Read by Example

In this video tutorial, I share how I use a notebook to keep myself grounded when things feel chaotic and unpredictable. It’s Election Day - this feels needed!

I address the following aspects of my notebook system:

* Keeping a weekly intentions list to come back to when considering next actions

* Dating the daily log and setting up your productivity dashboard

* Starting your daily log with critical tasks to accomplish that day

* Documenting notes, events, and tasks as the day progresses

* Brainstorming ideas with text and sketches

* Reviewing the day, noting wins, insights, and gratitudes

Take care,

Matt

Transcript

Hi, this is Matt. I'm sharing how I ground myself with a notebook, both as a coach and as an individual. It’s a space for personal and professional reflections, which is especially helpful during unpredictable times, like today—Election Day, 2024. I thought it’d be appropriate to share this process.

This approach is adapted from the *Bullet Journal Method* by Ryder Carroll, with a few tweaks for my needs. Let’s start with my weekly intentions. I date the week, then list all I want to accomplish. There’s usually more than I can get done, but if something doesn’t get completed, I simply move it to the next week. This becomes my weekly log.

My daily log captures each day’s priorities. Here’s yesterday’s log. First, I date it—November 4th, a Monday. Then I create a dashboard. This idea comes from the Bullet Journal community; I highlight boxes and draw icons representing productive actions. Not productivity in a “getting things done” sense, but actions aligned with the person I want to become.

For example, my dashboard includes icons for writing, meditating, pet care, budgeting, and exercise. Exercise doesn’t have to mean lifting weights; yesterday, I did Tai Chi and went for a walk. There’s also an icon for a fun activity and another for “unhooking” from unproductive thoughts—using self-talk or breathing techniques to steer clear of unhealthy thinking. It’s a valuable habit, especially with the uncertainty around the election.

Each day, I identify two or three critical tasks, such as drafting a newsletter or inviting a friend for an event. Throughout the day, I add tasks as they come up—like reserving rooms for next week or picking up cat food. I use different symbols: a dot for tasks and a circle for events. Yesterday, we had a staff meeting to discuss our strategic plan. I like using paper for brainstorming; it helps me play with ideas creatively. For example, I sketched a diagram that a colleague suggested I share on our Padlet.

At the end of the day, I log any other thoughts or tasks. For instance, I agreed to be secretary for the Lions Club. I also like to reflect on something successful, an insight, and what I’m grateful for. Last night, I noted “saying yes to what I can,” sharing my drafty thinking, and appreciating the chance to contribute.

Today, I’ll start with my productivity dashboard again. I use a Leuchtturm B5 notebook, but any notebook works fine, especially when you’re starting. You don’t need anything fancy. You can also replace icons with initials if you prefer.

I’ve already voted, so I don’t need to worry about that. Throughout the day, when I feel stressed or tempted to check election news, I can return to my notebook. For instance, I need to finalize the writing workshop PD and plan for my kids’ birthdays. Writing these tasks down increases my commitment to them.

Today is open-ended but grounded by this structure. I can even note it’s Election Day as an event. This notebook helps me stay focused on the day-to-day and acts as a place for journaling. My wife will vote before work, and I remind myself that we probably won’t know results right away.

Putting my thoughts and worries on paper keeps me grounded. If I feel restless, I can take the dog for a walk to release energy, then return to my list. I aim to calm myself by being intentional and purposeful with my time.

Best wishes, and stay calm in these unpredictable times. Take care.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readbyexample.substack.com/subscribe

In this recorded webinar, we dove into how coaches and instructional leaders can use a notebook as a powerful tool to stay organized and focused in their practice. Drawing from personal experience and popular methodologies like Bullet Journaling and Getting Things Done, this episode explores the benefits of “notebooking” to boost productivity, reduce stress, and enhance our abilities. We discussed practical strategies for capturing key ideas, clarifying tasks, and facilitating reflection.

Watch as we cover:

• The concept of a coach’s notebook as a second brain

• How to use symbols, lists, and timelines to organize events and tasks

• The role of notebooks in reducing stress and fostering mindfulness

• Real-world examples of how notebooking supports both personal and professional growth

Whether you’re a veteran coach or new to the role, a “Big C” or “Little C” coach, this episode provides actionable tips to help you streamline your work and maintain clarity amidst the many demands of coaching.

