Laura Sauer
Laura is a wife, mother of two young boys, and high school English teacher. In her spare time, she maintains two blogs and an online teacher blog/store, AskTheEnglishTeacher.com.
Laura graduated from Michigan State University with high honor. She holds a BA in English and a MA in Curriculum Development and Instruction.
In addition to regular contributions to her own blogs, Laura is a contributing writer for other online media outlets and has been published in Balanced Living Magazine.
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Laura graduated from Michigan State University with high honor. She holds a BA in English and a MA in Curriculum Development and Instruction.
In addition to regular contributions to her own blogs, Laura is a contributing writer for other online media outlets and has been published in Balanced Living Magazine.
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- 12/21/2011
Education/Experience
MA in Curriculum Development and Instruction from Marygrove College in Detroit, MI; BA in English from Michigan State UniversityInterests
reading, writing, parenting, humor, pediatric stroke, children s disabilities, women s issues, education, motherhood, pregnancy, relationships, health and beautyMotto
You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you. -Ray BradburyAffiliations
Ask the English Teacher
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Displaying Results 1 - 63 (of 63) for All Content
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5 Tips for Fostering Goodwill in Children This Holiday SeasonThe holiday season is often an exciting time for children with its vast array of treats and presents. But one gift children should receive is the gift of giving. Here are tips for fostering goodwill in children during the holidays. -
10 Tips for Student Success in High SchoolHigh school can be stressful for many students, but by learning and acting on these 10 tips for success, students can lessen their anxiety and make the most of their learning experiences. -
What High School Teachers Want Parents to KnowStudents spend a large portion of their day with their teachers, making teacher-parent communication critical. To bridge the communication gap between school and home, these high school teachers share what they want parents to know the most. -
When Should I Tell My Son He Has Special Needs?Parents of special needs children have many fears, but determining when to tell their children about their disabilities is at the top of things about which they worry.
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How Teachers Can Make Parent Night MeaningfulParent night does not have to be boring and monotonous. By reviewing more than just rules and procedures, teachers can make their parent night presentations meaningful. -
Parents Confess Their Deepest, Darkest SecretsMost parents don't hesitate to share their success stories with others, but few will admit the humorous and sometimes shocking choices they make behind closed doors. These parents bare all and reveal their deepest, darkest parenting secrets. -
First Person: How I Afforded an Extended Maternity LeaveTaking more than the standard six or eight weeks of maternity leave is a financial burden, making it almost impossible for some women. Here is how I was able to take an extended maternity leave and afford it, too.
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Bloomberg's Breastfeeding Initiative Bullies MothersIn an attempt to encourage new mothers to breastfeed, NYC is launching an initiative that calls for withholding formula unless medically necessary, an effort more akin to bullying than to touting the benefits of breast milk.
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Five Fun First-Day-of-School Ideas for TeachersTeachers may not be able to prevent the school year from starting, but they can prevent boredom in the classroom with these five fun first-day-of-school activities. -
Homework is Increasing, and There is No Relief in SightExperts assert that teachers are assigning more homework than ever, putting kids at risk of mental and physical health complications. But teachers are not to blame for the rise in extra work.
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Rise in Whooping Cough Cases Makes Vaccination CriticalWhooping cough cases may be on the rise, but children and adults have the power to put it back in its place through vaccination.
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A mother's guide to surviving the NICUThe NICU can be a terrifying place for new mothers. Following these five tips can help mothers survive, spirits intact. -
How to Beat the Back to School BluesAs school start dates edge ever closer, many students and teachers fall victim to the back to school blues. Here are five ways to beat them. -
Breaking Binky: How to Wean Children Off the PacifierThere comes a point when parents realize it's time to help their little ones ditch the pacifier. Here are four steps to breaking binky peacefully. -
The Special Needs Parents' Plea: Please Stop StaringSpecial needs parents wish for many things for their children, but most of all, they wish others would accept them for who they are. -
5 Reasons to Study Abroad Next SemesterCollege courses provide students with the knowledge and training necessary to be successful in the workforce, but those alone do not compare to the advantages studying abroad affords students. -
3 Reasons Romney is Wrong About Class SizeThough Romney maintains smaller class size doesn't necessarily mean a better education, this school teacher's experiences prove otherwise.
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Hush the Fuss: Why We Must Stop Criticizing MothersWhether a mother chooses the bottle or breast, she isn't free from criticism, and that criticism now extends to what she's wearing while doing it. But instead of criticizing her for what she's doing wrong, we should praise her for what she's doing right. -
Top 5 Reasons I Will Send My Kids to Public SchoolPublic schools get a bad rap, but the truth is, there's not better place for my kids to get an education. Here are the top 5 reasons why I won't hesitate to send my kids to public school. -
Are You Strong Enough Not to Be Mom Enough?Time Magazine's latest headline is stirring more than baby bottles. But the question should not be whether or not women are "mom enough." The question should be whether they are strong enough to withstand the suggestion that they are not good enough.
