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.

agency · drafting · editing · Resetting Our Workshop Practices Blog Series · revision

Writing on Students’ Work in Progress: Resetting Our Workshop Practices

I used to write on my students’ writing. NOW I believe if I’m the person writing down what I think a child should write, then I remove lots of that child’s agency.

challenges · drafting · growth mindset · Mary Ehrenworth · modeling · teacher writing

Lights, Camera, Action! 3 Tips for Creating Maximum Effect During a Writing Lesson

Walking ourselves through and rehearsing what we will model for young writers so as to create the desired effect(s) can be extremely helpful.  Whatever curriculum we are using, it's just so important to walk through the big steps of our teaching ahead of time so that we plan for maximum learning impact. But what type of "effects" might be desired?

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

Red Dot Side, Green Dot Side, Revisited

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.

drafting · notebooks · process · revision · writer's notebook · Writer's Notebook Wednesday · writing process · writing workshop

When to Pop Out of the Notebook

As much as I LOVE notebooks, even I have to admit there is a time in every writer's process when it is time to pop out of the notebook and onto a laptop or lined paper.

drafting · editing · growth mindset · independent writing · mistakes · notebooks · process · publishing · revision · risk-taking · routines · writers · writing · writing process · writing workshop

An Eraser-Free Workshop and the Language We Use for Talking About It

When I visit a classroom, one of the first things I often say to kids is, "Today, please don't erase. I want to see ALL the great work you are doing as a writer. When you erase, your work disappears!" Often, this is what kids are accustomed to and they continue working away. But sometimes, kids stare at me as if I've got two heads.

conferences · conferring · conventions · drafting · punctuation · writing process

Best First Draft

When students move from their notebook to draft, I encourage them to write their best first draft. (Click here to see other posts I've written about best first drafts.) Something that I'm always curious about is the way conventions come into play during all parts of the writing process. As I've been teaching kids to… Continue reading Best First Draft