goals · progressions · self-assessment · writing workshop

Creating Clarity for Writers

Having and stating goals takes courage, but this practice also leads to higher levels of learning and achievement.

caregivers · conventions · punctuation · spelling · writing workshop

Talking to Caregivers about Conventions and Spelling

More than other skills, most caregivers tend to worry about spelling and conventions when it comes to their child's writing. I get it. Those skills are right there at the tip of the writing iceberg. Those skills are concrete and obvious. Those skills are the ones that they recognize and know how to fix when they sit with their child. So how do we talk to caregivers about spelling and punctuation? Here are three ideas that you may find helpful. 

giveaway · Slice of Life Story Challenge · SOLSC

SOLSC 2019 Prize Reveal

And so -- TA-DA -- here is the list of prizes for the 12th Annual SOLSC, all donated by generous publishers and individuals.

NCTE · social justice · Teaching Writing with a Social Justice Lens Blog Series · writing workshop

Thinking About Implicit Bias: Teaching Writing With a Social Justice Lens

As we think about our implicit biases, maybe the most important thing is that we increase our awareness and act from a place of humility and reflection-- with a willingness to take a look at parts of our belief systems and behaviors that are uncomfortable, at best. When we know better, we do better. And isn’t that the goal?

social justice · Teaching Writing with a Social Justice Lens Blog Series · writing workshop

Overview: Teaching Writing With a Social Justice Lens

Throughout our posts this week, you may read the refrain, “When we know better, we do better.” We are on the continuum of growing our own understandings and practices around the importance of social justice, cultural awareness, empathy, and inclusion. We hope you join the conversation. Please comment. Please share your own experiences and resources. Please begin conversations within your own environments and practices.

conventions · punctuation · volume · writing workshop

When Conventions Aren’t Sticking–Some Tips and Tricks

Disclaimer: you're not going to find the miracle cure for getting students to use conventions in their writing within this post. I don't have one. And I've read a lot, researched a lot, and tried a lot of things. That being said, you may come across some ideas that apply not only to conventions, but also to the writing process as a whole, and maybe even to life. (That might be a stretch...but maybe---)

writing workshop

Seeking Prize Donations for SOL Challenge

March is coming at us! Maybe more quickly than we realize...  Among other things, March brings the Slice of Life Story Challenge (SOLSC)! At Two Writing Teachers, we hope you are planning to participate in the 12th Annual SOLSC! Questions about how?  Don’t worry! More information on how to participate is forthcoming. On March 31st, we are confident… Continue reading Seeking Prize Donations for SOL Challenge

narrative · revision · writing workshop

An Elaboration Tool for Self-reflection and Revision

"Show don't tell," we say over and over to students but--it's harder than it sounds, though, maybe for multiple reasons.

writing workshop

SOL Tuesday

WRITE a slice of life story on your own blog. SHARE a link to your post in the comments section. GIVE comments to at least three other SOL bloggers. I loved this tweet that came up on my feed a couple of weeks ago. It SO captures how hard it can be to just get started with writing.… Continue reading SOL Tuesday

writing workshop

It’s Tuesday! Welcome to Slice of Life!

Welcome to Slice of Life! I am sharing a screenshot of an important reminder from author Anne Lamott. At Ted.com, she has thirteen more reminders about living the life of a writer. If you need inspiration, head on over! Write-Write your story. Share-Share it as a comment. Give-Comment on at least three others' slices.

mentor texts · NCTE · social justice · writing workshop

Continuing to think about our mentor texts

While we have to ask ourselves questions about where books fit into our curriculum and how books support mindsets, now, more than ever, we should be asking how the books we use promote social justice and cultural awareness. These questions do not apply only to the books we offer students to read, but also the books we use to teach students to write. 

writing workshop

Slice of Life Tuesday

WRITE a slice of life story on your own blog. SHARE a link to your post in the comments section. GIVE comments to at least three other SOL bloggers. If you are a slicer and you will be at NCTE and have not yet let us know about dinner, please do so today! Email Melanie at meehanmelanie@gmail.com.