Thanks for reading Read by Example! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and grow as a literacy leader.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readbyexample.substack.com/subscribe

In this professional conversation, I speak with educational consultant Vivian Chen.

Vivian is a former classroom teacher and coach, and now supports literacy educators independently.

She organizes her work life using a free tool called Notion (notion.so) for a variety of tasks:

* Building a database to plan her days and projects.

* Organizing her business information.

* Capturing her coaching conversations with clients.

Vivian shares a number of ideas any educator could apply to their own practice.

(To connect with Vivian, go to LearnWithVivian.com for more information.)

Recommended Resources

* Definitely check out the video archive of this conversation, as Vivian offers a peak into her Notion system.

* I am halfway through my declutter! I’m writing a little bit every day about my experience in avoiding social technologies in this thread. I am also posting these daily reflections in this pop-up blog I created for easier readability.

* While I am rereading the source of the digital declutter, Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport, I am pairing it with Saving Time: Discovering a Life Beyond Productivity Culture by Jenny Odell (affiliate links). I’ll be sharing the connections I am making between the two texts during the second half of my declutter.

* This episode was recorded in June - no July conversation for full subscribers due to my digital declutter this month. Stay tuned for upcoming professional learning opportunities starting in August. Readers shared a variety of topics ripe for discussion:

* Planning for effective professional development, including finding time to learn with colleagues

* Responding to student behaviors

* Authentic application of curriculum resources

* Balancing external expectations while meeting students where they are

* Navigating different philosophies of literacy instruction

* Being a critical consumer of SoR-related information

What else is on your mind that you would like to discuss? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Take care,

Matt

P.S. Another topic that came up is getting into classrooms and supporting teaching and learning. You can start now on your learning journey with my latest book, the companion playbook, and my new course (playbook included).

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readbyexample.substack.com/subscribe

In this conversation, Matt Glover, former teacher and principal, now a full-time writer and consultant, and I discuss his book, How to Become a Better Writing Teacher, co-authored with Carl Anderson (Heinemann, 2024)

Key Highlights from Conversation

Author’s Background

* Matt Glover's experience as a first-grade teacher, assistant principal, and principal of a large early childhood school.

* Shifted interest towards teaching writing, influenced by colleagues and educational leaders like Carl Anderson and Katie Wood Ray.

Importance of Teaching Writing

* Glover’s interest in how children compose and think.

* Emphasis on the importance of teaching writing from an early age.

* Discussion on the role of equity in teaching writing, ensuring all students can express their thoughts regardless of language and transcription skills.

Engagement and Choice in Writing

* The impact of choice (topic and genre) on student engagement.

* Strategies for supporting meaningful choice in the classroom to enhance engagement.

* The correlation between engagement and achievement in writing.

Building Confidence in Young Writers

* The significance of building students' confidence as writers.

* Techniques such as using children as mentors in writing conferences.

* The positive effects of showcasing less confident writers as mentors.

Effective Writing Instruction Practices

* The role of teacher's own writing in the instructional process.

* The power of peer partnerships and long-term student collaborations.

* Practical strategies for conferring with students and asking empowering questions like "What are you making?" and "What have you done well as a writer?"

Evolving Writing Units

* Incorporating modern forms of writing like podcasts and TED Talks into the curriculum.

* Glover’s perspective on the cautious use of AI in teaching writing.

* The importance of maintaining authenticity in teacher-created writing samples.

Advice for Teachers

* Start with one action or strategy from the book and work on it incrementally.

* Utilize the assessment tools provided in the book to personalize and guide instructional improvements.

* Commit to long-term growth and incremental learning rather than trying to overhaul teaching practices all at once.

Interested in learning more?

* Check out the two-day online institute for the book, co-facilitated by Matt Glover and Carl Anderson in July. Register with Heinemann here.

* Watch our conversation with Carl Anderson to kick of this book study here.

