Grammar is simply the study of how words combine to form sentences. Words are like putty, they can change purpose depending on how they combine with other words in the context of a sentence. Grammar is complex and essential. But grammar…

This time, last year, I was leading an Earlybird Pages session using our Spring Stories thematic unit—such beautiful stories and pictures about spring. Every time we read a new story, we sensed the anticipation in the air. How exciting, to…

Tip Number 1. Enjoy the journey! Tip Number 2. “What’s your big idea?” Tip Number 3. Slide of Imagination. Tip #4 Play! Tip #5 Writing is a gift. Tip #6 LOVE the red pen. Tip #7 Write in cursive! Tip…

Coalesce is a beautiful word. It means: to grow together; to unite into a whole. This word combines the prefix “co” (which means “together”) with the Latin verb alescere (meaning “to grow”). There you have it. Grow together. Combine. Unite. Fuse.…

  Let’s talk middle school. In our CORE materials for middle school—Level 3 Reading & Writing Discovery Guides—students will continue the good work of writing ideas  they began in the Level 1 & 2 units.  With Blackbird & Company, your…

My best memories with my children are of us snuggled up together reading books. We would be on the bed or on the couch, blankets over us. Little bodies breathing evenly in my lap. Little hands touching mine or flipping…

Tip #5 Writing is a gift. I’ve been teaching the art of writing for over 30 years. I DO NOT insist my students wrangle a lasso to subdue their grammar. Remember, Form follows Function. I DO insist they value their…

During my 25+ years in the field of education I’ve encountered teachers and administrators throwing around the phrase “growth is not robust” over and over and over again. This euphemism breaks my heart. They are referring to our children after…

Sinking your teeth into a marshmallow is like biting into a cloud! Let’s make marshmallows! Before we do, let’s ask a beautiful question: Where did the idea come from? Marshmallows, after all, are not naturally occurring. If we want to…

Let’s talk kitchen literacy. That’s right. Think recipe for fun and for learning! In the kitchen, reading and writing and thinking is delicious! Once upon a time we had a little wooden step stool in our kitchen that my four…