Required writing units don’t have to mean zero choice for students. There are seven areas where you can still offer meaningful options: audience, genre, mentorship, process, strategies, tools, and topic. Choice helps kids stay invested in their writing even within a scripted curriculum. You’ll find practical ideas you can use right away to balance required assignments with student-centered choice. Small shifts can make a big difference.
Author: Stacey Shubitz
Stacey Shubitz is a K-6 literacy consultant and former elementary teacher. She is the author of CRAFT MOVES and other professional books on writing workshop. Her new book, MAKE THE SCHOOL SYSTEM WORK FOR YOUR CHILD WITH DISABILITIES (Guilford Press, 2026), empowers parents to navigate the special education system.
Our Summer Schedule, New Newsletter, and Upcoming PD
As summer approaches, our blog will feature posts on Tuesdays, encouraging our community to share slice-of-life stories. A new monthly Substack newsletter will launch, featuring links to timely blog posts, podcasts, books, and education articles.
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The 11th Annual Author Spotlight Series Preview
Welcome to the 11th Annual Author Spotlight Series! This week, we’re featuring daily posts from an inspiring lineup of children’s authors and illustrators: Gabbie Benda, Lauren Castillo, R. Gregory Christie, Julie Leung, Àlàbá Ònájìn, Mel Rosenberg, and Orit Magia. Each creator will share their creative journeys, writing tips, and reflections on topics like bridging reading… Continue reading The 11th Annual Author Spotlight Series Preview
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Day 6 of the March SOLSC #SOL26
Share your slice of life story - in English or another language - today!
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Day 5 of the March SOLSC #SOL26
Join us for day five of our month-long writing challenge!
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Day 4 of the March SOLSC #SOL26
We're four days into the SOLSC. Write. Share. Give.
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Day 3 of the March SOLSC #SOL26
It’s day 3 of our 31-day writing challenge! Write your slice of life story, share your link in the comments, and comment on at least three other Slicers’ stories.
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Day 2 of the March SOLSC #SOL26
Day 2 of our 31-day writing challenge! Join us by writing your slice of life story, sharing the link in the comments, and commenting on at least three other Slicers’ stories. Let's keep the momentum going!
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Day 1 of the March SOLSC #SOL26
WELCOME! Use this post to share your link for the first day of the 19th Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge. Please read the whole post, especially the announcements, before adding your slice-of-life story link.
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Slice of Life Tuesday
With just five days and a wakeup until our March challenge, connect with fellow writers by sharing your story today.
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Slice of Life Tuesday
With less than two weeks until our March challenge, spark your creativity and join our writing community today.
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Essential FAQs for First-Time Slice of Life Story Challenge Participants
Curious about the upcoming Slice of Life Story Challenge? Find clear answers to the most common questions in this updated FAQ. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, reach out to a co-author (contact details are at the end of the post).
