Meet the indomitable Muddy Waters, the legendary blues musician who lived life his way and made music to match, music that became the foundation for what would become rock and roll.

How can we get students to try old classics that we know they'll love? 

A few tips to break it down, and make it less overwhelming.

Use these seasonal bookmarks as a fun tool for students to mark their place in between reading sessions.

Take a look at a few simple ways to make the most of your well-earned holiday break! 

This Tip was emailed on 6/2/2023.

The CAFE Literacy System was developed to help teachers apply what their research has shown—that reading instruction is not about the setting, the basal, or the book level. Rather, effective reading instruction is based on what that student needs in that moment. CAFE has changed the way teachers assess, teach, and track student information, and positively impacted the way students learn, practice, and talk about reading.

Conferring forms hold valuable information, but managing the papers can be a bit of a challenge.

Danielle French works closely with her students, which enables her to discern what they do well and what she can layer on to help them elaborate their work. 

If you want to give more students a chance to use their voices in the room, try this strategy, which enables everyone to be heard. 

In this conference, Bobby, a third grader, learns how to improve his comprehsion. 

Download writing paper that has a fun nod to the month of June.

Download writing paper that has a fun nod to the month of January.

This Tip was emailed on 11/2/2018.

This Tip was emailed on 5/24/2019.

Janet Scott is a Title 1/LAP reading specialist for kindergarten and first grades in Washington State. Over the course of her 23-year career in education, she has taken on the roles of classroom teacher, assessment facilitator, literacy coach, instructional coach, and interventionist for kindergarten through sixth grade. Janet has degrees in elementary education, early childhood education, and curriculum and instruction.From a very early age, Janet knew she wanted to be a teacher, and she knows that she found her passion, because she still loves to do it! Janet has known and worked with Gail Boushey for many years and is excited to collaborate with her on the Classroom Design online seminar. She cannot wait to learn alongside teachers from all over the world. Janet believes strongly that classroom design is a strategic factor in behavior management as well as instruction.

Janice Such is a reading specialist and instructional coach who works with dedicated teachers across a Midwestern school district. She has taught elementary school students and adult learners. As a member of the district literacy department, she has provided professional development about Benchmark Assessment System, Leveled Literacy Intervention, Words Their Way, and the ELA Common Core State Standards for K-5. Collaborating with building coaches in Coach Connection meetings, she has shared best practices, teaching strategies, and research. In the role of Lesson Study facilitator, Janice currently supports teams of educators as they engage in the cycle of planning, researching, and reflecting on their teaching. By contributing Brief Focus Lessons to Daily CAFE, she hopes to share her love of children's literature and experience in curriculum and instruction. Janice is delighted to be part of the Daily CAFE learning community.

Use small moments to build belonging in your classroom. 

You’ll learn three simple, practical shifts that help re-engage students without adding pressure or disrupting routines.

Take a peek at what we are reading this summer. Perhaps we can inspire your reading list!

As a literacy coach, you don’t start with literacy. You begin by building the classroom conditions that allow literacy learning to grow taller than a redwood.

This Tip was emailed on 5/18/2018.

Consider these key aspects when assessing and cultivating a positive emotional climate in your classroom.

This Tip was emailed on 2/9/2024.