Biweekly Recap #ICYMI

Did you miss a post from the Two Writing Teachers? Here’s a roundup of ideas, resources, and giveaways from the past two weeks!

Looking for an amazing new teaching resource? Melanie introduces us to How to Become a Better Writing Teacher, the latest from Carl Anderson and Matt Glover. (Bonus: There’s a giveaway!)

How to Become a Better Writing Teacher: Book Review and Giveaway

Stacey calls new and returning writers to sign up for the March Slice of Life Story Challenge (#SOL24). This post is packed with details about the challenge and the community it has built over the past 17 years.

Sign up for the 17th Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge #SOL24

Melanie’s writing toolkits are a treasure trove of resources. She opened up her toolkit for readers this week with tips and tools to create your own set of resources.

Toolkit Resources for Writing Instruction

Are you ready to look at student engagement through a more thoughtful and intentional lens? Jessica shared an example of her writing Engagement Inventory, inspired by Jennifer Serravallo, and unpacked how this tool has impacted her writing workshop.

Writing Engagement Inventory:Straight From The Classroom

Finally, make sure to check out two amazing “Tip for Tomorrow” episodes on the #TWTPod! Stacey discusses Reflection Shares and Melanie sets eductors up to navigate research about writing instruction.

The Beauty of Opinion Writing: A Digging Deeper Dialogue – Two Writing Teachers Podcast

Opinion writing in grades K–6 is more than just persuasive essays. It lets kids express what they really think and see their ideas matter on the page. In this episode, we look at what makes opinion writing special: children sharing real opinions on topics they care about, building their sense of self, and bravely taking risks with their words. You’ll hear how opinion writing grows from simple preferences with pictures and labels to more thoughtful arguments that consider other viewpoints. We also share a list of mentor texts you can use to lift the level of your students’ opinion writing. Finally, we offer ways to celebrate students’ work, like author’s chair, hallway displays, family mailings, and online publishing, all focused on giving students a voice and the joy of sharing their opinions with real audiences.Go Deeper Doug KaufmannTracey LafayetteBeth Moore’s website for paperThe New York Times’ Writing ContestsBooks We Mentioned:1,000 Awesome Things by Neil PasrichaBreakfast on Mars and 37 Other Delectable Essays: Your Favorite Authors Take A Stab at the Dreaded Essay edited by Brad Wolfe and Rebecca SternDon’t Feed the Bear by Kathleen DohertyCan I Be Your Dog by Troy CummingsEating to Save the Planet by Ann BroylesOur Favorite Day of the Year by A.E. AliThe Black Mambas by Kelly CrullThanks to our affiliate, Zencastr! Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. Send us a textPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. Melanie Meehan: meehanmelanie@gmail.com Stacey Shubitz: stacey@staceyshubitz.com Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.