#tricia springstubb

[meganwhalenturner]

I've been organizing a writer's retreat since 2018 and this was our first year back since the pandemic. Here's a video of what a house full of writers (at work) looks like. 😁

#meganwhalenturner #stanfordhouse #cuyahoga valley national park #conservancy for the cuyahoga valley national park #erinbow #michelle houts #tricia springstubb #edie patou #cinda williams chima #rj-anderson

[winningthesweepstakes]

Looking for True by Tricia Springstubb

Looking for True by Tricia Springstubb. Margaret Ferguson Books, Holiday House, 2022. 9780823450992 Rating:  1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4 Format: Hardcover Genre: Realistic fiction What did you like about the book? Jude and Gladys are both 11 years old, live in the same small town, and attend the same school, but under most circumstances they are an unlikely pair.  Jude is…

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#Holiday House #Margaret Ferguson Books

[theobviousparadox]

17 Most-Anticipated Middle Grade Books Coming Fall 2022

17 Most-Anticipated Middle Grade Books Coming Fall 2022

17 Most-Anticipated Middle Grade Books Coming Fall 2022 Some of my most-anticipated middle grade books coming out this fall are written by familiar authors like Tricia Springstubb and Arnée Flores. I’ve also got a bunch of new authors on my list. A few of these books are debuts, some by authors who’ve written YA and are branching out into middle grade fiction. Since I’m a little late posting…

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#fall 2022 #Favorites #middle grade #most-anticipated books #seasonal book list #spooky season

[erinbowbooks]

Stanford House Retreat

This last week I went on a remarkable writing retreat with six other kids lit pros:  @meganwhalenturner, @rj-anderson , Cinda Chima, Shelley Pearsall, Michelle Houts, and Tricia Springstubb, in an old farmhouse run by the Nature Conservancy in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.  

If words won’t flow there’s always talk.  If talk won’t flow there’s always scotch.  

I am working on this magical book that I haven’t had to fight with -- that words have just arrived for, to the tune of 20K in December.  I hoped for more of that, but ended up in a more workmanlike phase, thinking through timeline and pacing and placement of scenes and threading of plotlines and how fast the puppy is growing, etc. For example, I made sense of the timeline and realized I’d set a book over three months of unremarkable mild weather, and one of those months was February.  Whoops.  I added in 7000 K and turned the magic words into a structurally solid first 1/2 of a middle-grade book. 

All around me people were also writing, sometimes with great joy and sometimes storming out of their rooms to announce that they hated their characters, their book, and words in general.  We talked and learned from each other and told secrets and shared ideas and drank wine and got caught hailstorms and saw a whole bunch of mice. And life was good.

More pics:

Michelle Houts

The whole gang -- I’m the one that looks like I was just struck with a skillet.  We decided to call ourselves the Stanford fellows, just because we can. 

The whole gang, plus visiting illustrators Betsy Snyder and Lindsay Ward.

Another guest, Emily Duncan, @glitzandshadows, with RJ Anderson.  

#megan whalen turner #erin bow #r.j. anderson #emily duncan #michelle houts #cinda williams chima #tricia springstubb #shelley pearsall #cuyahogavalleynationalpark

[stephaniejoanneus]

Khalil and Mr. Hagerty and the Backyard Treasures by Tricia Springstubb, illustrated by Elaheh Taherian

Khalil and Mr. Hagerty and the Backyard Treasures by Tricia Springstubb, illustrated by Elaheh Taherian

Khalil and Mr. Hagerty and the Backyard Treasures by Tricia Springstubb, illustrated by Elaheh Taherian. Candlewick, 2020. 9781536203066

Format: Hardcover

Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5

Genre:  Picture book

What did you like about the book? Khalil lives upstairs with his big noisy family. Mr. Hagerty lives quietly downstairs, alone. They both love the backyard, where Mr.…

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#Candlewick Press

[athena29stone]

What’s Hot in 2nd-Grade with #2ndchat moderator Carol McLaughlin

Episode 138 on the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis

Follow @coolcatteacher on Twitter

Today Carol McLaughlin @missmac100 second grade teacher from Alabama and #2ndchat moderator talks about the global trends in second grade. From Project based learning, global projects and steam to the biggest heartbreaks of second-grade teachers, Carol shares it all. She gives a pep talk for second-grade teachers that will get you excited to innovate! Even if you don’t teach second grade, you’ll learn a lot.

