blog series · Notebooks as a Writer’s Tool Blog Series · writer's notebook · writing workshop

ICYMI: Notebooks as a Writer’s Tool

We hope you enjoyed our November Blog Series all about writer's notebooks. In case you missed it, here is the recap to get you up to speed!

blog series · reflections · writing process

Reflecting Through the Lens of Writing Process: Looking Back and Moving Forward

Reflection can help foster both a writerly identity and act as a discovery process for possible future goals. This is likely true for any endeavor, whether it be coaching soccer or writing.  This week, we as co-authors have been doing some thinking about the power of self-reflection. One possible lens for reflection is the writing process itself...

Beyond the Fundamentals Blog Series · blog series · independent writing · volume · writing workshop

Independent Writing Time: Beyond the Fundamentals of Writing Workshop

Last week I met with a teacher about a writer who worries her. “Where’s his writing?” I asked. She pulled out a piece with a date on it, and the date was from over a month ago. This second grader had written a few words on each page, and when we looked closely, many of… Continue reading Independent Writing Time: Beyond the Fundamentals of Writing Workshop

blog series · change · classroom environment · independent writing · management · meeting area · middle school · minilesson

Fitting It All In: Solving Predictable Problems

For many of us, especially in middle school, trying to fit all the pieces of writing workshop into, say, a 41-minute schedule, can feel daunting. How can we teach a minilesson, get our kids working, confer with individuals and small groups, provide a mid-workshop interruption, and facilitate a teaching share…all in that tight time frame?

blog series · Keep Learning Going Throughout the Summer Blog Series · writing workshop

ICYMI: Keep Learning Going Throughout the Summer Recap

I learned a lot and saved many ideas from my co-author team at TWT through the latest blog series, KEEP LEARNING GOING THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER. Just in case you missed a post you can find a recap today. Also, we have a bonus parent letter for you to use with your families and of course a GIVEAWAY announcement!

blog series · Keep Learning Going Throughout the Summer Blog Series · writing workshop

The Why, The Slide, and Goal Setting: Keep Learning Going Throughout the Summer

Teachers typically spend the first three-six weeks reviewing previous skills while building routines within their classrooms. What can we do to encourage students to hold on to their learning and practice through the summer? We hope to tackle this question through the week in our blog series.

blog series · Keep Learning Going Throughout the Summer Blog Series

Keep Learning Going Throughout the Summer: A Blog Series

Have you tried to encourage your students to keep their writing life momentum going through the summer? This week on TWT we plan to share tips on motivating your students to continue the writing habit and stifle the summer slide.

Authentic Purposes for Writing Blog Series · blog series · purpose · writing workshop

Watch. Look. Listen: AUTHENTIC PURPOSES FOR WRITING

Writing is a stalwart act. Through writing, we express ourselves, uncover feelings, tell our stories, organize our schedules, share our beliefs, and change our world. To some students (and even adults) writing can seem like a monumental task and writing may feel cumbersome. But when you think of the necessity of writing in our lives, writing is unavoidable.

blog series · One Little Word (OLW) · writing workshop

Finding New Opportunites and Joy: All It Takes Is A Slight Twist

Finding New Opportunities and Joy: All It Takes Is A Slight Twist This year presented my family and my teaching life with many changes, and each one took real focus for me. I had the opportunity to make a slight turn turning each into a change blessing or a change obstacle. The difference is in considering the intention.

Assessment Strengthens Writers Blog Series · blog series · writing workshop

NEW BLOG SERIES: Assessment Strengthens Writers

  Over the next seven days, my friends and I here at Two Writing Teachers will share important concepts around assessment in writing workshops. We have all given a lot of thought to our best practices when it comes to using assessments to strengthen student learning. While sometimes assessment seems like an infringement on precious instructional minute,… Continue reading NEW BLOG SERIES: Assessment Strengthens Writers

blog series · PD Possibilities Series

Professional Development Done Your Way: P.D. Possibilities Series

#HilliardU brings the essential elements of professional development together in one event. First, Hilliard U is made up of presentations by teachers of various grade levels and subject areas, academic coaches, related arts teachers, administration and well-known professionals in our field. As participants, we design our day by choosing from a variety of breakout sessions offered or take advantage of a collaboration room to work with colleagues.

blog series · One Little Word (OLW) · writing workshop

Deb’s One Little Word For 2016

When I reflect on the flux in my life, I waiver between pure joy of what's to come and loss of what has been. Moving forward is scary when you have so dearly loved all that has been. Just writing this makes me pause.