On the Outside/On the Inside

Looking to engage learners at the intersection of art, literacy, and human connection?On the Outside/On the Inside is a creative activity that fosters personal reflection, while simultaneously building background in vocabulary and concepts for talking about character traits.

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“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” 

Maya Angelou

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” Maya Angelou

What’s your commitment in 2021? Mine is courageous creativity. Here’s why.

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Offline & Unplugged Joy

This weekend something magical happened, I opened a box.

Enjoy a moment of peace and reflection- the moment a keynote speaker and writer unplugged from Pandemic fears, to reconnect with what has always brought her joy.

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Use Observation Data to Reflect in Humble Inquiry

Our data shows some students are struggling in our lessons. Now what?

This is the pivotal moment.  Do we focus on providing supports to the students who demonstrate struggle? Or do we also focus on how to evolve our teaching? Are we using data only to sort students for services, or also to challenge our assumptions and change our approach?

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Observe with an Asset Orientation

We have high expectations. We actively engage students. We observe to take notes on what they say and do. We are feeling on top of our formative data-gathering game!

Then, brain science enters the equation with humbling news: We don’t always see what’s right in front of us. This is especially true when we have implicit biases—which, as humans, we always do. We have all been conditioned by false narratives about racial difference, language hierarchies, and gender differences—whether we believe them or not.

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Share the Surprise

When I dedicated my new bestseller to a family I had not seen in 25 years, I decided to travel to Mexico City to surprise them in person. Watch the moment I share the surprise.

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Summer Trip of a Lifetime

Next week, I fly to Mexico City to see people I haven’t seen in 25 years. I’m bringing my husband, my kids, and a surprise. I’ll tell you about the surprise soon. Now I invite you on my journey with the important backstory, and a hint. Twenty-five years ago I went to Mexico alone against the advice of my family. Warning “You should go somewhere with more culture,” one family…

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