Cursive handwriting was once a foundational skill in every classroom. Today, however, it’s become so rare that many children aren't familiar with it at all. Similar to phonics, cursive writing has faded into the background, and the implications of its disappearance are largely overlooked. In this three-part series, we'll explore why cursive is making a comeback, its significant benefits for young learners, and the reasons behind its decline.

When retired elementary school teacher Steve Gardner shared his thoughts on Sustained Silent Reading (SSR), his perspective stuck with me. Despite increasing pressure in schools to plan every moment of the day, Gardner made daily silent reading a non-negotiable part of his classroom routine - and he did it for decades.

As parents, we want the best for our children. We carefully select what they eat, the media they consume, and the values we instill. But when it comes to books, the question of who gets to decide what’s "appropriate" can become more complicated. Every year, "Banned Books Week" reminds us that, historically, many people in power have tried to dictate what ideas our children (and society as a whole) should be exposed to. This year, Banned Books Week runs from September 22-29, and it provides an opportunity to reflect on how book bans impact learning.

One of the biggest challenges teachers face when grading essays or research papers is finding the thesis statement. Sometimes, it feels as elusive as the Loch Ness monster. Since the thesis is the roadmap of the paper, it’s crucial. It introduces the topic and the writer’s argument, guiding the reader to a conclusion (even if it’s one they don’t agree with).

So, why is the thesis statement, the cornerstone of writing, often so hard to spot?