Author: shellhays

Ralph Fletcher's Joy Write came out last spring and I finally got around to reading it. I'm really glad I waited, actually. It's the perfect time of year to read this book--just as you're starting to get apprehensive about getting something done this summer but before you're ready to really dig deeply into the nitty-gritty… Continue reading Read Joy Write for Joyful Teaching & Learning

I read the latest post at Nerdy Book Club this morning. Twice. Sitting in my car. I was almost late to a doctor's appointment. "The Guns in Our Stories" by Jeff Seymour was thought-provoking and powerful. Go read it if you haven't yet. I've not read his books, but he writes what I love about… Continue reading Living & Teaching in a Time of Violence

Most of us here in the Midwest are fighting the dreariness of a long winter transitioning at G-L-A-C-I-A-L pace with lots of gray days into spring. My tulips are finally starting to bloom, but not without the signs of a hard-fought battle. Many of them have leaves that look like old boxer's ears. This is… Continue reading My Musings: Finding Inspiration & Doing the Work of Wondering

I got to see George Couros, author of The Innovator's Mindset, speak at a conference a few weeks ago. He was a dynamic and fun speaker but more than anything I loved this graphic he shared of the characteristics of people with an innovator's mindset. I love this visual support for helping me think through… Continue reading My Musings: The Creativity Project