* To integrate more authentic assessment in your writing instruction, I humbly recommend my book on digital portfolios. it is a powerful approach for engaging and empowering students as writers and learners.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readbyexample.substack.com/subscribe

In this engaging conversation with educators Vivian Chen, Debra Crouch, and Jared Kubota, we discuss the second half of How to Become a Better Writing Teacher by Carl Anderson and Matt Glover. The conversation revolves around practical insights, challenges, and strategies from the book that can transform writing instruction in classrooms.

Key Discussion Points

Book Selection and Initial Impressions

* Matt shares why he selected this book for the discussion.

* Guests discuss their initial reactions and the impact of the book on their teaching practices.

Challenges of Implementing the Workshop Model

* Discussion on the complexities and benefits of the workshop model in writing instruction.

* Vivian Chen highlights the importance of organizational skills and tools to manage the workshop's moving parts.

Effective Use of Mentor Texts

* Debra Crouch talks about the importance of selecting relevant and effective mentor texts.

* The value of immersing students in high-quality writing examples to enhance their understanding.

Conferring with Students

* Jared Kubota shares insights on the value of student conferences and the importance of personalized feedback.

* Strategies for balancing conferences in dual-language classrooms.

Building Trust through Partnerships

* The significance of keeping writing partnerships stable over time to build trust and enhance feedback quality.

* Matt and Debra discuss the balance between long-term partnerships and varied feedback sources.

Integrating Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

* Jared emphasizes the integration of SEL within writing workshops.

* Techniques for teaching students how to give and receive feedback constructively.

Tips for Educators

* Practical tips from the book that can be implemented immediately in the classroom.

* Guests share their favorite strategies and how they plan to use them in their teaching.

Reflections and Closing Thoughts

* Guests reflect on their learning journey and the book's impact on their professional growth.

* Final thoughts and appreciation for the collaborative discussion.

This episode is a must-listen for educators seeking practical strategies to improve their writing instruction and create a more engaging and effective learning environment for their students.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readbyexample.substack.com

In this engaging conversation with educators Vivian Chen, Debra Crouch, and Jared Kubota, we discuss the second half of How to Become a Better Writing Teacher by Carl Anderson and Matt Glover. The conversation revolves around practical insights, challenges, and strategies from the book that can transform writing instruction in classrooms.

Key Discussion Points

Book Selection and Initial Impressions

* Matt shares why he selected this book for the discussion.

* Guests discuss their initial reactions and the impact of the book on their teaching practices.

Challenges of Implementing the Workshop Model

* Discussion on the complexities and benefits of the workshop model in writing instruction.

* Vivian Chen highlights the importance of organizational skills and tools to manage the workshop's moving parts.

Effective Use of Mentor Texts

* Debra Crouch talks about the importance of selecting relevant and effective mentor texts.

* The value of immersing students in high-quality writing examples to enhance their understanding.

Conferring with Students

* Jared Kubota shares insights on the value of student conferences and the importance of personalized feedback.

* Strategies for balancing conferences in dual-language classrooms.

Building Trust through Partnerships

* The significance of keeping writing partnerships stable over time to build trust and enhance feedback quality.

* Matt and Debra discuss the balance between long-term partnerships and varied feedback sources.

Integrating Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

* Jared emphasizes the integration of SEL within writing workshops.

* Techniques for teaching students how to give and receive feedback constructively.

Tips for Educators

* Practical tips from the book that can be implemented immediately in the classroom.

* Guests share their favorite strategies and how they plan to use them in their teaching.

Reflections and Closing Thoughts

* Guests reflect on their learning journey and the book's impact on their professional growth.

* Final thoughts and appreciation for the collaborative discussion.

This episode is a must-listen for educators seeking practical strategies to improve their writing instruction and create a more engaging and effective learning environment for their students.

Thanks for reading Read by Example! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support this space.

For questions or feedback, share your thoughts in the comments.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readbyexample.substack.com/subscribe

As a literacy leader, writing is a critical skill.

* We need to frequently communicate our organization’s beliefs and values.

* We avoid misunderstandings when what we share and post is clear.

* If we expect our students and teachers to be writers…

So where does one start?

Consider employing ChatGPT as your writing assistant.

In this video, you will see how this large language model (LLM) can:

* Give you general writing ideas as a starting point.

* Provide feedback on a first draft you’ve developed.