Today’s Sponsor is TeacherVision. TeacherVision gives you professionally curated teaching materials that align with their FutureFit Curriculum enhancement framework. FutureFit aligns social emotional learning and character education with your traditional subjects of math, language arts, sciences and more for grades K-12.

To give you a closer look, they’re giving away their Spin Factory math lesson plan at coolcatteacher.com/teachervision. Fidget spinners, math and FutureFit combine to make a powerful fun lesson. Check out TeacherVision today.

  Listen Now

Listen to the show on iTunes or Stitcher

Stream by clicking here.

Below is a transcript modified for your reading pleasure. For information on the guests and items mentioned in this show, scroll down to the bottom of this post.

****

Transcript for Episode 138

  What’s Hot in 2nd-Grade with #2ndchat moderator Carol McLaughlin

Shownotes: www.coolcatteacher.com/e138 From Audio File: 138-Carol-McLaughlin Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Vicki: Today we’re talking with Carol McLaughlin @missmac100 from Alabama, but she is the moderator for Second Chat #2ndchat, currently. And today, Carol, we thought we would talk about some of the trends we’re seeing in second grade across the world. So what’s hot with second grade teachers right now?

2nd Grade Trend #1: Project Based Learning

Carol: Well, what I’m really excited to see is that second grade and other primary classes – but second grade are starting to do Project Based Learning. That’s always been really elevated in the upper grades, but I’m starting to see second grade and lower do some Project Based Learning in their classrooms.

Vicki: So, do you think it’s just – you know, because there’s a difference between projects and Project Based Learning…

We’ll have a person on the show tomorrow from the Buck Institute to talk about this important difference between projects and project-based learning. You might do a “project” but that doesn’t mean you’re doing PBL. There is

Carol: Yes.

Vicki: Do you think teachers are really grasping that difference?

Carol: The ones that are on Second Chat do. They realize that it’s not just a project. And projects are great, all on their own. They have their place, and we still do projects. But Project Based Learning is a whole other animal, and so I see teachers really trying to get their kids involved and engaged in problems they can solve. [They’re] using all the skill they need to solve it with a real audience and finding experts in that field – because kids can do that, and they get excited about what they’re learning because they’re solving a real problem.

Not Just Visiting the Zoo – Collaborating with It

Vicki: Can you think of an example that you’ve seen lately?

Carol: Yes! My class collaborated with our local zoo. I happen to know the educational director, one of the education directors at the zoo, and I wanted to do something with animals that was a big standard that we had. I wanted research to be part of it, but I also wanted to help the zoo because the zoo has been really rebuilding. They redesigned their zoo, and I wanted kids to be really excited about it.

So, I contacted him, and we made a project together, where he asked us to try to think of some animals that would be a good addition to the zoo, [some] that they didn’t currently have. And so they had to research what the zoo already had, and then they had to research what animals would be good for the zoo, and animals that kids would like. They did all this research, and they polled kids [about] what they wanted, and they sent all their results to the zoo. Not knowing that they didn’t mean to get that zoo animal, but it just meant that they had input that the zoo would listen to. And that was fun for them to do that.

Great teachers will contact people and see what they can do. The worst thing they can do is say “no.” You already DON’T have a project with that person, so you have nothing to lose. Great teacherpreneurs create partnerships to pursue learning like business entrepreneurs create partnerships to pursue business. We can do this.

Vicki: Did the zoo listen?

Carol: They did listen. They didn’t have to get that animal, but they gave them feedback and told them what they liked about it and why they could or could not get that animal. But they were so excited! We skyped with many of the zookeepers, and they talked to them about why the animal would be good for the zoo or not. They learned so much more than they would just doing a little animal research project.

Vicki: Oh, so much. OK, what other trends. Project Based Learning, what else?

2nd Grade Trend #2: Global Projects

Carol: I noticed that a lot of Global Projects are huge right now. We want our kids connected to other classrooms around the world. It can be as simple as just solving a math problem with each other, or doing a science project, or doing a whole chapter book that we are sharing books and ideas with.

Vicki: You connect and collaborate with guests we’ve had on the show. Why don’t you tell us [about] one of your collect global projects?

Carol: Oh my goodness. One of the coolest ones I did was actually with Tim Cahey, who teaches in Chicago, and another teacher taught in Canada, which was not Vickie Margado but another friend and another teacher taught in California, and then I was in Alabama. We collaborated with an author, Tricia Springstubb, who wrote Cody and the Fountain of Happiness. We all read the same book at the same time, but we each shared ideas throughout it, and we had different things we talked about in the book. At the end, the author skyped with all four of our classes, which was fun!

