we understand? I understand we are meeting because Emilio needs to take an assessment to see if he is ready for kindergarten....
Turning the Page: The Power of Reading and Mentorship
This post is brought to you by the generous support of The Image Group, a national promotional product distributor and marketing-service provider, with a focus of supporting local, philanthropic initiatives. ~ Being a member of African American Leadership Council, we often...
Emotional Anxiety: Seeing Through The Eyes of a Child
It was Tuesday morning and the sun was beaming beautifully with only a few clouds in sight. I couldn’t picture a more perfect day. Looking around my classroom, I could tell most of the children in my preschool class were cheerful, enjoying the...
Call On Me: Speaking Up and Sharing Your Story
A Creative Essay about our Class Trip to Toledo Museum of Art by Kayla, Fifth Grade “Welcome students,” says the museum docent to the twenty-one students of our fifth grade class. “What is a story?” she asks, and it’s no surprise that no one’s...
A Better Way: Living Healthy through Reading
Keeping a consistent schedule as a single dad can be really tough. Since my wife died, my morning routine has actually stayed pretty consistent. Every day I get up before Harrison and check my blood sugar levels. I drink a tall glass...
Waiting by the Window: Building a Child’s Love for Reading
Jacob burst through the back door and ran past me into the living room. He jumped onto the couch and looked out the window at the street beyond. “Is it here? Did it come?” he asked. “Did what come?” I said with a sly...
A Mother’s Dream: Removing the Burden of Costly Childcare
“I had a good dream last night,” I said, looking in the rearview mirror at Alex. He was strapped into his car seat, staring out the window. When he heard my voice, he looked up at me, as I broke his sleepy,...