On social media, at conferences, and EdCamps, I've heard a lot of talk surrounding learning spaces and redesigned classrooms. I've even toured a local high school to see how they redesigned several classrooms to serve as flexible learning environments. Walking through the high school, I was pleased to see they not only redesigned classrooms, but also the teacher's lounge. Our guide explained "Having classrooms that contain multipurpose furniture, collaboration spaces,  production, and creation zones is great, but if you want teachers to truly embrace these unique classrooms, you need to provide a redesigned professional learning space for them to utilize as well." Their teacher's lounge included tables and chairs that could be rearranged, a Media Scape Station for PLC collaborations, whiteboards, and posters encouraging Twitter use. 

Perhaps it's the Instructional Coach in me, but as the tour concluded and I headed back to my building, I continued to think about the teacher's space, and pondered what I would include if I had the chance to design an inspiring learning space for teachers. My list included the following: 

• Lots of Books including Teach Like a Pirate, Learn Like a Pirate, P is for Pirate, High Impact Instruction, the Corwin Connected Educator Series, School Culture Rewired
• A shout-out wall, where staff members share positive messages to colleagues 
• Motivational quotes
• Collaboration spaces
• Calendar where teachers can sign up to facilitate a 5 minute Ignite session over a topic of their choice
• Livestream of tweets to our building's hashtag
• Pop and candy (both should be a staple in any teacher learning space!)

What would you include in an inspiring learning space for teachers? Also, if you've encountered a redesigned or inspirational professional learning space, I'd love to hear about your experience!

During my presentation at the International Literacy Association's annual conference, I shared a playlist of songs I have used for close reading lessons. Attendees asked if I had a list of the songs I have used, and I promised I would post them on my website once i returned from the conference.

Below are the song titles I have used in close reading lessons with grades 3-5: 

                                                            Songs used for Close Reading Lessons
"The Circle of Life" by Elton John
"Let it Go" by Idina Menzel
"Firework" by Katy Perry
"Roar" by Katy Perry
"Brave" by Sara Bareilles
"Be" by Usher
"Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield
"Bare Necessities" from Jungle Book

I recently presented at the International Literacy Association's annual conference. Although I have presented at several local and regional conferences, this was my first presentation at an international conference. As you can imagine, I was extremely nervous, but received a positive response from those in attendance. 

Below you will find the resources shared during my presentation. 

Slides (also available on Presentation Symbaloo)

Links: