“Just-Keep-Swimming” Spelling Strategies
Just like Dory, in the movie Finding Nemo, young writers can easily lose their way and forget where they were headed, especially if they stop for too long and lose their momentum.
Monthly Archive: October, 2019
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Positive Feedback That Moves Writers
Specific feedback helps students replicate what you want them to do in their writing.
IT’S TUESDAY! JOIN US FOR THE SLICE OF LIFE STORY CHALLENGE!
Welcome! Join today’s Slice of Life Story Challenge by… writing a post, sharing the permalink in the comments section, and visiting at least three other slicers to leave a comment for them.
A Book That Will Inspire Better Talk and Listening– and a Giveaway
Every now and then, a professional book comes along that has the potential to really change how I teach. You have a chance to win a copy of Unlocking the Power of Classroom Talk by Shana Frazin and Katy Wischow, and I know you will love this book!
Putting Away the Deficit Lens in Culturally Diverse Classrooms
All students have stories to share. All of them. Our challenge may be to undo what has been done to have students believe they have nothing of value to share.
On Rethinking the Publishing of Information Writing
When it comes to writing, a need for writers to have a clear vision is one of the big reasons we provide mentor texts in writing workshop. Kids need to see not only a goal or end toward which they may aspire, but I would add that they need to be provided models to become inspired. For we all know the effect inspiration can have on anything we are up to in life, right? It matters. It helps. And certainly, writing is no exception. Read on to learn about why making a big deal of publishing informational writing is worth considering…
From Skin Study to Writing Workshop
After finishing each swirl of her curly hair, Camila circled her paintbrush around and around, forming eyes. For many children, the self-portrait stops here, at the outline. I kneeled next to the young… Continue reading
IT’S TUESDAY! JOIN US FOR THE SLICE OF LIFE STORY CHALLENGE!
Welcome! Join today’s Slice of Life story challenge by… writing a post, sharing the permalink in the comments section, and visiting at least three other slicers to leave a comment for them.
Three Keys to Writing Partnership Success
There can be many moving parts in the writing workshop. Partnerships can be a driving force in the growth and goal setting of writers within your classroom. In my experience, there are three areas I work to strengthen within my writers to ensure partnerships foster this growth and development across the year.
National Day On Writing is Almost Here!
It’s almost time for the National Day On Writing! Read on for some ideas on ways to celebrate with students. How will you celebrate this day?
Living the Writerly Life in School
We say to kids, “Here’s your notebook! Now you are writer!” We want kids to write in school and beyond. Maybe there are things we can do in school to keep their writerly lives going–even when our units of study and minilessons have moved on to other aspects of the work.
How to Know When to Move Forward with Language Learners
I recently was working with a kindergarten teacher who was teaching a group of six kindergarten students, all identified as novice English Language Learners. My experience observing and working with this group reinforced… Continue reading
IT’S TUESDAY! JOIN US FOR THE SLICE OF LIFE STORY CHALLENGE!
Welcome! Join today’s Slice of Life Story Challenge by… writing a post, sharing the permalink in the comments section, and visiting at least three other slicers to leave a comment for them.
Intentional Practice In Our Writing Classrooms
Intentional practice leads to better performance. Writing instruction follows a similar pattern, and by about six weeks into the year, teachers know their students. Just like soccer coaches, teachers can start to develop some responsive instruction, both from the figurative sidelines, as well as through direct instruction.
Questions to Reflect, Expand, and Select
If we are not intentional, we can easily rush into many teaching points, instead of only one. We can overwhelm ourselves and our students. If we are not careful, we can miss the most important reason we sit with a student―the opportunity to listen and learn.
There Is No Finish Line
Using student work as feedback for our teaching informs us. It empowers us. In a way, it allows young writers to become our teachers…
A Parade of Writers
It’s time to celebrate the progress writers have made!
IT’S TUESDAY! JOIN US FOR THE SLICE OF LIFE STORY CHALLENGE!
Welcome! Join today’s Slice of Life Story Challenge by writing a post, sharing the permalink in the comments section, and visiting at least three other slicers to leave a comment for them.
A Mentor Text to Inspire the Next Generation of Writers and Activists + a Book Giveaway
I’ve found a hybrid mentor text that will inspire young writers and budding activists.
Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win a copy of Scot Ritchie’s new book, Join the No-Plastic Challenge.
A Writer’s Mindset–Part Two
The mindset of our writers has a direct impact on the progress and success of our writers.