It's a special date today. Never again in our life time will the month, day, and year be identical. My daughter's school had a special 12-12-12 celebration. At home, we celebrated Andy's birthday. So in honor of 12-12-12, I've decided to make a list of 12 reasons I believe in writing workshop. 1. Stories change… Continue reading 12.12.12
Author: Ruth Ayres
Unhurried. Finding the magic in the middle of living. Capturing a life of ridiculous grace + raw stories.
More on the Writing Continuum
It's late, but I promised to post more about the writing continuum work in fourth grade. Thankfully one of the fourth grade teachers has already documented the early work on her blog. Click here to know more about the writing continuum we started. Plus, here's a favorite quote of late regarding conventions. "English usage is sometimes more… Continue reading More on the Writing Continuum
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Formal Language Continuum
There's way more to this story than what I can process and write tonight. So this is a post with a promise. I'll share the more of the thinking soon. I'm working with a group of grade 4 teachers to create some meaningful learning experiences with conventions for Tier 2 intervention. It has been incredible… Continue reading Formal Language Continuum
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On my mind…
It's one of those days. You know, where you wonder if you really want to keep doing this? It's one of those days. You know, where you are positive you are doing exactly what you are made to do? Yes, one of those days. Where the hard and the pay off are all rolled into… Continue reading On my mind…
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Reading More, Understanding More
Today a third grade teacher stopped me and said, "You should read some of the reviews my students wrote. They are awesome." "Really?" I smiled. "Oh yeah. They were so much better than last year." Last year she opened her classroom to me in order to try-out some of my thinking about opinion writing, specifically… Continue reading Reading More, Understanding More
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Where to start?
As many of you know, I love helping people get started with workshop. Here's what I'm wondering tonight... What is the most important thing to know as a writing workshop teacher? I'd love to hear your thoughts, so I hesitate to share mine. Please leave a comment about your first reaction to this question. Even… Continue reading Where to start?
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Gratitude List
Oops...I was supposed to post this yesterday. Oh well, here we go... Gratitudes Dirty Dishes. I cook for my family. We eat together. Again and again. So I smile as I wash and remember not everyone has the abundance of food as we do. Muddy Floor. My kids play outside, and they run inside, not… Continue reading Gratitude List
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Because of WMS…
I began my career as a seventh grade language arts teacher at Wawasee Middle School. Thirteen years later, I remain in the same district, but in a different position. My career path has taken me into hundreds of classrooms. I've been able to learn about writers from preschool to college. I've developed many diverse relationships.… Continue reading Because of WMS…
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Voices Strong Reflection
Remember a few weeks ago I visited Christy Rush-Levine's classroom? As a reflection for our curriculum director, principal, and school board, we (Andrea Komorowski, 6th grade language arts teacher; Shelley Kunkle, 7th grade language arts teacher; Deb Gaby, corporation reading coach; and me) put together a video. It's long (and you know my rule about… Continue reading Voices Strong Reflection
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Does your practice reflect your beliefs?
Lately I've been involved in a lot of professional development where I'm providing space and time for teachers to consider their teaching beliefs. I've been nudging teachers to consider: 1. What makes you stick with tough stuff? 2. What does it look like and sound like when we honor students? 3. How can we empower… Continue reading Does your practice reflect your beliefs?
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A Little Writing Love
As an instructional coach, a key part of my job is to encourage and inspire teachers. This is one of my favorite things about my job. It isn't easy to be the person who is always nudging people to grow, but it is fun to be the person who gets to offer doses of encouragement… Continue reading A Little Writing Love
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Writing Because…
One of the reasons I appreciate the opportunity to lead professional development is I get to continue pushing myself to new understandings and deeper learning. Every time I speak or work with a group of teachers, I gain a clarity and energy for teaching writers. When this doesn't happen, when my learning ceases, when I'm… Continue reading Writing Because…
