Doug Lemov's field notes

Reflections on teaching, literacy, coaching, and practice.

03.20.23 Show Calling Exemplars To Build “Writing Culture” w Spencer Davis

Show Call is one of my very favorite teaching techniques and if you’re a reader of this blog you know that Spencer Davis is one of our favorite teachers to study. So what could be better than a video of Spencer modeling Show Call. Context:  Spencer’s sixth graders are reading Wonder. They’ve just read a passage…


03.13.23 Community on the Carpet: Engagement and Belonging in Mandie Avila’s Classroom

TLAC team-member Beth Verrilli recently watched footage of Mandie Avila’s first grade lesson at MOSAICS Public School in Caldwell, Idaho and shared these notes: One thing that struck me about Mandie’s lesson was how effectively she engages all of her learners, and authentically creates a sense of belonging in her classroom. You can watch some highlights…


02.17.23 What Is Positive Framing: An Excerpt from TLAC 3.0

  My friend Ravi Gupta recently interviewed me on the Sweat the Technique podcast and one of the techniques he asked about most was Positive Framing–Technique 59 in TLAC 3.0.  His questions made me realize how critical this technique was- how frequently it is at the center of efforts to build vibrant and successful culture, in…