Author: Amy Harvey

Ask great questions Laugh a lot Use your voice Work hard These are Penny Purple's surefire steps to becoming a PURPLE person! Purple People come in every color, every shape and every size. Purple People are kind and curious change makers. YOU are a purple person! The World Needs More Purple People, written by Kristen… Continue reading The World Needs More Purple People

Every summer I scour the book shelves looking for the perfect book to begin my school year.  You know, that one book that sets the tone for building the classroom community. The one that encompasses the theme for the year. The one we refer back to time and time again.    One year I began… Continue reading Choosing the Perfect Book to Begin the School Year

Every June, I have the luxury to recharge my life: personal life,  my professional life, and reading life. I look forward to creating memories with my husband and three sons. I get to take time for myself doing the things I love.  I reflect on how well I supported teachers and students this  school year… Continue reading Summer Reading Recharge!

What does it mean to "Be You"? Before Reading, Third Graders said: Be yourself! Act how you want to act! Express your feelings! Peter Reynold's newest book, Be You!, celebrates being true to yourself, being patient, being curious, being unique and being brave.  No matter where the road takes you, always just Be You! Teachers… Continue reading Be You! By: Peter Reynolds

Students Said: I like when he finds $100! It was hard for him to give the money back to the owner.  He felt mixed up about giving the money back! I think the lesson to learn  is if you find money or something, it's not yours, you  should try to give it back. Teacher Thoughts:… Continue reading A Bike Like Sergio’s

  Once again Eric Velasquez continues to help improve my teaching. In his latest book, Octopus Stew, Mr. Velasquez shares his family's love of storytelling and Afro-Latino heritage. Third-grade students notice the thread of family and culture throughout his books.  He continues to inspire the writers in the classrooms in which I work. Kids said:… Continue reading Octopus Stew By: Eric Velasquez

Our students know the stories of Wilma Rudolph, Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges and Martin Luther King, Jr. It’s so nice to have a fresh look at a lesser known hero named Chester Pierce. Chester was the only African American member of the 1947 Harvard University Football Team. Follow Chester is unlike many of… Continue reading Follow Chester!: A College Football Team Fights Racism and Makes History By: Gloria Respress-Churchwell

I can't think of anything to write about? How many times have we heard students utter this phrase? Finding ideas can be a struggle for many of our reluctant writers. Grandma's Records by Eric Velasquez is the touching memoir about the special relationship he shares with his abuela.  Every summer, Eric goes to live with… Continue reading Grandma’s Record By: Eric Velasquez

It didn’t take long for the room to explode into conversation!! Only 2 pages to be exact! “How can they decide not to be friends before they've even gotten to know each other?!” Another responded… “I think they must have been told Turtles and Tortoises can’t be friends!” This was one of those memorable teacher… Continue reading Turtle and Tortoise Are NOT Friends By: Mike Reiss

The Good Egg By: Jory John Teacher Thoughts: Time is an issue for all teachers, in all states, at all levels.  My district is in its second year of implementing TCRWP’s Units of Study and we love it! However, like all educators today, the pressure of fitting all the curriculum in is a real concern.  One… Continue reading