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.
Author: Lainie Levin
Mom of two, full-time teacher, wife, daughter, sister, friend, and holder of a very full plate
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.
Share this:
Share this:
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.
Share this:
Share this:
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.
Share this:
Share this:
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.
Share this:
Share this:
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.
Share this:
Share this:
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
Share this:
Share this:
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.
Share this:
Share this:
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.
Share this:
Share this:
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.
Share this:
Share this:
“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.
Share this:
Share this:
My Favorite Writing Hack: Less is More
As a teacher of gifted children, I often find myself seeking strategies for students who already excel in writing. What can I offer that would teach them to strengthen their craft in ways they might not consider? Some of my students are exceptionally talented; I could easily take notes and learn from THEIR craft. What could I possibly add to their skill set? One answer to that question lay within my own writing journey...
