I just finished reading the July 2008 Issue of Real Simple, which I've been subscribing to for years. Since I didn't start it until AUGUST, I realized that the cover story "More free time: realistic ways to tame your schedule," was one I should read. If you're the kind of teacher that I am (i.e.,… Continue reading Scheduling Time for Yourself As the New School Year Approaches
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.
The Makings of a TRUE Mentor Text
I realize I'm a bit late to the "Those Shoes Party," which is a touching text written by Maribeth Boelts and illustrated by Noah Z. Jones. Those Shoes was published in 2007 and is the story of a little boy who desperately wants the shoes that nearly everyone else in school has. The catch? His… Continue reading The Makings of a TRUE Mentor Text
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“Day in a Sentence”: The Release of the Sentences
Hosting "Day in a Sentence" has given me an opportunity to view new blogs from around the country (and world). I'm thrilled Kevin gave me the chance to host it here this week. So, here's the round-up of the sentences that were submitted: People with blogs: Teach People Not Books wrote: Joseph and I embarked… Continue reading “Day in a Sentence”: The Release of the Sentences
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Inspiration
A couple of weeks ago I found myself in my parents' home staring at the inside of the door jam that leads to their laundry room. It still held the markings my father made to it over the course of 20 years with measurements and dates that represented my height at various points in my… Continue reading Inspiration
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Get More Tools at http://twowritingteachers.com!
Last August we made our blog live. This August, we're delighted to announce the launch of Two Writing Teachers -- The Website! Essentially, our new website is a place where you can go to find lots of tools (and links to related blog posts) to help you with various units of study you might teach… Continue reading Get More Tools at http://twowritingteachers.com!
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The First P.F. of August
This poem was mentioned when Michelle commented on Ruth's Post, "Be a Writer," yesterday evening. Miracle Workers by Taylor Mali Sunday nights I lie awake— as all teachers do— and wait for sleep to come like the last student in my class to arrive. My grading is done, my lesson plans are in order, and… Continue reading The First P.F. of August
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Teachers & Writers: V39, #3
If you haven't already seen the Summer 2008 Issue of Teachers & Writers, which is published by the Teachers & Writers Collaborative, then I HIGHLY suggest picking it up soon. The Summer Issue is completely devoted to comic books in the classroom. At first, I wasn't so sure that this issue of Teachers & Writers… Continue reading Teachers & Writers: V39, #3
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Inspiring Words for the Inside of Students’ Writer’s Notebooks
For the past two years I've included "My Writer's Notebook/Diamond Search" by Brod Bagert inside of every student's writer's notebook. However, in addition to Barert's Poem this year, I'm also going to be putting some writerly advice inside of the kids' notebooks. These pieces of "advice," combined with the gift-wrapping of the notebooks, should make… Continue reading Inspiring Words for the Inside of Students’ Writer’s Notebooks
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A Call for “Day in a Sentence” Submissions
We're happy to be hosting "Day in a Sentence" here at Two Writing Teachers this week. If you're new to "Day in a Sentence," which is similar to "Poetry Friday," then just follow these steps: Boil down your day (or your week) into a single thoughtful sentence. Use the comment feature on THIS post to… Continue reading A Call for “Day in a Sentence” Submissions
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Around the Papers & in the News
I've been perusing newspapers online and found some articles worthy of sharing: At Struggling School, Pride Displaces Failure By WINNIE HU Published: July 20, 2008 Rising test scores highlight a year of ambitious change at the beleaguered Newton Street School in Newark. At This Summer School, Those Who Teach, Learn By WINNIE HU Published: July… Continue reading Around the Papers & in the News
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Meeting Area Supply Boxes for Workshop-Related Things
I put the supplies I purchased earlier today into my kids' Meeting Area Supply Boxes I purchased on Sunday. They don't have much in them since I wanted to keep it simple... just the basics of what they'd need on the rug for the active engagement of a minilesson or while they're creating plan boxes.… Continue reading Meeting Area Supply Boxes for Workshop-Related Things
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Stacey’s S.O.L.S.
I spent an inordinate amount of time picking out the exact supplies I needed for my students' Meeting Area Supplies Boxes. I was almost set, but realized I needed contact lens solution. Hence, I parked my wagon by the end-cap of the aisle while I went to pick out the solution. I came back and… Continue reading Stacey’s S.O.L.S.
