
The First Hill
I had to learn how to enjoy rollercoasters. I was a cautious kid, not one to take risks, and it wasn’t until high school that
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I had to learn how to enjoy rollercoasters. I was a cautious kid, not one to take risks, and it wasn’t until high school that

Recently, while scrolling through social media, I learned there are readers out there who purposely turn to the ending of a novel. They can’t wait

I remember a pastor once telling me that children who have an attachment item — a blankie, a teddy, a snuggly — are more likely

I. “Those who stutter win, in the painful pauses of their demonstration that speech isn’t entirely natural, a respectful attention, a tender alertness. Words are,
In my classroom, a groggy eighth-grade student confesses that he was up until 2 a.m. watching YouTube videos. My seventh-grade son declares his parents “the

I remember the day so clearly. I left a staff meeting during which our district announced plans to cut $2 million from our budget after

By Dana VanderLugt inˈten(t)SH(ə)n(ə)l/ adjective: done on purpose; deliberate. Synonyms: calculated, conscious, intended, purposeful I talk to my writing students about audience all the time

by Dana Vander Lugt I’m a sucker for all things nostalgic — old photo albums, worn notes or ticket stubs. I can’t resist the “On

By Dana VanderLugt My grandpa passed away last winter. One of the things I miss most is saving up stories for him. My family still