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Teacheritis: There is a Cure!As the school year comes to a close, many teachers exhibit signs of teacheritis, or a decrease in motivation. But there is hope. By following these simple steps, teachers will find themselves on the road to recovery. -
So You're a Special Needs ParentDiscovering your child has special needs can be life-altering. But it's OK. You will get through it, and here's how. -
No Child Left Behind Increases Gap in Arts EducationA ten-year study by the National Center for Education Statistics reports a decline in arts education programs offered to students enrolled in public schools, something Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, cautions us to reverse.
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Harness the Power of Pop Culture to Motivate StudentsGetting students interested in classroom material can be difficult, but by using pop culture to your advantage, you can hook them and motivate them to learn.
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Mother's Perspective: Living Together Before Marriage is a MustWhile many still frown on the idea of couples living together before marriage, my experience doing so has opened my eyes to the benefits of this practice. Here are the top reasons why, should my children choose this path, I will support them fully.
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What to Pack for a 10-Day CruiseCruise vacations are incredible, from onboard entertainment to port of call excursions. Knowing what to pack makes this vacation option even better.
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Easy Ways to Keep Your Face Free From Sun DamageWhile we may think getting some sun makes us look good, its long-term effects aren't so pretty. Here are five easy ways you can prevent sun damage.
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Poor Funding to Blame for Minority Students' Educational InequityOur nation's minority students face educational inequity, and until we provide fair funding to America's public schools, this trend will continue.Also published on:
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Tame Tantrums and Misbehavior with an Easy-to-Manage Behavior ChartDisciplining young children can be difficult, but this easy-to-manage behavior chart system makes managing children's behavior much easier.
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What Fibroadenoma Taught Me About LifeBefore I knew I had fibroadenoma, a non-cancerous breast lump, I feared I may have breast cancer. The experience, though terrifying, turned out to be a good one, for it taught me what is really important about life.
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What to Expect Inside Disney's Royal Guest RoomsSelecting the right hotel accommodations is just as important to a family vacation as the attractions you plan to visit. If you're considering a trip to Walt Disney World, use this guide to the Royal Guest Rooms to help make your vacation decisions.
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First Person: Navigating the Medical World for a Loved One With Cerebral PalsyWhen you learn your child has cerebral palsy, the emotions you feel can be overwhelming. Among those is the concern about providing essential medical care. These tips can help you communicate with your child's doctors and therapists.
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Protect Your Baby From Stroke During PregnancyWhile there is no guaranteed way to protect infants from perinatal stroke, which occurs in the weeks preceding and following birth, there are potential maternal risk factors that, if addressed, may reduce an infant's risk of suffering a stroke.
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Teacher: Grades Are Hindering Learning, Not Helping ItOur society's emphasis on the importance of grades is actually hindering our students' learning. From encouraging cheating to impeding critical thinking, grades are an obstacle, not a motivator for students.
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Fill young children's Easter baskets with these 5 candy alternativesEaster baskets don't have to be sugar-filled to be fun. Try these non-candy alternatives for a healthy, fun Easter morning.Also published on:
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First Person: The Facebook IPO Doesn't Bother MeWhile many are outraged over Facebook's decision to go public, citing privacy settings and increased advertising as concerns, I remain a happy user.Also published on:
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Ways to Encourage Community Service in the ClassroomSo often, educators get bogged down with teaching to the standards, they forget to teach necessary life lessons, such as the importance of community service. Here are ideas teachers can use to encourage community service in any subject area.
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3 Signs You Need to See a Doctor for AllergiesPet allergies usually produce mild, cold-like symptoms. But sometimes, more severe symptoms present, warranting an immediate trip to the doctor or hospital. Here's how to know when it's time to seek medical attention.
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5 tips for transitioning from a crib to a toddler bedChildren's life transitions can be stressful on kids and parents alike. These tips for transitioning your toddler from a crib to a big kid bed make this transition one less you have to worry about.Also published on:
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Secret Clinical Strength for Sensitive Skin: A Mom's Best FriendAs a busy mother and full-time teacher, I had given up on finding the right deodorant. Thankfully, I discovered Secret Clinical Strength for Sensitive Skin, and I'm a much happier, much fresher woman.
