Summer's coming! I know it doesn't feel like it if you're battling the black ice on the roads this morning, like me, but it's approaching! Therefore, I'm starting to think about what kind of professional development courses I'm going to enroll in this summer. Most likely I'll head to the TCRWP's Summer Institute on the… Continue reading Summer Writing P.D.
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.
Back to Basics: Mentor Texts (Part of TWT’s Big Picture Series)
In Mentor Texts: Teaching Writing Through Children’s Literature, K – 6, Lynne R. Dorfman and Rose Cappelli write, “Mentor texts help writers notice things about an author’s work that is not like anything they might have done before, and empower them to try something new” (2007, 3). Many of my fourth and fifth grade students… Continue reading Back to Basics: Mentor Texts (Part of TWT’s Big Picture Series)
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Gearing-Up for the Month-Long SOLSC
The month-long Slice of Life Story Challenge is just a month away. However, if you simply stopped by to submit the link to the Slice of Life Story you wrote for today, then Ruth and I have a little surprise for you. One lucky participant in today's Slice of Life Story Challenge will receive a… Continue reading Gearing-Up for the Month-Long SOLSC
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The First M.M. of February
It's Memoir Monday time! See the full PicLit at PicLits.com
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Getting Back to Basics: Structures & Routines (Part of TWT’s Big Pictures Series)
Structures and routines need to be clear in your head so they can be implemented when you start Writing Workshop. You can shift to a new routine or modify one that's not working mid-year, but explaining WHY you're doing it to your students is important. If you're unsure of whose model you wish to adapt,… Continue reading Getting Back to Basics: Structures & Routines (Part of TWT’s Big Pictures Series)
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THIS WEEK: Another Big Picture Series
Ruth and I talked last week about some of the comments and e-mails we've been getting this week. Many of the comments are from teachers who are feeling torn about test prep, while many more of the e-mails are from teachers who are implementing Writing Workshop for the first time and are looking for assistance.… Continue reading THIS WEEK: Another Big Picture Series
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Choice in Writing Workshop: Is it possible even though it’s necessary?
Another thing people's comments on Ruth's Post got me thinking about was the idea of CHOICE in Writing Workshop. I wrote about it on this blog in 2007 after attending a session at NCTE with Fletcher, Johnston, and Ray. However, I never posted my raw notes from the session. However, in light of what's on… Continue reading Choice in Writing Workshop: Is it possible even though it’s necessary?
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Teaching Students to Master Conventions in a Modern Way
I read through the comments on Ruth's latest post this morning. It seems like many folks are feeling a little angst when it comes to grammar instruction. You're pulled between teaching kids grammar authentically and preparing them traditionally for tests, aren't you? I feel your pain. We know that mastering conventions is crucial if we… Continue reading Teaching Students to Master Conventions in a Modern Way
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Poetry Friday
A lot of you have been leaving comments about your frustrations with regard to standardized testing taking away time from your teaching. Hence, on this Poetry Friday, I wanted to share a Moore Poem with you. I Left My Head by Lilian Moore I left my head somewhere today. Put it down for just a… Continue reading Poetry Friday
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The League
Know a high school senior who has been accepted to college and loves to write? If so, check out this link about scholarships. Essentially, kids reflect on their civic experiences, in one of three genres, and then submit their writing for consideration. Do check it out!
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Have You Ever Asked Your Kids for Feedback on YOUR Writing?
A few years ago I often began asking my students to tell me what I did well as a writer and what I could work on as a writer when I gave them a piece of my writing to read. At first, this was hard for them. Who wants to critique their teacher, right? Well,… Continue reading Have You Ever Asked Your Kids for Feedback on YOUR Writing?
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Progress in the Writing Circle
Remember that group of kids I wrote about who I decided to take upstairs for weekly lunches on Tuesdays? Well, the five of us didn't meet last week because the entire class watched the Inauguration instead. Hence, we met, after being "away from each other" for two weeks. (They're in my class, but we haven't… Continue reading Progress in the Writing Circle
