Author Spotlight Series · challenges · COVID-19 · craft · mentor texts · writing workshop

Instructional Ideas Inspired by the Author Spotlight Series

Have you been a reader of our annual Author Spotlight Series? How have you used these posts to inspire your teaching? Read on to find a collection of the Author Spotlight posts and ideas for using these treasures with your students.

audience · authentic writing · Belief Statements · blogging · COVID-19 · writing workshop

Beliefs Inspire Actions During Remote Learning

My beliefs about teaching and learning have grounded the decisions I make, in the classroom and now during this time of remote learning. Come with me on a video tour of how my beliefs are shaping my actions. Share in the comments how your beliefs are influencing the instructional decisions are you are making.

choice · COVID-19 · craft · demonstration · dialgoue · SOLSC Classroom Challenge · writing workshop

All Aboard! Virtual Field Trips and Writing Experiences

In these days where we are home so much, take your class on a virtual field trip or two and allow them choices of what they will write about! This post includes 6 trips all ready to go with writing menus for each trip. Many thanks to Clare Landrigan and Pernille Ripp who both inspired what I am sharing here with you today.

craft · dialgoue · dialogue · ralph fletcher · SOLSC Classroom Challenge

Classroom SOLSC: Blogging Strong in Week 2

We are heading into our second week of blogging in the Classroom SOLSC during extraordinary times. Please let us know in the comments how we can best support you and your students at this time.

blogging · challenges · COVID-19 · SOLSC Classroom Challenge

Emphasizing Writer’s Craft in the Classroom SOLSC

Can digital badges that focus on writer's craft inspire students to try new techniques in their writing? Read more to see how I created new badges for the Classroom SOLSC that emphasize writer's craft.

SOLSC Classroom Challenge

April 2020 Classroom SOLSC: Getting Started!

The April 2020 Classroom SOLSC starts this week on Wednesday, April 1! We look forward to celebrating stories and encouraging students to keep writing. Please share your ideas and resources in the comments!

COVID-19 · SOLSC Classroom Challenge

A Time For Stories: Invitation to the April Classroom SOLSC

I can't think of a more important time for sharing stories.Our students are living through a most historic moment as the world faces the Covid-19 global pandemic. Many of us are experiencing school closures and trying to navigate distance learning for the first time under challenging circumstances. If one of your goals is for your students to grow as writers, feel part of a community, and document this unique time in history, consider joining us for the 2020 April Classroom Slice of Life Story Challenge (SOLSC).

slice of life · Slice of Life Story Challenge

The New Slicer’s Survival Guide to the March SOLSC

Have you signed up to take part in the March SOLSC for the first time? Are you on the fence about signing up and want to know a little more about how the challenge works? You are in the right place, my friend! Here is your New Slicer Survival Guide!

Expand the Possibilities of Genres You Teach · poetry

Poetry Pathways: Expanding The Possibilities of Genres You Teach

Instead of being delegated to April only, poetry can be a pathway. We can make the deliberate choice to lead our students down this road on our way to learning and sharing new information, telling a story, discovering a person from history, persuading others, playing with language, responding to reading, opportunities for collaboration, and alternatives to morning work. Poetry should be woven into the fabric of your curriculum and, can be the new road you travel down to reach many goals and objectives. Please include your favorite poetry titles in the Padlet linked in the post!

SOLSC Classroom Challenge

All About the 2020 Classroom SOLSC

Blogging is a way to help students develop voice, a sense of audience, build digital citizenship, sharpen writing skills and connect to each other in new ways. Are you ready to sign your students up for the April 2020 Classroom SOLSC? Read on for all the details!

Slice of Life Story Challenge

Resolve to Join the Welcome Wagon!

Is one of your resolutions to find ways to help others? The Welcome Wagon might be for you! Read on to find out how you can join the 2020 March SOLSC Welcome Wagon!

Slice of Life Story Challenge

Write. Share. Give.

As one year ends, and a new one begins, it is the perfect time to share your story.