I am consistently moved by meaningful letters. When I write thank you notes, I am sure to take time with them so the recipient can feel my genuine gratitude. However, when I write other notes, specifically condolence notes, I find it more challenging. (Let me be honest, I've even looked for mentor letters to help… Continue reading Letters of Gratitude
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.
Op-Ed
The New York Times published an Op-Ed, "Playing to Learn," today by Susan Engel, who is a senior lecturer in psychology and the director of the Williams College Teaching Program. It's about education reform, specifically curriculum reform. Engel spent one full paragraph on the type of writing that she things should exist in elementary school… Continue reading Op-Ed
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Thinking Ahead to the Month-Long Challenge
Today's Tuesday, which means it's time for the Slice of Life Story Challenge! However, it's also the second day of February, which means it's time to start for me to start thinking about the Third Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge that lasts for the entire month of March. By thinking about the Third Annual… Continue reading Thinking Ahead to the Month-Long Challenge
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Join the Conversation on Facebook
A few months ago we started a Two Writing Teachers Page on Facebook as a way to share a little more. While we often use it to link to new pieces we've written on this blog, we also use it to direct you to thought-provoking articles about education. It's neat to watch some of the… Continue reading Join the Conversation on Facebook
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Praising Kids. Talking to Kids. Questioning Kids.
I've been doing Pilates since August 2008. I started it in order to get stronger after some surgery I had in 2007. I've been doing it three times a week for the past few months. While I have nothing even close to Madonna's physique, I have certainly become stronger. My Pilates Instructor is very cautious… Continue reading Praising Kids. Talking to Kids. Questioning Kids.
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A Mentor Text that Deals with Social Issues
We’ve all had that kid in our class. You know who I mean. It’s the kid who sticks out like a sore thumb because of his weight, because of his hair, or because of the way his voice sounds. I had that kid in my class each year… sometimes more than one per year. That… Continue reading A Mentor Text that Deals with Social Issues
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A Call for Slice of Life Stories
I just got home, a few hours ago, from some time away in Arizona. To pick one slice of my life from the trip seems quite hard. I intend on sharing one later today. As for the rest of my vacation tales, well, that's what scrapbooking is for. I look forward to reading and commenting… Continue reading A Call for Slice of Life Stories
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Gradually Releasing Responsibility to Students
Last year Karren Colbert wrote a blog post about using the Gradual Release Model with students when it comes to using mentor texts. Instead of reviewing a book in this forum today, I am linking to Colbert's post about mentor texts. Click here to read what she wrote.
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SOLSC
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Scaredy Squirrel Books in the Primary Writing Classroom
Ruth was shocked when she learned that I had never heard of Scaredy Squirrel Books when we passed the Kids Can Press Booth at the NCTE Conference. Quite frankly, once I started paging Mélanie Watt's first Scaredy Squirrel Book, which was published four years ago, I, too, was shocked. It was humorous! I found the… Continue reading Scaredy Squirrel Books in the Primary Writing Classroom
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SOLSC & Writing Groups
This past weekend I attended the Capital Area Writing Project's Teachers as Writers Meeting, which was held in a cafe on the outskirts of Harrisburg. I brought a piece of fiction I'm working on to get some feedback from other teacher-writers. It was a pleasure to gather as part of a community, to get feedback,… Continue reading SOLSC & Writing Groups
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A Daily Dose of Poetry
I recently learned about Jane Jaudon Ferrer's site called Your Daily Poem, which posts a new poem by an accomplished poet daily. The site mixes classic and contemporary poetry and includes a great archive. If you're looking for some poetic inspiration, then hop on over to Your Daily Poem and subscribe to receive a new… Continue reading A Daily Dose of Poetry
