We spend lots of time talking about the writing process here at TWT. This post tackles something that has nothing to do with meaning, structure, focus, word choice, elaboration, voice, or conventions. It deals with the physical act of writing, which can be challenging for some children.
Month: November 2014
Biographies: Creating Connections
Writers of biographies must draw their readers into the story.
Five Quick Tips to Declutter your Writing Workshop
Feeling your writing workshop isn't running as smoothly as it could? Now is the time to declutter.
Supporting Boy Writers: An Interview with Ralph Fletcher
Have you ever banned a topic from your writing workshop? If you have, you’re not alone…but you may want to think twice about that policy.
Be a Teacher Who Writes Poetry
Need some inspiration? Try writing a poem today using one of these tips for getting started!
Notice & Note and Memoir: When Reading Workshop Meets Writing Workshop
We were in the midst of a lively mentor text analysis of James Howe’s “Everything Will Be Okay” for our just-launched memoir unit. I was thrilled to see my sixth graders making note of the way in which Howe had woven in various characteristics of memoir (the mini-lesson of the day!), but less than thrilled… Continue reading Notice & Note and Memoir: When Reading Workshop Meets Writing Workshop
Slice of Life Stories: Every Tuesday!
Share your Slice of Life Story today! Post a permalink to your story in the comments section below, and comment on at least three other slices! Do you love being a part of this community of teachers who write? Are you attending NCTE this year? Five (of the six) of us will be presenting at NCTE… Continue reading Slice of Life Stories: Every Tuesday!
Revision Decisions Blog Tour: A Q&A with Anderson and Dean
Revision needs to have a sense that a window of possibility is still open to allow another draft in.
ICYMI: Work Smarter, Not Harder Blog Series Recap
In case you missed it, a recap of our Work Smarter, Not Harder Blog Series.
Work Smarter: Using Qualities of Writing to Streamline Assessment and Plan Instruction
Dana's Tuesday post about commenting on student writing resonated strongly with me. I used to be that teacher who would collect students' work, take it home, and mark it up with each and every possible way it could be improved. (Though I used green pen to avoid the negative connotations of red, I am certain that… Continue reading Work Smarter: Using Qualities of Writing to Streamline Assessment and Plan Instruction
Work Smarter: How To Wrap Up A Unit of Study
This week my colleagues and I are writing posts that we hope will make your life a little easier. We’re sharing some ways to work smarter, not harder.
Work Smarter: Picture Books That Pack a Punch + Giveaways!
What picture books pack a punch for you in the workshop? Here are seven titles that are sure to give you bang for your buck.

