SOL Tuesday
We’re glad you’re here to share a story!
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Building a Community of Writers: Creating the Emotional Space
Building a community of writers is likely a goal for all writing workshop teachers. But what are some ways to be intentional about bringing such a goal to fruition?
Creating Teaching Tools for Picture Books
Summer is the perfect time to seek out new mentor texts for your writing workshop. This post contains 20+ new picture book — fiction and nonfiction — suggestions that you can use to lift the level of your students’ writing. Plus, there are book giveaways! (Be sure to read the giveaway information carefully at the bottom of the post.)
A Fork In My Road
Dear Two Writing Teachers Community, My emotions are all jumbled up as I write this post to share bittersweet news. At the end of this month I will step away from my co-author… Continue reading
Literacy Coaches: Schools out. Now what?
Four practical priorities for this summer.
SOL Tuesday
It’s Tuesday. Welcome to our weekly SOL challenge.
Thank you for making time to read today’s important announcement from the co-author team.
Responding to Reflection: Editing
Professional writers often reach for professional editors in the writing world. Why not create the opportunity for students to be the professionals?
Learning From Student Reflections
I’ve been thinking a lot about my year teaching third grade and the writing my students did. I had thoughts, opinions and ideas about what went right and where I still needed to make changes, refine my practice, be more strategic. Then, it dawned on me: I really need to ask my students what they think.
Asking Students What Worked
Sometimes we learn a lot by asking students what makes the difference in their lives as learners.
My Mission to Stay Connected: Sizzling, Summer, Slam!
Each summer I plan creative ways to keep my students reading and writing, and each year the participation is less than I anticipated. What is it that causes this lack of participation? … Continue reading
SOL Tuesday
It’s time to share a slice, it must be Tuesday! Thanks for joining.
Writing Celebrations…But Why?
With all the pressures imposed by a segmented, unforgiving middle school schedule, why make time for writing celebrations? Are they really that important? Yes!
Mining Mentor Texts for Craft Moves
Two (more) lesson sets to help you teach the qualities of good writing from picture books by Maribeth Boelts and Nicola Davies.
A Teacher’s Plan to Keep Writing Going in the Summer
Find your purpose. Find your crew. Find your sunrise. Write.
Four Writing Workshop Ideas for the Final Stretch
If you’re in the final stretch–the last few days or weeks of school– here are a few ideas to keep kids writing right to the very end.
SOL Tuesday
You’ve chosen to exercise your writing muscles. Welcome!
Five Questions for Reflection
Thinking back over the year, what do you hope to continue or change before students return in the fall?
When Writers Drive The Workshop: Review and Giveaway
When Writers Drive the Workshop is a book with heart. Brian Kissel writes with passion, voice, humility, conviction, and wisdom. The stories he shares from the student writers he worked with are stories that will stay with you, reminding you why doing this work matters so much. Read the rest of the book review and leave a comment for a chance to win your own copy of When Writers Drive the Workshop! (You will want to win!)
The Question Formulation Technique for Deepening Thought
The Question Formulation Technique is a powerful instructional strategy across content areas.
How Do We Help Students Find Their Why?
At first, pride filled my heart, but as I continued to watch, I realized the work ethics I was watching at that moment hadn’t been as clear nor intentional throughout the year. The day’s show of teamwork could have been the culmination of a year’s work, but I knew it was something more.