community · writing workshop

Wordless Slides: Another Way To Get To Know Students

No matter where or how the year begins for classrooms, getting to know students is one of the most important parts of teaching. Wordless slides worked great!

Seen, Valued, Heard: Writing to Establish Community Blog Series · writer identity · writing workshop

Seen, Valued, Heard: Honoring Identity to Establish Community

More than ever, identities matter, and more than ever, we must rise to the challenge of learning about our students, valuing them, and inspiring them to share all that matters in their worlds.

social justice · writing workshop

Look Harder, Be Braver, and Speak Louder: My Challenge to Myself

Right now, I want more than Hallie did when she wrote to her sister, Codi in one of my favorite books of all times, Animal Dreams, by Barbara Kingsolver. That being said, I will continue down my own hallway, running harder, stretching my arms further. And my hope is that there are more of us who are doing the same.

charts · COVID-19 · mentor texts · summer vacation · Writing contests · writing workshop

Some Summer Writing Motivation

The idea of creating anything at all that motivates children to continue learning and developing themselves as writers has kept me awake over the last few nights. And after a conversation with a few VERY trusted colleagues, I'm thinking sleep is going to be intermittent tonight, too. (Why can't I just turn off?) I know… Continue reading Some Summer Writing Motivation

COVID-19 · kindergarten · parent involvement · play · writing workshop

A Few of My Favorite Things For Distance Learning

It's the end of a memorable Teacher Appreciation Week. In the spirit of appreciation, I'm sharing a few of my favorite things so far during distance learning.

bulletin boards · classroom environment · COVID-19 · independence · small group · writing workshop

Bringing Virtual Classrooms to Life

Is it possible to duplicate the live, in-person experiences? Of course not, but maybe some of you could feel the authenticity of a high-five or hug I'm sending your way. So let’s think about some ways to bring virtual classrooms to life, maybe thinking of it as duplicating some of the processes of your classroom in a virtual world.

COVID-19 · video · writing workshop

Tips on Video Lessons

By now, you've probably made a video lesson, or at least you've woken up feeling stressed about the prospects of doing it. You can do it. Here are a few tips.

Slice of Life Story Challenge · writing workshop

Slice of Life Story Challenge 2020: Prize Reveal

What a month it was... Thank you to all who participated, filled out forms, and shared their stories. More than any other year, we needed stories. Thank you to the publishers and donors who have contributed prizes. Please be patient with prize delivery this year, as many companies have paused shipping from their warehouses. The… Continue reading Slice of Life Story Challenge 2020: Prize Reveal

COVID-19 · Slice of Life Story Challenge

A Mid-Month Invitation

We are halfway through our 13th Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge, and we are facing unprecedented challenges around the world given the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent years, we have emphasized participating in the Slice of Life Story Challenge for thirty-one days. Given all that is changing around us, this year we are inviting educators to join our writing community mid-month because writing connects us, even --and especially -- when we feel anxious and confused.

writing workshop

Day 11 of the March 2020 SOLSC #SOL20

Welcome to Day 11! Yes! We have more prizes to announce today! We are grateful for our Welcome Wagon volunteers!

Slice of Life Story Challenge · writing workshop

Day 10 of the March 2020 SOLSC #SOL20

We have a winner of the SEAT Prize. Keep reading the announcements and slicing! We are in the double digits!

writing workshop

Day 9 of the March 2020 SOLSC #SOL20

Yesterday, I announced the SEAT prize. If you have made it through the first week, slicing every day and commenting daily on at least three other posts, then you are eligible for the SEAT Prize. Fill out the form by midnight for a chance to win a SEAT Prize!