The collective expertise of teachers working together to problem-solve and respond to learners is what brings any curricular resource to life.
Author: Leah Thomas
Leah Thomas is passionate about honoring student voice and identity through writing workshop and early literacy. She believes that for children to see themselves as writers, they must be trusted with autonomy and supported as they explore their writing processes. By centering intentional identity development, foundational skills instruction, and a brave classroom community, Leah nurtures young writers as they grow in both skill and craft. The Gateway Writing Project strengthens her belief that teachers who write are better writing teachers. Leah slices at leahthomaswrites.wordpress.com, and you can follow her on LinkedIn and BlueSky: @LeahThomasWrites.
Overview and Sign Up for the Classroom Slice of Life Story Challenge
Students of all ages love the March Classroom Challenge and connecting with young writers from around the world. Just like exercise, writers get stronger the more they work their writing muscles. By the end of the month, students will be able to reflect on their growth as writers! Learn about how to make the Classroom SOLSC work for your class!
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Proactive Pathways for Engagement
At my NCTE presentation, I shared strategies for boosting writing engagement, using the ICEL Framework as a guide. Some key recommendations include increasing involuntary student participation, being flexible with curriculum demands, fostering a supportive writing community, and getting to know students as writers and people.
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The Conferring Notes System That Finally Works for Me: Google Forms
Taking conferring notes shouldn't feel harder than the conference itself, but for me, it often does. Finding a system that lets you focus more on students and less on note-taking makes all the difference.
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The Rights of a Writer
A short belief statement inspired by Daniel Pennac.
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Identity Through Process: Unboxing Fresh Routines Blog Series
Identity influences whether we engage with writing or not. Spending time on routines early in the year to help students develop a unique writing process and build a writerly identity pays off! Learn actionable steps to try this year, no matter your curricular resource.
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When Kids Write Fantasy
After one week of immersion and introducing fantasy writing to my students, I've come to this conclusion: Fantasy writing is HARD! Luckily, Carl Anderson's new book, "Teaching Fantasy Writing," has helped me set students up for success.
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Family Write-In: Inviting Caregivers to Write Alongside Their Children
What happens when you invite caregivers to write alongside second graders? Joy, vulnerability, and a powerful shift in perspective.
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Day 23 of the SOLSC: Classroom Challenge Sunday!
Post your link, then take some time to comment on student slices today!
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How AI Can Enliven a Unit and Spark Revision
What if your students could see their stories come to life with just a few clicks? That’s exactly what happened when I introduced AI-generated images to my second-grade writers.
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Day 9 of the March SOLSC #SOL25: Classroom Challenge Sunday!
Welcome to Day 9 of the March Challenge. Today is also our first Classroom Challenge Sunday! Share some comment love with young writers today.
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It’s Tuesday: Join us for Slice of Life!
Write, Share, Give.
