A meeting place for a world of reflective writers.
Slowing down the brainstorming part of the writing process and recognizing the emotionality of feedback has big rewards for two published authors, in addition to our young classroom writers.
“Social psychology has found the more you reward people for doing something, the more they tend to lose interest in whatever they had to do to get the reward.” – … Continue Reading Growing Writers: Eight Alternatives to Extrinsic Rewards
In writing workshop, we operate on multiple levels– we try to plan and deliver effective minilessons, we try to confer with our writers (and take some notes?), we create anchor charts, and so forth. But what about validating the voices of our student writers? Here are a few tips for disturbing the universe…
It could be said that what sets a writing workshop apart from other approaches to teaching writing is a focus on empowerment. Here are a few ways to empower writers when it comes to mentor texts…
Celebrating differences among our writers can sometimes be difficult for teachers of writing. But by expecting and planning for differences, we can set our students on trajectories more matched to who they are as writers. Here are a few ideas…
Recently, I caught up with my friend and colleague Chris Lehman. For a little end-of-the-year inspiration, please enjoy our interview: Beth: Your books make it clear that you have a … Continue Reading An Interview with Educator and Author Chris Lehman
I began my career as a seventh grade language arts teacher at Wawasee Middle School. Thirteen years later, I remain in the same district, but in a different position. My … Continue Reading Because of WMS…
We were at a family reunion last weekend and had too-few minutes to visit with one of my favorite cousins who I only get to see once a year at … Continue Reading What is it you do?
I wish we could change the world by creating powerful writers forever instead of indifferent writers for school. —Mem Fox I just want to take a deep breath and read … Continue Reading Teach the Writer
TBPS Logo for Week of 020109 Originally uploaded by teachergal Here’s a recap of all of our “Getting Back to Basics” Posts: SUNDAY: structures & routines MONDAY: minilessons TUESDAY: mentor … Continue Reading Recap of Last Week’s Big Picture Series
Memoir: Early Strategy Chart Originally uploaded by teachergal I tend to have a lot of mini-charts for my students’ notebooks rather than hanging large ones around the room (these days). … Continue Reading Back to Basics: Strategy Charts (Part of TWT’s Big Picture Series)
I consider myself fortunate to have learned more about the art of conferring with young writers from some of the best folks out there: Carl Anderson, Lucy Calkins, and Jen … Continue Reading Back to Basics: Conferring (Part of TWT’s Big Picture Series)
In Mentor Texts: Teaching Writing Through Children’s Literature, K – 6, Lynne R. Dorfman and Rose Cappelli write, “Mentor texts help writers notice things about an author’s work that is … Continue Reading Back to Basics: Mentor Texts (Part of TWT’s Big Picture Series)
So what are the basic parts of a minilesson? Here’s a short list according to the Teachers College Reading & Writing Project at Columbia University: Connection — The reason for … Continue Reading Back to Basics: Minilesson Parts (Part of TWT’s Big Picture Series)
Ruth and I talked last week about some of the comments and e-mails we’ve been getting this week. Many of the comments are from teachers who are feeling torn about … Continue Reading THIS WEEK: Another Big Picture Series
NOTE: We would really appreciate any feedback on the last Big Pictures Series. Please leave a comment or email us. Does anyone else feel as though there wasn’t a holiday … Continue Reading Big Picture Series: It’s a Wrap . . . Or Is It?
Ruth’s going to close-up TBPS tomorrow. In the meantime, if you’ve read one or all of our posts, but haven’t commented, we hope you’ll do so! We’d really like your … Continue Reading The Big Picture: The Next-to-the-Last Post
“Most people search high and wide for the key to success. If they only knew, the key to their dreams lies within.” –George Washington Carver Thoughts: I don’t think I … Continue Reading The Big Picture Series: Celebratation
“Write what makes you happy.” — O. Henry What wise words from O. Henry! So often we try to inspire our students to write by giving them topics we think … Continue Reading The Big Picture Series: Freedom in Topic Choice
What children take home in their heads and hearts is much more important than what they take home in their hands. – Bev Bos Sometimes we get caught up in … Continue Reading The Big Picture Series: Care Enough.
TWO WRITING TEACHERS 