argument writing · expository · informational writing · strategy lessons · Tailoring Our Teaching Blog Series · writing workshop

New Blog Series: Tailoring our Teaching / Assessment-based Strategy Groups for Expository Writing

When I first began teaching using a workshop model, I spent forever planning my minilessons. I wanted to make sure that my language was exactly right, and that I got to each part of the minilesson (I often forgot the active engagement). I felt that the quality of my minilessons was the measure of my… Continue reading New Blog Series: Tailoring our Teaching / Assessment-based Strategy Groups for Expository Writing

coaching · conferring · writing workshop

Coaching Conferences in the Writing Workshop

It’s January, at the top of a mountain in Vermont. Ten six and seven year olds are lined up on the side of a ski trail. Their skis all pointing toward me, ready for me to guide them down the mountain. “All right everyone, HOT CHOCOLATE!” I shout. Kristin, the tiniest one, in the front… Continue reading Coaching Conferences in the Writing Workshop

drafting · writer's notebook · writing workshop

Using the Cut-and-Tape Method to Draft

As a district, we have experimented with several ways to get students' writing out of the notebooks and into a draft. This is one of those ways.