handwriting · modifications · teaching tools · technology

The Physical Act of Writing

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.

biography · writing workshop

Biographies: Creating Connections

Writers of biographies must draw their readers into the story.

writing workshop

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.

engagement · ralph fletcher · topics · writing workshop

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.

poetry · Teachers who write · tools of a poet · writer's notebook · writing workshop

Be a Teacher Who Writes Poetry

Need some inspiration? Try writing a poem today using one of these tips for getting started!

memoir · mentor texts · Notice & Note signposts

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 · 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!

professional books · Q & A · revision

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.

Work Smarter Not Harder Blog Series · writing workshop

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 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

classroom · independent reading projects · independent writing · independent writing projects · management · portfolio · preparation · publishing · writers · writing · writing folder · writing workshop · writing workshop routines

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.

mentor texts · Work Smarter Not Harder Blog Series · writing workshop

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.