To be seen and heard

Every person's story matters.

Even those with the quietest voices 

and the lowliest state

have a story to tell that is equal

to those who have reached great heights.

Growing up in a family of five siblings, it could be difficult to get a word in edgewise. As the middle child, and a girl, my voice could often get dismissed to my louder sisters and brothers.  Helping students find their voices and stories has been my life's work and now it is time for me to find my own voice also.

When we teach children to read, we teach them the text, then to read between the lines for hidden meanings and more understanding of the author's intent. Too often, we forget to show them how to read beyond the lines to discover the hidden stories and possibilities that are created when we combine our own story with the text we read.  The most fun is to read beyond the lines and find a world of possibilities in all the stories around us.