Vicki: Oh, wow. When you get creative and you become a “teacherpreneur” like you are, you just put together – it’s almost like, you know, business deals, but it’s really deals between classrooms, you know, because you’re a “teacher-preneur.”  OK, what else? So we have Project Based Learning, we have Global Projects. What else?

2nd Grade Trend #3: STEAM and MakerSpaces

Carol: Of course, STEAM is a big thing that teachers are wanting to do in Maker Space. Having kids get very involved in using all the parts of STEAM. What I love about Twitter and other things from #2ndChat is that we get to share ideas and talk among ourselves about ideas we have, but we can also contact people.

Chris Woods — he is @dailystem on Twitter – and he’s done our chat a few times. He is an expert in STEAM and STEM and science. He gave us great practical ideas about how to make every day STEAM activities and how to easily integrate it into your lessons.

The Biggest Heartbreak of 2nd Grade Teachers

Vicki: OK. So, let me ask you this. We talked about three ideas. What’s the biggest heartbreak of second grade teachers right now?

Carol: I see a lot of people struggle between wanting to do innovative things and the pull for some to stay traditional because testing, sadly, has gotten all the way down to second grade. The push for getting all the content in – and people keep it all isolated, instead of thinking about it being integrated – which is why Project Based Learning works, and STEAM works, and these global projects work so well.

They teach all of these things in a way that makes sense to kids, but we don’t always have people join with us. So a lot of the time, I feel like we’re “lone wolves” in our schools. That’s heartbreaking because the whole part of teaching that’s fun is to do it with someone else, get excited, share ideas. We’re better together.

This past Monday I was at a lunch and learn with the VP of Human Development at Chic-Fil-A, Mark MIller and he made an interesting point that applies here. He talks about the constant tension between results and relationships. I think in teaching we have it too. -Vicki Davis

Mistakes 2nd Grade Teachers are Making Right Now

Vicki: Absolutely. What do you think is a mistake that some second-grade teachers are making right now, besides maybe just the traditional piece? Are there common mistakes you’re seeing?

Carol: I think sometimes second grade teachers are scared to let [go of] control of their classrooms, and also the technology, thinking that their [students] are too young to do it. And they’re not. Second graders are amazing in technology. They’re leaders, already. They can do a lot of these things. I think [the teachers] are kind of scared to let go – it’ll be chaos – but if you have them in the right project and the right activity, doing the right things that are very engaging, kids will take off with all those things. They will surprise you beyond what you could possibly ever do. I think teachers just don’t want to let go all the time, scared of what might happen. But that “what happened” is the most fun part!

Vicki: Yeah. So, Carol, could you give a 30-second pep talk to all the second grade teachers listening right now to give them the energy to just be awesome for their kids?

Carol: You do not know what you’re missing if you don’t try some of these things. Maybe you’re scared, and maybe you don’t feel like you’ve have someone else to do it with, but reach out online –through #2ndChat or through some other second grade teachers online. Ask other people in your district. There’s someone else who’s willing to try it. Just try it. One time. Start small. Do something like maybe an integrated unit or a small Project Based Learning or a STEAM activity or a global project. Start small. You will become addicted to it. You’re going to want to do it more and more, because your kids are going to benefit, and your kids are going to learn more than you can possibly imagine.

Vicki: So, join #2ndChat, and remember if you’re in another grade, there’s #3rdChat, there’s #4thChat, there’s #5thChat, there’s #KinderChat, there’s #1stChat. There’s all these chats out there, where you can find awesome, engaged, excited teachers like Carol. Like you, we don’t have to be an island of innovation. We don’t have to be alone. We’re better together. We get energy from one another. So, you need to join in, be part of the chat and the community, and learn. Carol, I know that you started as a “lurker,” right?

With all of the Twitter chats, there’s no reason for teachers to feel isolated and alone. You can find collaborators and people to join.

Carol: I did! I just read everything for a long time. But the magic happens when you engage with others.

Vicki: Yeah. Yeah, it does. So, get out there. Be a remarkable educator. We’ve had so many wonderful ideas today.

