Farewell, from Lanny
To my co-authors and readers alike, this has been a great journey . . .
Supporting Writers Across the Writing Process
For every writer, the writing process is a little bit different. As teacher writers, we all struggle at different points and our students are no different. Today I offer a few tools for supporting writers at different points of the writing process . . .
Building Stronger Writing Partners
As schools begin to restart, I have been thinking a lot about ways to begin building community within our new COVID reality. Specifically, I have been thinking about ways we as teachers might harness the structure of writing partnerships as a means by which to help create meaningful, supportive connections between writers. Here are a few ideas . . .
Writing Together in Remote Spaces
One of the many changes brought about by the pandemic, whether we are returning to school in-person or remotely, is the ability to gather together in close proximity to learn and write together. I have been thinking a lot about this: How might we as teachers replicate or create the emotionally safe space normally held by a warm, close classroom in a digital space?
Seen, Valued, Heard: Writing Partnerships to Establish Community
In our blog series this week, the team at Two Writing Teachers hopes to support you in the common purpose of building community in your classrooms, however those classrooms may look this year. One important building block of community is helping kids feel connected through partnerships. Read on for ideas on this important topic . . .
Beliefs Guide Actions
Right now, we really do not know how school will look in the coming year. Will it be virtual? Will it be physical? Will it be a hybrid model? Who knows? But if we agree that our beliefs are implicit, and that they guide our intentional actions, then perhaps not only reading this post but also examining and identifying your own will help you be the best you can be… whatever the circumstances you find yourself in next year.
Thoughts on a Way Forward: An Interview with Cornelius Minor
When the COVID-19 crisis hit, probably like many of us, I sought out voices of hope. For me personally, I knew one of those voices would be Cornelius Minor. I knew him to be the kind of teacher with the capacity to help us all see things in a new way during this unfamiliar period of virtual teaching. Fortunately, I was able to reach him by text. We sat down recently on a Zoom call to discuss his views on teaching remotely, his book, and a way forward.
Some Perspectives for Pandemic Teaching & Learning
Recently, researcher and professor John Hattie released a paper regarding his research-based perspectives on what truly matters for education (and what does not) during this time of global pandemic. Thus, when I ran across his latest thinking, I became eager to share some of it with you here…
SOL Tuesday
It’s the final Tuesday in April… Come write, share, give! All are welcome!
SOL Tuesday
Today is Tuesday! Time for the Slice of Life Community to come together. Come write, share, give…
Passion Projects During COVID-19
During the Teachers College Virtual Teaching Institute a few weeks ago, staff developer Natalie Friday introduced an idea for learning during the current global pandemic: Passion Projects. With schools now closed, several of them for the remainder of the academic year, some students (and teachers!) may feel like they are actually living the movie, “Groundhog Day.” So with this gift of time (if we can see our way to interpreting it that way), why not encourage students to pursue a passion they have or would like to grow?
SOL Tuesday
Today is Tuesday! Time for the Slice of Life Community to come together. Come write, share, give…
SOL Tuesday
It’s April! And now, back to our regularly scheduled Slice of Life Tuesday. Let’s get back together, Slicers! Come write, share, give…
Hanging On To What Matters: Feedback
During this time, an important question nagging at me has been, “What elements of good teaching will be possible to hang onto in our current, stay-at-home situation?” One element might be effective feedback. Today I share a few ideas to consider as we all navigate this uncertain time in our world . . .
DAY 26 OF THE MARCH SOLSC! #SOL20
It’s the twenty-sixth day of our 31-day writing challenge. So glad you’re still here! Write your slice of life story, share the link to it in the comments section, and give comments to at least three other Slicers.
DAY 25 OF THE MARCH SOLSC! #SOL20
It’s the twenty-fifth day of our 31-day writing challenge. Don’t stop now! Write your slice of life story, share the link to it in the comments section, and give comments to at least three other Slicers.
DAY 24 OF THE MARCH SOLSC! #SOL20
It’s the twenty-fourth day of our 31-day writing challenge.
Write, share, give!
DAY 23 OF THE MARCH SOLSC! #SOL20
It’s the twenty-third day of our 31-day writing challenge. Keep going! Write your slice of life story, share the link to it in the comments section, and give comments to at least three other Slicers.
DAY 22 OF THE MARCH SOLSC! #SOL20
It’s the twenty-second day of our 31-day writing challenge. Let’s keep the momentum going! Write your slice of life story, share the link to it in the comments section, and give comments to at least three other Slicers.
A Very Short List of Distance Learning Ideas
How can we strike a balance between device-based distance learning support and tried-and-true physical experiences in a way that supports our writers in some positive ways? While I am aware many wonderful and generous educators and authors have already compiled and curated extensive lists, allow me to share just a few that you may (or may not) find helpful in your efforts to guide and support students and parents at home…
TWO WRITING TEACHERS 