Reading Begins Long Before School #1

Self Portrait 1, originally uploaded by Gail Coulter.
Once a child has beginning language, we, as parents and educators, want to ensure that children have the building blocks for later decoding and comprehension. One of the first, and most important, things we can do is to expose our young children to numerous healthy, appropriate experiences. The [...]

Seeing Beyond What’s In Front of Your Face

Annapolis 024, originally uploaded by Gail Coulter.
I didn’t want to learn the metric system. We were Americans and we used miles, gallons, and yards. Who cared what the rest of the world used. I was never going to need it. Of course at 12 years old, when the metric system was taught in our school, [...]

Derisive Term

Old Goat, originally uploaded by Gail Coulter. 
I was walking through the sacred, sanctified halls of Old Main today, one of the oldest buildings on campus. I overheard a student discussing one of his professors. He had several uncomplimentary things to say (which I won’t mention), the least of which was “old goat.” I couldn’t help [...]

Beginning Readers – A Little Book for My Nieces and Nephews and Grandchildren

 
Francis Frog’s Busy Day
Written By Auntie

My name is Francis Frog.  I met my mom in a toy shop.  
Now, I live with my mom and dad in a house.

I like to read a book about frogs or about dogs.
I like to swing when I play in the park. 

I have a pot for tea and [...]

The Next Chapter

The Next Chapter, originally uploaded by Gail Coulter.
Teachers have more books than anyone in any other profession. I think. Today I sorted through just some of my books in my home office. (I have lots more in my office at the university). I sorted them by domains. Reading: a stack of books on phonemic awareness, [...]

A Funny Joke?

Afternoon Dog Walk, originally uploaded by Gail Coulter.
A friend sent me this joke:
TEACHER: Harold, what do you call a person who keeps on talking when people are no longer interested?
HAROLD: A teacher
I sent it to my husband over email…..He laughed….. ummmm.

Why I Teach Teachers

Toledo Library Coffee House, originally uploaded by Gail Coulter.
The pay isn’t great (That’s not a complaint because I chose this line of work and knew what I was getting into. It’s just an observation, a fact. However, I wouldn’t mind a raise. But I’m certainly not holding my breath, especially not in our present economy.) [...]

Hard as Rocks

Nooksack River Rock, originally uploaded by Gail Coulter.
When I turned over, the clock said 4:00 a.m. Not too bad, I thought, I’m an early morning riser anyway and went to bed last night with a mssion in mind. And when I have a mission in mind, I struggle with sleep. The problem is that there [...]

Sounds in Words (This is for David – a picture of a baby bunny. He’s three.)

Bunny Sentry, originally uploaded by Gail Coulter.
Ok, I can just hear it, “If that is phonological awareness what then is phonemic awareness or is it the same thing?” Well, if you are a parent, you should be fascinated by this topic because we are talking about the very building blocks that can help your young [...]

Down by the Bay

Sound between 2 Trees, originally uploaded by Gail Coulter.
Down by the Bay – where the watermelon grows – back to my home – I dare not go – For if I do, my mother would say, “Did you ever see a ______”
Fox kissing his socks, down by the bay
Cat with a rainbow mat, down by [...]