conclusions · informational writing

Concluding Information Writing and Tailoring Instruction

Recently, Stacey and I were chatting via email about why the teaching of conclusions isn't presented as a separate minilesson in Bringing History to Life, the information writing unit in the 4th grade Units of Study in Opinion/Argument, Information, and Narrative Writing by Lucy Calkins and colleagues. Rather, conclusions are reviewed in a Teaching Share at the… Continue reading Concluding Information Writing and Tailoring Instruction

Slice of Life Story Challenge

Slicer Participant Information Form

Please fill out this form (It takes less than 5 minutes!) if you'll be joining us for our month-long writing challenge, which begins on March 1st.

slice of life · Slice of Life Story Challenge · SOLSC Classroom Challenge

INTRODUCING THE SUPPORT TEAM FOR THE MARCH SOLSC!

The Eighth Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge is almost here! Stacey, Anna, Beth, Dana, Betsy and I are all sharing hosting duties this year, and are so looking forward to all the March Writing Madness that so happily takes place here at two Writing Teachers. Back in January we asked for assistants to come… Continue reading INTRODUCING THE SUPPORT TEAM FOR THE MARCH SOLSC!

biography · mentor texts · nonfiction · picture book · poetry · Read Aloud · social justice · solar system

Black History Month & Beyond – My #NF10for10 + 10 Book Giveaways

Today is the annual Nonfiction Picture Book 10 for 10, hosted by Cathy Mere from Reflect and Refine, Mandy Robek of Enjoy and Embrace Learning, and Julie Balen of Write at the Edge. This is my third year participating in this event, which provides me with a chance to expand my nonfiction TBR list.  Last… Continue reading Black History Month & Beyond – My #NF10for10 + 10 Book Giveaways

mentor texts · picture book

Seeds of Freedom: A Review & Giveaway

Are you looking for books to add to your Black History Month book list?  Are you looking for mentor texts to teach your students certain writing crafts?  You can add Seeds of Freedom: The Peaceful Integration of Huntsville, Alabama by Hester Bass to your list.  You are going to want a copy of this beautiful new picture… Continue reading Seeds of Freedom: A Review & Giveaway

Slice of Life Story Challenge

SOL Tuesday & Slicer Swag

Do you have a need for some Slicer swag?  Stop by and visit our new Cafepress store.  You can purchase some Slicer swag and do a good deed since all of our profits will go the Pajama Program! If you are sharing your Slice of Life Story on Twitter, please use the new #sol15 hashtag.… Continue reading SOL Tuesday & Slicer Swag

poetry

A Brave Love Poem

A lovely poem to celebrate the power of love and poetry.

celebration · music · publishing · writing workshop

Songs for Celebrating Writing

A quick list of some favorite songs for writing celebrations, to brighten your day!

feature articles · nonfiction · writing workshop

Charts and mini charts to anchor writing moves

Last Tuesday, Clare wrote a wonderful slice of life post about what everyday learning in a classroom really looks like and feels like, aptly entitled: Learning is Managed Chaos. These lines resonated with me: "We need to remember, however, that young learners can only appear independent in an environment that is carefully and thoughtfully managed… Continue reading Charts and mini charts to anchor writing moves

giveaway · mentor texts · politics · social studies · writing

Behind the Scenes at the White House: A Q&A with Nonfiction Author Katherine L. House

Just in time for Presidents' Day, I chatted with nonfiction author Katherine L. House about her recent book, White House for Kids. Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win a copy of her book.

writing prompts

Writing to a Prompt

Our students spend their time in choice-based, unit-driven writing workshops. They are not accustomed to writing to a prompt.

commenting · Slice of Life Story Challenge

SOL Tuesday

Before you share the link to your slice of life story today, I hope you'll take a moment to consider doing something to give back to first-time Slicers this March.