digital writing · drafting · handwriting

Some Things to Consider in the Handwriting Vs. Typing Debate

Rather than working to prove that one way–digital composition vs. handwritten writing–is better than the other, we have the power as teachers to recognize the benefits of both and to determine the best time and place for each. Here are some things you may want to consider when making these drafting decisions in your own school setting.

change · COVID-19 · digital tools · digital writing · Distance Learning · remote instruction · remote learning · writing workshop

My Three Remote Teacher Survival Tips

As we all venture into another week of instruction, no matter what that may look like, I have three tips for surviving and thriving in these times.

COVID-19 · cultural relevance · current events · digital tools · digital writing · Distance Learning · EAL · guest blogger · literacy coaches · mentor texts · minilesson · struggling writers

Inviting Voices from the Community

As the 2020-2021 school year sets to start, we recognize that educators need each other more than ever. We need to hold onto our beliefs about the teaching of writing while becoming ever more flexible in our approaches. We need to grow in our understanding of Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy (as described in Gholdy… Continue reading Inviting Voices from the Community

community · digital writing · Seen, Valued, Heard: Writing to Establish Community Blog Series

Seen, Valued, Heard: Name Studies to Establish Community

There is importance in a name. Our names are entry ways into our identities and they can have great impact in cultivating classroom communities where students can thrive and grow.

back to school · community · digital writing · family · homework · parent involvement · writing workshop

Back to School Themes and Reflections

What are the themes that you come back to each school year? Today I explore the topics that I come back to each new year and share links from previous posts. Please share your ideas in the comments!

community · digital tools · digital writing · low-stakes · notebooks · photograph · ralph fletcher · writer identity · writer's notebook

(Writing) Life Imitates Art: Finding Inspiration in Ralph Fletcher’s Instagram

The creative lives we maintain outside of writing fill us up as humans with stories to tell. When we bring this life into the writing workshop, it builds community, and it lays the foundation for lifelong writers who have strategies for sustaining their own writing lives.

creativity · digital tools · digital writing · Self-expression · social justice · voice

Respecting Student Creativity: Teaching Writing With A Social Justice Lens

Whether students choose to express themselves in the form of writing prose, poetry or creating a video, the choice belongs to the writer.

digital tools · digital writing · Multimedia · writing workshop

Digging Into Digital Storytelling

I found myself thinking about my classroom experiences, wondering how I might be able to help teachers get started and just as I started feeling overwhelmed... I heard these words...

academic choice · apps · audience · authentic assessment · authentic writing · creativity · digital tools · digital writing · Intentional Teaching · minilesson

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.

audience · authentic writing · creativity · curriculum planning · digital writing · George Couros · Innovators · writing workshop

Make Writing Better. Start With The Writer.

Think about the writer and making the writer better. What are the needs of a writer? What opportunities does technology offer to make the writer better?

authentic writing · blogging · choice · creativity · digital writing · greenbelt writing · writing workshop

Write at the Start: No More Morning Worksheets

How can we let writing be part of a "soft start" for students instead of making them complete joyless worksheets? How do your students start the day or class period? Please join the conversation!