Jordan was a confident third-grade writer—until he opened a blank notebook on day one of fourth grade and froze. A new school year feels like a fresh start, but it doesn't mean starting over. Here are three simple ways to activate prior knowledge and remind students who they still are.
Category: back to school
“Dear Future Me…”: An End-of-Year Activity That Builds Confidence for Next Year’s Writing Workshop
Your students filled notebooks, found their voices, and grew as writers this year—don't make them start from scratch in September. Try “Dear Future Me…”, a simple end-of-year writing tradition that helps students reflect, celebrate progress, and walk into next year’s workshop already confident, capable, and ready to write from day one.
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Community-Building Books for the New School Year
During the first six weeks of school, the foundation you lay for your writers can transform their entire journey. When every writer feels seen and valued, they gain confidence and joy. Explore three new picture books that inspire connection and collaboration. Comment for a chance to win them all!
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Beginning the Year With a Few Questions
Especially on the first day, but throughout the first weeks of school, I try hard to imagine who knows and loves the child that sits at a desk-- here are a few questions I'll carry with me as I connect and reconnect with children.
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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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Is It Time to Teach Yet?
How do teachers know when it’s the right time to transition from routines to content? The answer lies in the readiness of both the students and the teacher.
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Fall Flashback
It's finally fall- my favorite season! Today I am flashing back to some of my fall posts that I've shared before on TWT.
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The Magic of Anticipation
When you think about the writing joy that lies ahead this year, are you spending your time planning, preparing, or anticipating?
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New Year’s Resolutions For Writing Workshop
January isn't the only time to make some New Year's Resolutions! With a new school year starting, here are some of my resolutions to teach writing more effectively!
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Engage Writers at the Beginning of the Year with Base Training
At the beginning of the school year, take time before launching your first unit to allow students to settle in to writing workshop. This time helps you learn about students, build their confidence, and teach workshop routines.
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Word Games in the Workshop
Creative play with words can spur ideas writers didn't know they had tucked away!
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Chants for Writing: Support Routines, Conventions, and Craft
Chants are a highly engaging teaching strategy that support multilingual and monolingual learners alike. Try them out for teaching routines, conventions, and craft in writing workshop.
