As a teacher of gifted students in a high-performing district, I struggle with ways to break my students from perfectionist tendencies. For the longest time, I’ve pictured my ideal: students recognize strong style or craft, then try it for themselves. But how could I teach or structure it?
Author: Lainie Levin
Mom of two, full-time teacher, wife, daughter, sister, friend, and holder of a very full plate
Joyful Offerings: Poems of Gratitude
This season offers the time and opportunity to practice gratitude. Today, I'd like to share two of my favorite poetry exercises for reflection and appreciation.
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Can We Talk?: Teaching Dialogue in Narrative Writing
When it comes to narrative writing, there are few craft moves as powerful as adding dialogue. Through dialogue, a reader can see more clearly into our characters: who they are, how they respond, and what they want. In today’s post, I’ll outline how I’ve used activities and play to teach the elements and conventions of dialogue in narrative writing.
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Biweekly Recap #ICYMI
Fall is in full swing, and so is writing workshop. I'm so grateful for the ideas and resources shared here on the Two Writing Teachers site. With every week, I emerge with new ideas to try, and new strategies to share with colleagues. Today's recap post highlights some of the great work from the last two weeks.
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Reframing Avoidance: Writers and Perfectionism
Task-avoidant behavior is as much a part of the writing environment as pencils, sticky notes, and writing journals. Rather than seeing struggles as a lack of motivation or work ethic, students can learn that their behaviors may stem from other causes: namely, the struggles that many writers face. Giving students that knowledge, and the strategies to manage their feelings, goes a long way towards building confidence and self-efficacy in writing.
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It’s Tuesday – Welcome to the Slice of Life
Whatever your mindset, whatever your mood, I hope you find joy, solace, validation - whatever it is you seek - through your writing. Share your link in the comments below, and comment on the work of others.
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It’s Tuesday – Welcome to the Slice of Life
It's Tuesday, and you know what that means! Time to dream a little, think a little, write a little. Share the link to your blog in the comments below, and share the joy by commenting on the work of others.
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It’s Tuesday – Welcome to the Slice of Life
When people ask me why I like writing, I tell them it's because I can express myself more authentically than by speaking out loud. Writing allows me to articulate my feelings of joy, awe, compassion, sorrow - all of my thoughts - in a way that feels right and true and genuine. In that spirit,… Continue reading It’s Tuesday – Welcome to the Slice of Life
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It’s Tuesday – Welcome to the Slice of Life
What stories do you have to share today? What new ideas or wonderings do you wish to put out into this big, beautiful world? All are welcome to write, and share. While you're at it, give other writers' links a visit and share some comment love.
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Reclaiming Joy: Effecting System-Wide Change in Writing Instruction
In 2022, I found myself discouraged, restless, and in need of a challenge. Read to learn how I embarked on a journey to transform writing instruction in my district. I'll share the work that laid our foundation, offer ideas to try, and I'll preview what's to come for our district.
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Strong Writers: Save a Seat for Every Writer
Throughout this series, we’ve invited all kinds of writers to our table, focusing on students whose presence brings a different dimension to our writing instruction. Today, I’d like to pull up one more chair for a student who doesn’t always figure in conversations around writing support. I’m talking about strong writers.
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“Is This Good?” Building Self-Reliance in Student Writers
Picture a writing workshop. Students hum along on various pieces. Inevitably, a student approaches to ask: “Is this right?” “Is this good?” My experience and wisdom matter as a teacher. My support and guidance are critical. Still, I’d hope that students’ sense of pride and accomplishment wouldn’t depend on what I think of their work. I’ve discovered some conversational tools and classroom strategies that help me foster students’ sense of confidence and trust in themselves. I’m sharing them with you here.
