On the Pitfalls of Hiding Out

Monday February 13, 2017Monday February 13, 2017 Lanny Ball10 Comments

Sometimes in a busy and chaotic schedule, we inadvertently miss attending to some of our students who like to "fly under the radar." Being systematic and intentionally positive can make a big difference for some of our writers.

compliment · conferring

Don’t Forget the Compliment

Sunday January 15, 2017Sunday January 15, 2017 guestteacher11 Comments

Lanny Ball reminds us that compliments are a bit like gifts we give our students each day.

conferences · conferring · writing workshop

Conferring with “If… Then… Then… Then…” in Mind

Sunday November 20, 2016Sunday November 20, 2016 BethMooreSchool2 Comments

We can all be a little more like my daughter's swim teacher, Coach Annie, and a little less like the camp counselors of my childhood. Here's how.

conferences · conferring · listening · writing workshop

Conferring Tip: Listening Closely

Wednesday October 26, 2016Wednesday October 26, 2016 BethMooreSchool3 Comments

A wise person once told me, conferring is the heart of the writing workshop. And much has been written about how to go about conferring effectively. Guides and professional books abound, videos, websites (this one included), and there's even an app or two out there complete with drop-down menus and spreadsheets. But all of the… Continue reading Conferring Tip: Listening Closely

conferring · EAL · ELL · multilingual

A Writing Conference with an English Language Learner Using Google Translate

Sunday October 16, 2016Friday April 30, 2021 Anna Gratz Cockerille2 Comments

Read on for a snippet of a writing conference using Google Translate with an upper elementary student who is learning English.

choice · conferring · drafting · engagement · independent writing · writing workshop

Red Dot Side, Green Dot Side, Revisited

Monday September 12, 2016Monday September 12, 2016 BethMooreSchool5 Comments

With very good intentions, we teach kids to do their best to really finish a story before they move on to the next one. However, a little bit of flexibility will go a long way in increasing engagement, volume, and independence in young writers.