All the World’s a Page: Congratulations to our Success Academy Authors!
Success Academy – January 9, 2019
If there’s one thing we love even as much as reading at Success Academy, it’s helping our scholars find and develop their writing voices. From elementary school onwards, our scholars practice writing every single day. Once they’ve learned to convey strong and precise ideas with clarity, purpose, and structure, they have a lifelong tool for […]
The Joy of an Old-Fashioned Spelling Bee
Success Academy – October 26, 2018
Every fall at Success Academy, our school communities become extremely excited for several not-to-be-missed events. One, of course, is the annual Halloween Parade. Another is far less commonly found in schools these days: a good old-fashioned Spelling Bee. We love our Bees because they foster determination and confidence in scholars — plus they’re fun!
Digging Deep and Thinking Big About Middle School Reading at the Robertson Center
John Snowdy – October 22, 2018
Last week, John Snowdy found himself back in the student’s desk alongside fellow educators from across the country. They were at Success Academy’s Robertson Center, a new center for educator training, to learn more about the network’s approach to teaching middle school reading.
Zombie Cows and Giant Peaches: Scholars Spill the Beans on Their Favorite Summer Books
Success Academy – August 4, 2017
This summer, our scholars are getting lost in great books for hours in the park, on the train, and at home.
Five Success Academy scholars dish on their favorite books of summer 2017 — and where they like to read.
Author Kwame Alexander: ‘Words Can Change the World’
Success Academy – July 11, 2017
Kwame Alexander, author of 24 books (and counting) and winner of numerous awards such as the 2015 John Newbery Medal for the Most Distinguished Contribution to American Literature for Children, shares some reading encouragement with Success Academy families. Happy #summerSOAR!
Finding the “Swing” of Teamwork Through a Love of Reading
Success Academy – January 31, 2017
Every day, 14,000 scholars walk into vibrant orange-and-blue Success Academy hallways ready to learn. Two thousand professionals — teachers, school psychologists, operations managers — enter 41 different schools ready to support those scholars.
Spreading Baldwin’s Message of Love and Social Justice in Harlem
Dr. Lindsey R. Swindall – December 1, 2016
Perhaps no other American writer offered a more critical and searing look at racial inequality in America than James Baldwin, who published poems, non-fiction essays, and books from the 1950s until his death in 1987.
Teachers Use Literature, Art, and Poetry as Platform to Discuss a Contentious Election
Success Academy – November 21, 2016
The day after the election, scholars had many questions about the future of our country.
My Scholars Rocked a Write-A-Thon — With a Little Help from Ray Bradbury
Nikolas Weiss – November 1, 2016
On Friday, October 7, our scholars spent an entire half day composing stories in different genres, from dystopia, to romance, to thrillers.
To My Daughter’s Teachers Who Inspired Her to Write a Book
Marie Bang – May 11, 2016
I was studying for my nursing exam and couldn’t be interrupted, so I told her to read a book. “I’m not reading a book,” she said. “I’m going to write one.”
The Mouse that Brought the House Down
Maddy Levine – March 23, 2016
It’s easy to put down a book after finishing the last page, but a great book like the one our school read can open up many possibilities and bring people closer together.
In My Book Club, I Discovered the Power of Talking Back
Leeajah Ebron – January 13, 2016
The book discusses class and education, violence in relationships, race, and feminism — all issues that I wanted to learn more about. I was eager to learn how to talk back about these issues when all my life I’ve heard that talking back is disrespectful.
Becoming a Book Whisperer: How To Help Your Child Find Independent Reading Books
Annie Chalmers and Elizabeth Flood – November 6, 2015
At Success, we believe that children who love reading and select books for themselves drive their own learning and become lifelong readers. There is power and possibility in falling in love with books!
Learning by Reading, Learning by Talking
Sara Yu – July 29, 2015
For the past few weeks, I’ve focused on ways to help kids’ reading and writing soar while school is out. But children aren’t the only ones who keep learning over the summer; all our school team members learn, too.
Summer Soar: Write All About It
Sara Yu – July 13, 2015
Four ways to take your scholar’s summer writing to the next level!
Summer Soar: Let Books Inspire Your Travels
Sara Yu – June 26, 2015
We’re incredibly lucky to live in NYC, where some of the all-time best children’s books are set…
An Educator Reflects on Charleston
Michele Caracappa – June 24, 2015
This past week has been an emotional one. I’ve been struggling to put into words the grief and sorrow I feel for the terrible killings in Charleston. While words can fail at a time like this, silence feels unacceptable as we each grapple with the heartbreak of this tragic event.
Summer Soar: Reading Challenge Accepted
Sara Yu – June 19, 2015
Reading challenges are a simple, creative way to inspire the reluctant readers among us and a tool to keep pushing avid readers to new heights. They are also a powerful antidote against summer slide.
Summer Soar: Using Books to Enhance Summer Adventures
Sara Yu – June 12, 2015
We don’t want to just prevent summer slide; we want to reverse it. We want to achieve Summer Soar.
Danger Ahead: Summer Learning Loss
Sara Yu – June 7, 2015
Numerous studies indicate that kids who don’t read regularly over the summer fall an average of two months behind, and that children from lower-income homes are most at risk.
The Carrot or the Stick? Motivating Kids to Read
Sara Yu – May 26, 2015
For as many reading logs, timers, incentive programs, and star charts there are, there are as many individuals staunchly opposed to applying any extrinsic motivation to reading. And I can’t say I disagree with them.
Thank You For Turning My Son Into a Better Reader
Alecia Walters-Hinds – May 19, 2015
It is fair to say that I am in love with my son’s teacher, Ms. Muller.
A Home (and a Life) Full of Books
Sara Yu – May 15, 2015
In my one-bedroom apartment, you will also find six free-standing bookcases and a hall closet that’s been converted into a book nook.
When Not To Get E-Books for Kids
Sara Yu – May 8, 2015
Print books are still valuable. Here are three reasons why you should choose print over digital books, especially for younger children…