charts · giveaway · Kristi Mraz · Marjorie Martinelli · tcrwp

The Art and Science of Chart Making + A Giveaway

I started thinking deeply about the significance of classroom charts once I spent a week with Kristi Mraz who led a section, “Toolkits, Charts and other Resources That Support Writers in Revision and Writerly Craft,” at the writing institute back in 2011.  Kristi, along with her TCRWP colleague Marjorie Martinelli, started a blog in 2011… Continue reading The Art and Science of Chart Making + A Giveaway

writing workshop

Does your practice reflect your beliefs?

Lately I've been involved in a lot of professional development where I'm providing space and time for teachers to consider their teaching beliefs. I've been nudging teachers to consider: 1. What makes you stick with tough stuff? 2. What does it look like and sound like when we honor students? 3. How can we empower… Continue reading Does your practice reflect your beliefs?

slice of life · Slice of Life Story Challenge

The Call for Slice of Life Stories

inspiration · professional development · teacher of writing · teaching tools · thankful · Write: It's good for you!

A Little Writing Love

As an instructional coach, a key part of my job is to encourage and inspire teachers. This is one of my favorite things about my job. It isn't easy to be the person who is always nudging people to grow, but it is fun to be the person who gets to offer doses of encouragement… Continue reading A Little Writing Love

blogging · celebration

Two Million

I am thankful for every person who has found their way to our blog. I’m thankful to those who have offered advice, kind words, inspiration, and support through the years. It’s because of you, our readers and fellow educators, that we continue to blog day after day. Thank you for helping us to reach this special occasion in our blogging lives.

conferring · reluctant writers · strategic conferring · struggling writers

Working Together to Help Struggling Writers

I'm working on a presentation, "Getting Started with Writing Workshop," for a group of 3rd - 6th grade teachers I'll be working with later this month. I've made a list of non-negotiables I'm going sharing with them.  They range from writing is taught daily to kids need time to write to students need to go… Continue reading Working Together to Help Struggling Writers

mentor texts

An Interview with the Author of The Tooth Mouse + a Giveaway

The Tooth Mouse, written by Susan Hood and illustrated by Janice Nadeau, is a fable that allows young readers to learn about another country's version of the Tooth Fairy. The Tooth Mouse is ready to move on and Sophie, who is a dear little mouse has to prove that she is honest, brave, and wise… Continue reading An Interview with the Author of The Tooth Mouse + a Giveaway

professional development · Reflective Practice · Write: It's good for you!

Writing Because…

One of the reasons I appreciate the opportunity to lead professional development is I get to continue pushing myself to new understandings and deeper learning. Every time I speak or work with a group of teachers, I gain a clarity and energy for teaching writers. When this doesn't happen, when my learning ceases, when I'm… Continue reading Writing Because…

DonorsChoose.org

Assistance After Super Storm Sandy + Service Learning Projects

It's been hard for me to watch the news reports of the devastation Hurricane Sandy caused for the New York Metropolitan Area.  My hometown and the state I grew up in were ravaged by the storm.  So many people lost property and memories when the water came rushing into their houses and apartments.  Living three… Continue reading Assistance After Super Storm Sandy + Service Learning Projects

slice of life · Slice of Life Story Challenge

The Call for Slice of Life Stories

Please remember to get out and vote today!

professional development

Foundations of Writing Workshop

I'm looking forward to the next few days. It's a workshop where old meets new. I've been leading beginning writing workshops for nearly a decade. I'm looking forward to making some shifts to include Common Core thinking, while at the same time holding on to the aspects that make workshop powerful. Tomorrow is all about… Continue reading Foundations of Writing Workshop

DonorsChoose.org

Please help a teacher whose classroom was impacted by Hurricane Sandy.

DonorsChoose has created a page on their website where citizen philanthropists, like YOU, can go to fund a project for a teacher whose school was impacted by Hurricane Sandy.  As you may know, numerous schools along the Jersey Shore, New York City, and Connecticut are coping with power outages and flooding as a result of… Continue reading Please help a teacher whose classroom was impacted by Hurricane Sandy.