Trying to get your students to "catch" the writing bug? Has there been a story rolling in your head and you're not sure how to get it out? Did you go searching for a story, couldn't find it, and now you're thinking about writing it yourself? Then today's episode is for you!

TUNE IN: APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY | STITCHER 

Today's guest is Lauren Ranalli.  Lauren is an award-winning children's book author and marketing coach for aspiring and self-published authors. Lauren lives in Ann Arbor, MI with her husband, 2 high-energy children, and a higher-energy puppy. Her fourth book is coming out later this year.

Join Lisa and Lauren as they discuss the ways authors find inspiration for their stories and the importance of showing up, even if your students are only dedicating a short time to writing each day. A regular writing habit can have a huge impact on student growth and on your writing growth as well. PLUS, you never know the...

Have you ever felt overwhelmed and stressed about managing and planning all the moving parts for literacy teaching? Do you ever worry that not all of your students will make a full year’s growth in reading and writing?

TUNE IN: APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY | STITCHER 

Don't worry, I've got 4 things you can do NOW to help you teach literacy successfully all year.

I KNOW you want each of your students to reach maximum learning and grow as much as they can in their time with you. We all do! But...accomplishing that is easier said than done when we're moving at lightning speed all day, every day, right?! 

In today's podcast episode, I've got you covered! There are a few things that are game-changers when it comes to teaching. These things can help reduce your stress, tame that overwhelm, and give you a new perspective so you can actually fully focus on teaching literacy [or any other subject].

Listen in. 

In this episode, find...

Learning to use the evidence in a text to understand the text in a deeper way is an essential skill that all students K-5 can learn at their own level.

TUNE IN: APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY | STITCHER 

I know that is a bold statement, but I'm not afraid to be bold when I know I'm right. Textual analysis is something I have successfully taught at every grade level, so I know it can be done in simple, do-able ways.

Analyzing a text for better comprehension and to use evidence when talking about their reading is something I have taught even kindergarteners. Yes, you read that right. I know that seems really huge, even in 5th grade much less in kindergarten. But in the elementary grades it's not only something your students can do, it's not something we can ignore. And... it can be done orally during your read aloud. Listen in to find out how.

I think using evidence is a really important skill. Learning to look for and use evidence from their reading sets kids...