Taking Kristi Mraz's chart-making course at the July Writing Institute was so helpful to me. Kristi really got me thinking about having a take away item (made with a post-it note) that you can hand to kids if they need a reminder to do something. In addition, she encouraged the use of illustrations on charts. … Continue reading Interactive Charts
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.
Chartchums
Kristi Mraz, one of my instructors from this past summer's Writing Institute at Teachers College, and Marjorie Martinelli just started a blog called Chartchums: Creative Classroom Charts. I've reviewed the first few posts on the blog and I'm certain it is going to be an incredible resource for workshop teachers who want to ensure that… Continue reading Chartchums
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Getting the Room Ready
I miss having a classroom of my own at this time of the year. There's something about putting up fadeless paper and borders, getting supplies ready, preparing the meeting area, and labeling books with students' names that I truly miss. Even though I'm fortunate to be working with a group of K-5 teachers this-coming week,… Continue reading Getting the Room Ready
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An Interview with Leslie Patricelli + Giveaways
About a month or two after my daughter was born, I posted several status updates on my Facebook page complaining about the quality of the board books we had. They were too short, with few if any words, and didn’t hold my attention. I know board books serve a legitimate purpose in a baby’s literacy… Continue reading An Interview with Leslie Patricelli + Giveaways
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Are plan boxes worth it?
This past Tuesday I spoke at the 8th Annual Pennsylvania Writing Institute, which is held at Millersville University. Since school begins at the end of August here (in Pennsylvania), I spent a great deal of time talking about routines so my audience could spend some time reflecting on their existing classroom routines and consider implementing… Continue reading Are plan boxes worth it?
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The Un-Perfect Classroom
I was one of three new kids in my bunk at camp in 1989. The rest of the girls who were in my bunk had been together for a few years and were known for getting perfect tens on daily bunk inspections. That summer, I was the kid who made my bunk get nines, rather… Continue reading The Un-Perfect Classroom
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Say What You Mean: Part Two
Tammi Myers wrote the following on our Facebook Page in response to the post I wrote on Tuesday: Sometimes we repeat jargon with the goal of being consistent with other grade levels- but that just gives us a class of kids who can parrot the terms with no real understanding. Tammi makes an excellent point. … Continue reading Say What You Mean: Part Two
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Say What You Mean: Part One
One September, I was creating a chart with my students about the things good writers do. They said things like "good writers write long and strong" and "they add details." I was initially impressed. These kids seemed to know some of the things it took to be a strong writer. But then, I conferred with… Continue reading Say What You Mean: Part One
