argument writing · opinion writing · oral language

Use Oral Language to Strengthen Opinion Writing (For Writers of All Ages!)

There are many layers to developing a good opinion piece, and oral language can be used to support students throughout this process in ways that are both engaging and fun. Here is a quick if/then troubleshooting guide to support the use of oral language to build opinion writing skills.

argument writing · genre · middle school

The Argument Scavenger Hunt

Although I'm not typically a fan of stand-alone activities, this exercise, presented at last year's NCTE Conference, incorporated many positive elements aimed at supporting writers working doing argumentative work...

argument writing · Joy · NCTE · play · social justice

A Few Reflections and Shares From NCTE 2019

For the last few days, I have had the privilege of attending the National Council of Teachers of English Convention in Baltimore, Maryland. While there were many colleagues and friends who shared the experience, I know many others couldn't attend. I'm sure there are others who will share in the upcoming weeks, but for now, in somewhat of a post-convention haze, I'm scrolling through my notes and pulling out some of my favorite quotes and ideas from my experiences.

argument writing · classroom environment · conferences · conferring · differentiation · elaboration · environment · growth mindset · management · mentor texts · middle school · nonfiction writing · opinion writing · preparation · strategic conferring

Changing Tack: Learning from a Writing Conference

It's great to be prepared when we are conferring with our writers. However, being 'prepared' and being 'present' are not the same thing...

argument writing · opinion writing

Stronger Essay Writing: Differentiating Between Reasons and Evidence

The word essay comes from the latin exigere, meaning "to ascertain," or "to weigh." It was used in the late 15th century as a verb, meaning "to test the quality of." Writing in essay form certainly leads to these things: weighing of evidence, testing the quality of reasons, ascertaining the strength of an argument. When we teach students… Continue reading Stronger Essay Writing: Differentiating Between Reasons and Evidence

adolescent literacy · argument writing · awards · blogging · conferences · content-area writing · conventions · digital writing · engagement · Kylene Beers · Lester L. Laminack · punctuation · writing workshop

Snapshots From the NYSEC Conference

My time at the New York State English Council (NYSEC) Conference through snapshots!

argument writing · immersion · informational writing · narrative · persuasive writing · picture book · poetry · primary grades · Read Aloud

Teaching the Four Types of Writing Through Texts

Janiel Wagstaff's books will help you teach primary writers about the four types of writing in an engaging way. Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win her series of Stella books.

argument writing · mentor texts · opinion writing · persuasive writing · picture book

A New Mentor Text for Opinion Writing

Finally! I've found a new picture book I can use in opinion writing units of study. Learn more about One Word from Sophia by Averbeck and Ismail in this post. Then, leave a comment on this post for a chance to win a copy of this book.

argument writing · expository · informational writing · strategy lessons · Tailoring Our Teaching Blog Series · writing workshop

New Blog Series: Tailoring our Teaching / Assessment-based Strategy Groups for Expository Writing

When I first began teaching using a workshop model, I spent forever planning my minilessons. I wanted to make sure that my language was exactly right, and that I got to each part of the minilesson (I often forgot the active engagement). I felt that the quality of my minilessons was the measure of my… Continue reading New Blog Series: Tailoring our Teaching / Assessment-based Strategy Groups for Expository Writing

argument writing · guest blogger · persuasive writing · tcrwp

Learning the Language of Lawyers: Writing Compelling Arguments

We are thrilled and honored to be guest blogging here this week.  We are both huge fans of the blog, the Two Writing Teachers community and of Ruth and Stacey’s work. Having recently watched the Grammys, it feels a bit like we are hanging with Beyoncé and Jay-Z for a night! Many of us are… Continue reading Learning the Language of Lawyers: Writing Compelling Arguments