Writers (both student and professional) look to other writers for solace and inspiration. In writing workshop, students sometimes use a published book as a springboard for their own writing. They may emulate the organization, concept, or borrow characters from the book. This allows them to develop a story without starting from scratch. The other day, as I was reading the Magic School Bus to my son for the umpteenth time, I wondered–How would Ms. Frizzle handle school closures? How would Mama Bear explain a Bear Country Quarantine to Sister Bear? What would Gerald do if he couldn’t see Piggie for weeks on end? I began to answer these questions in…

I’ve been putting together some materials to help parents direct their children’ reading while schools are closed. Sure, parents can check assignments for completion and ensure students are reading each day—but can they scaffold their child’s reading? Reading teachers assess where a reader is, where she needs to go next, and how to get her there. Can we help parents do the same? This is the beginning of a series aimed at helping parents guide their child’s reading. Each post will look at a reading skill or concept and include a free “cheat sheet” for parents. To share this with families (or to use it yourself), download the free Cheat…