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Arne Duncan: Americans Are Fighting the Wrong Education BattlesAccording to Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, Americans are fighting the wrong education battles. But while states like Massachusetts are investing in public education, others, like Michigan, are taking away from it.Also published on:
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Susan G. Komen for the Cure Marginalizes Low-Income WomenThe popular breast cancer charity, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, discontinued its funding to Planned Parenthood on Jan. 31, jeopardizing the lives of thousands of low-income women in the process.
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Ten Tips for Keeping Your Special Needs Toddler Active During WinterThe winter months may keep you indoors, but you can keep your special needs toddler active with these ten motor and cognitive strengthening activities.
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Emergency Financial Manager Takes Over Michigan School DistrictAfter declaring the Highland Park School District in a state of financial emergency, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder appointed emergency manager, Jack Martin to oversee its financial decisions.Also published on:
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Flash Fiction: Hints of HappinessIn the aftermath of loss, it is often the flashes of memory, of happy times, that can be the hardest to bear.
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Unmarried Lesbian Couple in Michigan Sues for the Right to Jointly AdoptA Detroit Metro lesbian couple filed suit against the state of Michigan on Jan. 23, citing the state's law preventing unmarried couples from adopting violates their constitutional rights.
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U.S. Department of Education Announces Teacher Ambassador Fellowship OpeningsThe U.S. Department of Education encourages expert teacher leaders to apply for open Teaching Ambassador Fellowship positions. Teaching Ambassador Fellows help shape education policy through their unique, first-hand experiences in the classroom.
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How to Determine Whether Online Learning is Right for YouOnline courses are increasing in popularity, especially among undergraduate and graduate students. Before enrolling in and paying for online courses, however, its important to make sure distance learning is right for you.
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Book Banning Violates Students' Right to ReadThe ACLU announces its opposition to a Michigan school district's ban of two novels, citing it violates students' constitutional rights. A teacher discusses the reasons why students should have access to the novels.
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U.S. Department of Education Seeks Teacher Input on Education PolicyIn conjunction with the Close Up Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education will meet with teachers from across the country to discuss education policy and concerns of educators.
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Is Putting Ads on a Teacher's Website Ethical?Teachers spend their own money on classroom resources students can't afford and school districts won't pay for. Should they be allowed to supplement the cost of these materials with advertisements on their websites?
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I Am a Murderer, and I Deserve to Be PunishedThe plant kingdom rises in protest against a long-time plant killer. The stakes are high, and these flora are not above suicide.
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5 Ways Parents Can Help Students Achieve SuccessAsk any teacher, and he or she will tell you, parental involvement is critical to a student's success in school. Here are five ways you can take an active role in helping your child succeed.
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Nelle Harper Lee: American Novelist and Social AdvocateFew authors, if any, have successfully interwoven a coming-of-age tale and a social commentary piece into one, concise novel. Nelle Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird, effectively does both.
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Teacher: Michigan Lift on Charter School Cap is Bad for EducationMichigan Gov. Rick Snyder signed a bill lifting the state's charter school cap, which will allow for unlimited charter schools in 2015. A public school teacher and parent contends this is bad for the future of education in Michigan.
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Educator's Perspective: Grading Students on Weight is a MustFrench dietitian, Pierre Dukan is pushing for his government to implement grading practices based on students' weight. The United States' rapidly growing obesity rate among children suggests a program like this is critical here, too.
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5 Things Never to Say to a Special Needs ParentWhat never to say to a parent of a special needs child, especially a parent who is just beginning the difficult journey of raising a child with a disability.
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Winter's Sharp EmbraceA haiku exploring the painful yet comforting nature of winter.
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Is Social Media Making Us Less Social?As technology evolves and social media sites make communicating with others more accessible than ever, is it ironically making our society less social? A teacher and mother investigates the impact of social media on our society.
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"What's in a Name? that Which We Call a {blog} / by Any Other Word Would {feel} as Sweet."Blogging can be cathartic, a form of therapy, if you will. Coming up with a title, however, can be quite difficult. Here's how one blogger overcame the challenge.
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Just Because You Breastfed Doesn't Make You a Better Mother Than MeIt appears breastfeeding mothers feel attacked by non-breastfeeding mothers. In my experience, it's the other way around. Here, why the choice to breastfeed or not does not make one a better mother.
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Pediatric Stroke May Talk a Good Game, but It's Got Nothing on My SonAfter nearly escaping death at the hands of pediatric stroke, my 1 1/2 year-old son is making strides toward recovery.
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Christmas and Karma: Creating Memorable Moments One Mishap at a TimeWhen thinking of memorable Christmas moments, rarely do sweater stains and questionable caregiver tactics top the list. But often, it is the disheartening and unexpected occurrences in our lives that serve to make the holidays happy.