  Transcribed by Kymberli Mulford

Full Bio As Submitted

Carol McLaughlin

Carol has been an elementary educator in the primary grades for 26 years. She holds a Masters Degree and a National Board Certification. She has presented in various school districts. Carol was a PBS 2016 Digital Innovator and also serves as the moderator for #2ndchat.

Carol believes this is the best time to be a teacher and a student with the integration of technology to expand the classroom globally and to display learning in new and exciting ways. She believes that student choice is vital to creating a love of learning.

Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored podcast episode.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.)

The post What’s Hot in 2nd-Grade with #2ndchat moderator Carol McLaughlin appeared first on Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis @coolcatteacher helping educators be excellent every day. Meow!

from Cool Cat Teacher BlogCool Cat Teacher Blog http://www.coolcatteacher.com/whats-hot-2nd-grade-2ndchat-moderator-carol-mclaughlin/

[meganwhalenturner]

This is what writers look like when they aren't working.

From left to right:

Cinda Wiliams Chima, Tricia Springstubb, Edie Pattou, Erin Bow, Megan Whalen Turner

[winningthesweepstakes]

Khalil and Mr. Hagerty and the Backyard Treasures by Tricia Springstubb, illustrated by Elaheh Taherian

Khalil and Mr. Hagerty and the Backyard Treasures by Tricia Springstubb, illustrated by Elaheh Taherian

Khalil and Mr. Hagerty and the Backyard Treasures by Tricia Springstubb, illustrated by Elaheh Taherian. Candlewick, 2020. 9781536203066

Format: Hardcover

Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5

Genre:  Picture book

What did you like about the book? Khalil lives upstairs with his big noisy family. Mr. Hagerty lives quietly downstairs, alone. They both love the backyard, where Mr.…

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#Candlewick Press

[theobviousparadox]

Review: The Most Perfect Thing in the Universe by Tricia Springstubb

Review: The Most Perfect Thing in the Universe by Tricia Springstubb

The Most Perfect Thing in the UniverseTricia SpringstubbMargaret Ferguson BooksPublished June 1, 2021 Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads About The Most Perfect Thing in the Universe by Tricia Springstubb Eleven-year-old Loah Londonderry is definitely a homebody. While her mother, a noted ornithologist, works to save the endangered birds of the shrinking Arctic tundra, Loah anxiously counts the days…

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#birds #Community #found family #friendship #Margaret Ferguson Books #resilience #The Most Perfect Thing in the Universe #Tricia Springstubb

[mlreads]

Meet Cody

There’s a new girl in town for fans of Judy Moody and Clementine.  Two books about Cody have been published.  I hope the author, Tricia Springstubb and illustrator, Eliza Wheeler are working on a third book. I’m glad I discovered Cody before the summer reading rush.  Parents are always seeking books that are appropriate for readers who are ready for the next step from Magic Tree House books; but…

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#Cody and the Fountain of Happiness #Cody and the Mysteries of the Universe #Eliza Wheeler #Tricia Springstubb

[meganwhalenturner]

I am *finally* putting up some of the photos from #CLE Reads.

The day was beautiful and the Festival was perfectly organized.  The authors were funny and wise and generous and I had a great time hearing everything they had to say.

I really hope they do it again next year.

#CLE Reads #emily duncan #kat cho #debbie rigaud #tricia springstubb #tiffany d jackson

[meganwhalenturner]

“I think that, if required on pain of death to name instantly the most perfect thing in the universe, I should risk my fate on a bird’s egg.”

--Thomas Wentworth Higginson

My friend Tricia’s book comes out today.  She and three other Middle Grade Authors will be on a panel this evening hosted by the Cuyahoga County Public Library.  

Please take a look.  You can register here.

Where We Used to Roam by Jenn Bishop: macsbacks.com/book/9781534457294

Rule of Threes by Marcy Campbell: macsbacks.com/book/9781797201238

The Most Perfect Thing in the Universe by Tricia Springstubb: macsbacks.com/book/9780823447572

The Shape of Thunder by Jasmine Warga: macsbacks.com/book/9780062956675

Middle Grade books are so important and so often under appreciated. YA and Picture Books are often written with one eye on the adult readers, but not the Middle Grade Books.  Not so much, anyway.  They may fly under the radar, but these are the books written for minds that are just beginning to learn to think for themselves and what could be more important than that?

[meganwhalenturner]

This is how hard I have to try to take a selfie.  Tricia Springstubb is laughing at me.  I am sad because I know I will not be able to persuade Tricia to ride a bronze pig.