Let me begin here: I write a children’s book series titled Lady Lucy’s Quest about a feisty multi-racial heroine who becomes a knight in the Middle Ages. With her team of trusty helpers (Dillon the Dragon; Tapestry the Unicorn; and Quincy the Belgian Shepherd), she goes on a myriad of…

Holidays are hard for many generally and now specifically. So, here’s something to try whether you are near or far, in person or remote: Tongue twisters! Yes, really. They have a long educational history. They promote learning and enunciation. They build vocabulary. They showcase mistake making and trying again. They…

We need to help children (and adults) process the election for President. Here are a set of strategies/activities that educators can adapt and use for students at all ages and stages. More will be added as time progresses in the transition but this will be beneficial now! Classroom Strategies and…

Worried about the election and possible violence? Me too, regardless of outcome. This creates anxiety and tension and possible trauma. This isn’t good for anyone. Our autonomic nervous systems are on high alert and likely the absence of a definitive outcome on election night will cause more issues in our…

We expect holidays will be wonderful. Or, stated differently, we hope they will be wonderful. The advertising industry seems keen on showing us how marvelous holidays can be as the family gathers and everyone shares together a delicious meal and equally comfortable conversations. That may be true for some families…

I’ve been thinking a lot about zippers and buttons. Really. Let me explain. Consider the clothing we wear now. Most pants don’t have zippers — women’s or men’s pants. Or children’s pants. Most women’s dresses and blouses (do we use that word still?) don’t have zippers either. Sure, we have…

Since (and even before) the Pandemic, we have been aware of rising student absenteeism (call it retention at the collegiate level). We want to “fix” the situation and get more students across the entire educational landscape back in school. I get it. But the efforts to improve enrollment actually are…

Even as the national and regional and even local news pipes down in the coming weeks (as it always does) about the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, you are all still in our hearts and minds. And, it is with this sentiment in mind, that the Virtual Teachers Lounge shared…

Here we are again — with another event that traumatizes our students. Schools in parts of Maine (colleges too) are shutdown because of a manhunt for a mass shooter. Eighteen people are dead (ages unknown) and some dozen or more have been injured. Lots of families and friends affected —…