Author: Maria

For Halloween, I ask my students to share their most dreadful experience. Back to school shopping was among them. As for teachers and parents, some are tempted to start their back-to-school shopping at the LCBO. I can understand why, but

If you were asked to come up with a controversial topic, it is unlikely that grammar would be amongst the first to come to mind. However, in a room full of English teachers, the word grammar would be the only

Last summer I learned a Ukrainian dance, attempted to play African drums, and ate blood sausage, all in the streets of Toronto. Cultural events are always tons of fun, and a great way to help children learn about world history,

“What do you mean, by heart?”  Sasha, a grade four student, raises her eyebrows almost to her hairline. I hand her a cute 8-line poem about robins splashing in a bird bath. “Memorize it by heart, so you can read

This is a humorous student piece combining historical research and informal writing style. “The Origins of…” writing prompt is a great way to introduce research based writing. Recently, an American friend asked me why Bay street is called Bay street.

The Old House How have you been spending your time lately? Are you the type of person to stay inside and binge on your favourite show, or would you rather go outside and enjoy sports or friends? Either way, JDY

I am not an opponent of French Immersion. Bilingual education has many benefits. Yet many hard-working students and parents regret enrolling. Every parent wants to make an informed decision, and that means being aware of both the benefits and the

How to make the most out of a gallery visit with a preschooler. Yellow triangles, green circles, red boxes, a horizontal lightning bolt in brown hues, a turbulent mesh of ice, clouds, pain and anxiety all painted in deep, hoars