In 2015, I thought it would be interesting to turn Two Writing Teachers over to children’s authors, illustrators, and professional teaching book authors for week. I wanted to learn from people I admired about their writing process, craft, and experiences with you. Except for 2019 (when I was balancing work and a move to a… Continue reading The 10th Annual Author Spotlight Series Preview
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.
Craft Knowledge With Infographic Design: Modernizing Mentor Texts
In a world where digital literacy is evolving at breakneck speed, are we preparing our students for the writing challenges of tomorrow? Discover how infographics can transform your students into active content creators, equipping them with the skills they need in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
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Overview & Sign-Up for the Slice of Life Story Challenge #SOL25
The 18th Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge (SOLSC) will begin at Two Writing Teachers on March 1. Participants will write slice-of-life stories and comment on other writers’ submissions to foster a flourishing writing community. You may sign up for the challenge using the Google form embedded into this blog post.
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Diving Into Information Writing: From the Archives
Nine years ago, the #TWTBlog co-author team shared a blog series on information writing for classroom teachers and literacy coaches. Each of the eight posts provided practical strategies aimed at enhancing teaching practices. The series remains relevant today for any educator seeking to improve information writing instruction.
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Mentor Texts for Writing About Bodily Functions + Book Giveaways
Explore high-quality mentor texts that tackle topics like germs, farts, and poop in a fun and educational way! Discover how these engaging books can inspire young writers to address challenging topics with humor and respect. Plus, share your thoughts in the comments for a chance to receive some wonderful book giveaways!
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Do you read like a writer?
Reading like a writer means look at a text with a sense of possibility by mining possibilities to enhance your own writing. Collecting and studying mentor texts in the genres you wish to write can help you elevate your craft.
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Catch Up Quick: Recap
ICYMI: Here's a roundup of our blog posts and podcast episodes that went live in the past two weeks.
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Growing Thoughtful Spellers
Young writers need freedom to invent spellings, fostering confidence and phonological awareness. As they progress, understanding English orthography's complex structure becomes crucial. The goal isn't perfect spelling, but developing thoughtful encoders who analyze words. By balancing creativity with gradual introduction of conventions, we guide children towards becoming confident, reflective spellers and skilled writers.
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Nurturing Independent Writers in the Classroom
Fostering independence in writing empowers students and transforms the writing community. Explore practical strategies to create an environment where students take ownership of their writing journey, building confidence and self-reliance.
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Five Books to Help Build a Writing Community
Discover how building a writing community in your classroom can transform your students' writing experiences and foster a sense of belonging. Learn about five picture books that will inspire meaningful conversations and support the development of a collaborative, inclusive writing community. Leave a comment on the blog post for a chance to win all five books, perfect for building a supportive writing environment!
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TWT Help Desk: What if students haven’t written all summer?
During summer break, elementary school students often experience a decline in writing skills, leading to a "summer slide." To address this, teachers can do three big things to motivate students to write again.
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Simple and Functional Classroom Design
Creating a student-centered classroom prioritizes student work, individuality, and engagement over elaborate decorations. By embracing ample wall space for student creations, teachers can foster a sense of ownership, promote collaboration, and celebrate student achievements.
