celebration · end of year reflection · reflections · writing workshop

Asking Students What Worked

Sometimes we learn a lot by asking students what makes the difference in their lives as learners.

literary essay · questions · Teachers College · writing workshop

The Question Formulation Technique for Deepening Thought

The Question Formulation Technique is a powerful instructional strategy across content areas.

play · writing workshop

A Few Games to Inspire Writing Lives

Here are a few writing games that can add fun and play to learning!

parent involvement · writing workshop

Helping Parents Understand Writing Workshop: Keep Learning Going Throughout the Summer

I love watching parents and children enjoying our town library during the summer months. There's so much joy in reading together and selecting piles of books to bring home. My own daughters could never believe how many more books I'd let them take home from the library than from the local bookstore--after all, I was… Continue reading Helping Parents Understand Writing Workshop: Keep Learning Going Throughout the Summer

chartbooks · charts · opinion writing · writing workshop

A Peek into Opinion Writing

Here's a peek at some of my favorite tools for opinion writing and perhaps some ideas for developing tools for other genres, as well.

writing workshop

Elaboration Strategies for Information Writing

Sometimes information writing sounds like a list--teach students strategies to add voice and elaboration as they teach readers.

giveaway · SOLSC

SOLSC Participant Pledge

Congratulations!  You have completed the 10th Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge.  You have already reaped the benefits of this challenge: you have developed a daily writing habit, you have become a valued member of a writing community, you have shared stories from your life, and you have honed your writing craft. That being said,… Continue reading SOLSC Participant Pledge

Slice of Life Story Challenge

Day 30 of the SOLSC #sol17

It's Day 30, and it's been an incredible month of presence, intention, and inspiration. A few weeks ago, we all set a goal, and we made a commitment to be a part of a writing community. Some of you set this intention for the first time, and some of you for your tenth time. Be proud. We… Continue reading Day 30 of the SOLSC #sol17

writing workshop

Day 29 of the March SOLSC #sol17

Day 29. Almost to the end. The finish line is right there. Writing every day for 31 days is a big deal, and so is being a part of this community. Special Announcement and a Prize At 7:52 pm last night, Betsy Hubbard became the 100,000th commenter in the 10th Annual Slice of Life Story… Continue reading Day 29 of the March SOLSC #sol17

writing workshop

Day 28 of the March SOLSC-#sol17

Welcome to Day 28. I'm actually starting to have the withdrawal pangs that have set in for the last several Aprils. Anyone else? Quote of the Day   Be inspired Karen Hasler takes us into the moment with voice and humor in this inspiring post. Be inspired here.   ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Username: Please use the… Continue reading Day 28 of the March SOLSC-#sol17

writing workshop

Day 27 of the March SOLSC #sol17

On the 27th day, the end is in sight. We've all been writing for 27 days, and we've also been supporting each other with comments and the energy that comes within a community of writers. Make an effort to visit some new blogs in these last few days of the challenge--you'll find that it's time… Continue reading Day 27 of the March SOLSC #sol17

writing workshop

Day 26 of the March SOLSC #sol17

Welcome to Day 26 of the Challenge. We're winding down... If you're sharing your students' Slice of Life stories, please head over to the Classroom Slice of Life.  ANNOUNCEMENTS If you're a new slicer this year, make sure to participate in this weekend's challenge. Read about it in Deb's post. Be Inspired Emily Donaldson reminds… Continue reading Day 26 of the March SOLSC #sol17