writing workshop

Curating a year of writing: assembling writing portfolios and time for reflection

With two weeks left in our school year, it is at last time to begin putting together our writing portfolios, setting aside some time to time travel through our year of writing workshop, and reflect upon both the progress we've made as writers as well as the goals we'd like to set for the new school… Continue reading Curating a year of writing: assembling writing portfolios and time for reflection

field trips · mentor texts · parent involvement · persuasive writing · technology · writing

Five on Friday: Travel Edition

A recent visit to San Francisco inspired me to think about oral story telling, publishing, an persuasive writing. Here are five things my trip left me thinking about. PLUS, leave a comment on this blog post for a chance to win a copy of a new picture book from Chronicle Books.

primary grades · summer vacation

Quick and Easy Summer Writing Idea for our Youngest Students

This nighttime drawing journal is the perfect summer keepsake for our youngest writers.

authors · interview · mentor author · writing process

Writing Fiction? Author Megan Jean Sovern Provides a Host of Inspiration

Today's interview holds a host of insights into the way in which Megan Jean Sovern, author of The Meaning of Maggie, develops characters, brings themes to the fore, and plans plot trajectory. Suffice it to say, I came away more than a little inspired.

slice of life · Slice of Life Story Challenge

It’s Time for the Tuesday Slice of Life Challenge

Welcome to the Tuesday Slice of Life Challenge! Did you know that there have been quite a few newcomers in the past few weeks? Take some time to spread the love by visiting at least one new blog today, and leave a comment for the author. That's what the SOLSC is all about--building a community of… Continue reading It’s Time for the Tuesday Slice of Life Challenge

management · summer vacation · writing workshop

How Are You Going to Read All That?

It's almost summer! Time for sunshine, flip-flops, barbecue grills, and reading student writing.

writing workshop

Developing Endings with Primary Writers

NO! Don't let it end! How do you develop a good ending to a story? Use text and student examples.

technology · writing workshop

Technology in Writing Workshop: When Students Take The Lead

We are neck deep in drafting various pieces for our multi genre writing project these days, and I am noticing (and celebrating) two ways in which our workshop has changed, both of which make this project do-able and enjoyable. First, a year of rigorous writing workshop, with carefully adhered to routines and practices,  has created… Continue reading Technology in Writing Workshop: When Students Take The Lead

work space · writing

My Writing Work Space

I want to know where do you write. At a computer or on paper? At a desk or on a couch? At home or at a coffee shop?

summer vacation

Success Tips for Summer

Four tips to set yourself up for summer writing!

fiction · writing workshop

Ending Where We Began: Writing Realistic Fiction

Looking for a way to end the writing year with transference, engagement, and noticeable growth? Choosing a familiar writing unit may be just the way.

quote · Slice of Life Story Challenge · writing workshop

Join Us for the Tuesday Slice of Life Story Challenge

It's Tuesday! Time to share a story from your life with our amazing community of writers. Here are some words of wisdom about writing from author John Green, who, if you didn't already know, is taking the world by storm lately: “I really think that reading is just as important as writing when you’re trying to… Continue reading Join Us for the Tuesday Slice of Life Story Challenge