writing workshop

Slipping Backward

What do you do when you see the slip?

elaboration · minilesson · modeling · writing workshop

A Peek Inside Modeled Writing

Are you always telling your students to add detail? To write more? Here is a sample minilesson to show them how.

slice of life

WRITE. SHARE. GIVE.

It’s Tuesday, let’s write! WRITE a slice of life story on your own blog. SHARE a link to your post in the comments section. GIVE comments to at least three other SOLS bloggers.

conferring · writing workshop

Building a conferring binder

Someday, perhaps I will finally make the break from old-fashioned binder to new fangled conferring app. But, for now, I have two just assembled conferring binders with which to begin a year of exciting work...

writing workshop · writing workshop routines

Teaching Writers about Writing Workshop

Teaching students about the structures and rationales for writing workshop can lead to greater productivity and independence. This post outlines a minilesson that teaches students what to expect and why during each day's writing time.

assessment · back to school · punctuation · record keeping · Reflective Practice · writing workshop

Where Do We Go Next? Use a Checklist!

Do your on-demand writing samples go into a folder or do they help you plan your next steps?

September 11th · september 11th tribute

How does your school mark September 11th?

I'm compiling a list of tributes classroom teachers and schools do to mark the September 11th Anniversary. Please leave a comment on this post adding what you (and/or your colleagues) do to commemorate this solemn day.

work space · writing space · writing workshop

Writing to Know Your Learners

Writers need to feel ready to write and knowing where, what and how you will begin this thing called writing is an important start. Space and tools are unique to the writer and can change from day to day. Respect this and allow the opportunity for each writer to search and make choices for writing.

celebration · inspiration · publishing

Planning Ahead for Publishing

Third grade was my favorite year of school. We had the best teacher ever. We sang songs and poems that I still remember to this day (Cumalada cumalada cumalada vista!). For math, we sorted and categorized things like old keys, and tiles, and bottle caps. We learned to multiply and divide using household objects --… Continue reading Planning Ahead for Publishing

slice of life

WRITE. SHARE. GIVE.

It’s Tuesday, let’s write!

challenges · struggling writers · writing workshop

Thoughts on Teaching Writing to Children with Special Needs

As I hold on to my last day of summer I am reminding myself to be optimistic and open when encountering children who have special needs. How will you tackle the challenges of special needs children in your classroom this year?

nonfiction writing · notebooks

Launching a Year of Meaningful Note-Taking

With some set-up, modeling, and direct instruction, your students can go from okay to great note-takers.