foundational skills · phonics · spelling · writing workshop

Teaching Kids to Use the Phonics You’ve Taught

This post can be a jumping off point for learning more about how explicit phonics instruction can be connected to a joyful independent writing workshop for young children

writing workshop

How Long Should Writing Workshop Be? Match the Minutes to Kids’ Stamina

At the start of the year, most teachers start small with writing workshop. After a brief minilesson, you can set a timer for 5-10 minutes (or any amount of time you’re confident will be a success) and announce to your class, “Let’s make our goal today ____ minutes!” Then, make sure the timer goes off… Continue reading How Long Should Writing Workshop Be? Match the Minutes to Kids’ Stamina

handwriting · occupational therapy · Stronger Together: Involving Other Professionals in Your Workshop Blog Series · writing workshop

Collaborating with Occupational Therapists: Stronger Together Blog Series

Occupational therapists not only support students one-on-one, but can be amazingly helpful collaborators!

handwriting

Why cursive? Why not?

A number of years ago, I broke my wrist badly. It took a year to heal, and even then I still had nerve damage. Over the course of that year, I participated in extensive occupational therapy to retrain my brain to connect with my hands - to hold a fork, to squeeze a sponge, and… Continue reading Why cursive? Why not?

process · sketching · writing process

Students Can Draw at Every Stage of the Writing Process (For All Ages)

Drawing can slow you down in a way that is useful for generating ideas and thinking more deeply.

coaching · gradual release of responsibility · literacy coaches

Teachers Supporting Teachers – Some Ideas for Literacy Coaches and School Leaders

This year, my coaching partner, Vicki, and I are trying out a new model for our coaching.

Resetting Our Workshop Practices Blog Series · spelling

Spelling Words for Kids: Resetting Our Workshop Practices

Here are some things I used to think... but now I don't -- about spelling words for kids during writing workshop.

centers · management · phonics · routines · word study

April is the perfect time to try something new: Word Study Stations

Old dogs CAN learn new tricks, and your class CAN learn a new routine in April!

Slice of Life Story Challenge

DAY 25 OF THE MARCH SOLSC! #SOL22

It’s day the 25th day of our month-long writing challenge! #sol22

Slice of Life Story Challenge

DAY 24 OF THE MARCH SOLSC! #SOL22

Join us for the 24th day of the 15th Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge! #sol22

Slice of Life Story Challenge

Day 23 of the March SOLSC! #SOL22

It's Day 23 of the Slice of Life Story Challenge at Two Writing Teachers! #sol22

Slice of Life Story Challenge

Day 22 of the March SOLSC! #SOL22

Join educators from all over the globe the 2022 Slice of Life Story Challenge! #sol22