* Generate templates from favorite articles to use as models for your own writing.

This brief demonstration will show you how to be more intentional with ChatGPT: using frames, following up on initial responses, and asking for options instead of specific answers.

Would a mini-course on how to build and sustain a professional newsletter be of interest to you? Let me know your thoughts in the brief survey linked below.

Subscribe for free to receive new posts and build your capacity as a literacy leader.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readbyexample.substack.com/subscribe

In this podcast, we delve into the world of writing instruction with Carl Anderson, co-author with Matt Glover of How to Become a Better Writing Teacher.

Carl is the author of several acclaimed books including A Teacher's Guide to Writing Conferences and A Teacher's Guide to Mentor Texts K-5. Carl shares insights from his extensive experience working with schools and districts, discussing the importance of writing instruction and providing practical strategies for educators at all levels.

Key takeaways from the conversation include:

* The journey of becoming a better writing teacher: Carl and his co-author Matt Glover emphasize that the work of teaching writing is ongoing and dynamic. Their book provides actionable steps and personalized guidance for teachers at different stages of their careers, from novices to seasoned veterans.

* Collaboration and professional development: Carl and Matt's collaboration, born out of webinars during the pandemic, highlights the power of professional learning communities and ongoing support in refining writing instruction practices.

* Advocating for writing: Amidst standardized testing and shifting curricular priorities, Carl emphasizes the importance of advocating for dedicated time and resources for writing instruction. He encourages educators to engage in conversations with administrators and colleagues to ensure that writing receives the attention it deserves in schools.

With practical insights, personal anecdotes, and a commitment to empowering educators, this conversation and Carl’s and Matt’s book are a valuable resource for anyone passionate about nurturing young writers.

Enjoyed this discussion? Share it with a colleague and continue the conversation.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readbyexample.substack.com/subscribe

Where does literacy leadership intersect with the quest for educational justice? In this thought-provoking conversation, I am joined by Michele Caracappa (Reading to Lead) and Debra Crouch (Made for Learning) as we delve into this vital topic.

Michele, with her extensive background in education and leadership from New York City, shares insights from her journey of supporting literacy and educational justice. The conversation covers a range of subjects:

* The impact of policies on literacy instruction

* The importance of teacher empowerment

* Rethinking literacy through a justice-oriented lens

Whether you're an educator, leader, or simply passionate about educational equity, this episode offers valuable perspectives on creating conditions that foster success for all students. Dive into the discussion and discover actionable strategies to bridge the gap between literacy leadership and educational justice. Don't miss out on enriching your understanding and toolkit for change. Listen now and be part of the conversation towards a more equitable educational landscape.

Subscribe for more episodes on transforming education through leadership and literacy.

Beginning next month, we are reading How to Become a Better Writing Teacher by Carl Anderson and Matt Glover.

Share this episode with your network to spread the word about the importance of literacy leadership.

Continue the conversation here in the comments (full subscribers), or wait until the podcast version is posted.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readbyexample.substack.com/subscribe

Where does literacy leadership intersect with the quest for educational justice? In this thought-provoking conversation, I am joined by Michele Caracappa (Reading to Lead) and Debra Crouch (Made for Learning) as we delve into this vital topic.

Michele, with her extensive background in education and leadership from New York City, shares insights from her journey of supporting literacy and educational justice. The conversation covers a range of subjects:

* The impact of policies on literacy instruction

* The importance of teacher empowerment

* Rethinking literacy through a justice-oriented lens

Whether you're an educator, leader, or simply passionate about educational equity, this episode offers valuable perspectives on creating conditions that foster success for all students. Dive into the discussion and discover actionable strategies to bridge the gap between literacy leadership and educational justice. Don't miss out on enriching your understanding and toolkit for change. Listen now and be part of the conversation towards a more equitable educational landscape.

Subscribe for more episodes on transforming education through leadership and literacy.

Beginning next month, we are reading How to Become a Better Writing Teacher by Carl Anderson and Matt Glover.

Share this episode with your network to spread the word about the importance of literacy leadership.

Continue the conversation here in the comments (full subscribers), or wait until the podcast version is posted.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readbyexample.substack.com/subscribe