early childhood · outdoors · preschool

“There was a long tree…” Observational Drawing and Talking in the Pre-K Classroom

Observational drawing provides many wonderful opportunities for young children to connect to the creative process that will eventually lead to writing.

early childhood · preschool

“Mat Man”: Reflective Practice

What is the value in "teaching" children how to draw a person, even before they may start to draw figures on their own?

early childhood · Reflective Practice

Wally’s Words of Wisdom: Reflective Practice

The beginning of a new school year is a great time to reflect on Vivian Gussin Paley's "Wally's Stories."

adolescent literacy · early childhood · middle school · MTSS · stories · Straight from the Classroom · strategies · tier 1 · vocabulary

Strategic Vocabulary Connections: Straight from the Classroom

Here are three strategies for integrating intentional vocabulary connections into your reading and writing instruction. While these examples come from a seventh-grade classroom, they can be effortlessly adapted for K-12 learning environments.

early childhood · journaling · kindergarten

An Invitation to Write: Reflective Practice

When children are invited to write and draw freely, it gives us a window into their inner selves. I like to use journals during quiet time to strengthen and deepen my students' relationships to writing outside of writing workshop.

early childhood · kindergarten

Setting the Tone for Kindergarten Writers at the Beginning of the School Year: Reflective Practice

How will you set a positive and inclusive tone for writing in the first few weeks of school?

early childhood · parent involvement · Straight from the Classroom

Supporting the Home / School Connection: Straight From the Classroom

Parents want to support their children with writing at home, but often do not know where to begin. This post provides some simple ideas you can share with them.

early childhood · Reflective Practice

Scribbling is Not Scribble Scrabble: Reflective Practice

Scribbling is one of the earliest forms of written communication. In the early childhood classroom, it is important to affirm this work rather than downplay it.

early childhood · preschool · Reflective Practice

Transcribing Their Words: Reflective Practice

Transcribing the spoken words of my young writers is a special opportunity to listen, appreciate, and reflect.

early childhood · Reflective Practice

A Glimpse into Pre-K Writing: Reflective Practice

What does writing look like in my pre-k classroom? Young children are insightful writers. Their work is deep and meaningful. They may not be able to write the words yet, but their ideas still speak volumes.

early childhood · Reflective Practice · storytelling

Channeling Vivian Gussin Paley

As I embark on a new school year, I'm trying to channel the storytelling and storyacting work of Vivian Gussin Paley.

early childhood · kindergarten

On The Magical Beauty of Writing in Early Childhood

This year, I have been collecting my students' writing since October. I have been hoarding it, stashing it away, and refusing to give it back until I'm ready. I'm almost ready!