Mrs. V. left the following comment yesterday: "Thanks for your details. Could you tell me more about their idea notebook nightly assignment? What are the requirements and how do you assess it? Also, about how much time in class are you able to spend on writing per week?" My students have the same writing homework… Continue reading Just what are the kids writing in those notebooks?
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 forthcoming book, MAKE THE SCHOOL SYSTEM WORK FOR YOUR CHILD WITH DISABILITIES (Guilford Press, 2026), empowers parents to navigate the special education system.
From the Notebook to a Final Copy
Yesterday, Katie left the following comment: Stacey is there a post or can you post your process for students' writing. What I mean is where do they draft, what do you collect and look at etc. I see them drafting a lot in their notebooks, do they draft there and then move to final draft… Continue reading From the Notebook to a Final Copy
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The 50 States Challenge
I provided my students with a Geography Challenge, which I know they can all rise to, yesterday. They are to learn the names and placement of all 50 states on the U.S. Map by Thursday, June 11th. They'll work in teams of three to coach each other to make this happen. As in Ron Clark's… Continue reading The 50 States Challenge
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Have You Tucked-In Your Writing Lately?
An Old Slice of Life Story That I Tucked Into a Student's Notebook Originally uploaded by teachergal I had a pile of student notebooks in front of me yesterday. One of them had a lot of improvement last week in that the student really attempted to use conventions more in his nightly writing. (This particular… Continue reading Have You Tucked-In Your Writing Lately?
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A New Mentor Text: Developing A Character
It’s hard to develop characters – well. It’s even harder to develop a character that’s young, irritating, and lovable all at once, isn’t it? I’ve often noticed this when my students try to personify their younger brothers and sisters in their writing. They want them to seem annoying, but often end up making them look… Continue reading A New Mentor Text: Developing A Character
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SOLSC: The First One in May
Share a slice of your day with us. All you have to do is write it out and then link it to this post by leaving a comment.
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April 2009 Poetry Challenge Gifts
April 2009 Poetry Challenge Gifts Originally uploaded by teachergal One-third of my students attempted the April 2009 Poetry Challenge, which I gave them as an optional, independent activity during the month of April to celebrate National Poetry Month. It was a lot of work in a month that included over a week off from school.… Continue reading April 2009 Poetry Challenge Gifts
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More About Mentor Texts
I've blogged about mentor texts a great deal since we started Two Writing Teachers in 2007. I learned a lot about the way students use mentor texts after spending a year researching this when I was in grad school at Teachers College. As a result, I recently had an article, entitled "Using Mentor Texts to… Continue reading More About Mentor Texts
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It’s just another Memoir Monday…
Please share your memories with us today and every Monday.
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Sunday’s Balancing Act
I came home exhausted from the Providence Ronald McDonald House 5K Walk. I took a short nap and then created a list of things I had to do today. Unlike my usual to-do lists, I decided to divide it between my personal items and my school-related items to help me balance my day. About a… Continue reading Sunday’s Balancing Act
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Color Coordinated Charts
This week the Reading Charts are in beige and the Writing Charts are in blues and greens. Originally uploaded by teachergal I must be watching too much HGTV lately because I've started to think about color when I'm creating my charts. In the past, when I've sat down on a weekend to make my charts… Continue reading Color Coordinated Charts
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Writer’s Block
Ali Edwards just blogged about breaking out of a creative rut. I think many of the tips she provided work really well if you find yourself having writer's block. Click here to read her post loaded with fantastic tips, which are sure to help you the next time you're in a writing rut.
