How can we build even more self-efficacy with our student writers? A few simple moves can transform your anecdotal notes and empower you
Category: authentic assessment
(Re-)Launching our Writing Workshops With Joy in January
As I think about returning to school, I want to be excited about the week to come. I want students to feel happy to be back together. Writing workshop is my favorite part of the day, and it’s the perfect place to infuse some intentional joy for all of us. I have a two part plan to do just that.
Point-Less by Sarah M. Zerwin: A Review and Giveaway
Sarah Zerwin is workshop to her core, and she has found ways to ensure that her assessment practices are not sending conflicting messages to kids. Point-Less will challenge readers to reflect and inspire them to advocate for change.
Yes &… with Digital Tools We Can
As we set off to create writers who write in tandem with the printed world and the digital world there are a few we need to consider.
Tips for Analyzing and Scoring a Ton of Writing
Time is precious, and your mental energy even more so. Why waste either when others before you have learned through trial and error? Avoid common missteps by reading these simple tips.
The Joys, Wonders, and Challenges of On-Demand Writing: Assessment Strengthens Writers Blog Series
I'll be honest. I actually love on-demand writing assessments.
Go-To Digital Tools for Writing Workshop
Digital tools can transform your teaching by allowing students to have a writing community beyond the classroom walls, be innovative, make meaningful connections to other writers and students, have more resources readily available, and have true, authentic reasons for writing.
Instant Minilesson Follow-Up
A strong active engagement, and a routine for informally assessing student work during the minilesson can give you the tools you need to be sure that no student leaves the meeting area completely confused.
Drilling Down into the Writing
Of the many ways I gain an understanding of my writers, my favorite and most valuable is gathering up all the writing and diving into reading ALL the students’ work.
Using Assessment Tools to Teach Transference
Valuable lessons can be learned when an assessment tool designed for one genre is used to assess another.
Just what are the kids writing in those notebooks?
Mrs. V. left the following comment yesterday: "Thanks for your details. Could you tell me more about their idea notebook nightly assignment? What are the requirements and how do you assess it? Also, about how much time in class are you able to spend on writing per week?" My students have the same writing homework… Continue reading Just what are the kids writing in those notebooks?
A New Writer’s Notebook Rubric
Sometimes you have to let go of the reigns and allow your students to lead you, right. Well, I'm preparing to do just that tomorrow when I work with my students, during Writing Workshop, to create a new notebook rubric. (I've been using one that is slightly adapted from Buckner's Book since 2006.) In “Assessing… Continue reading A New Writer’s Notebook Rubric