"Hope is a cork that never stops bobbing on the ocean," says Geetha, the protagonist in Padma Venkatraman's latest novel Safe Harbor. Read about the story-behind-the-story of two children with immigrant backgrounds who build hope with their hands. They take small steps while dreaming big dreams, empowering their community to help keep the earth green and oceans blue. The post includes links to #WritingPrompts #TeacherResources and #ActivityStarters.
Category: environment
Looking Forward
The end of the school year is the perfect time to venture out of our classrooms and learn about what is happening in classrooms across our school buildings. These opportunities remind us that the work we do with writers is collective.
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Background Noise for Writing Workshop
How quiet is too quiet, when it comes to writing workshop?
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Re-imagining Classroom Work Spaces: Reaching Your Writers
We cannot always afford to provide students everything we want to give them, but it’s important to find ways to give all kids what they need. It is possible to create a space with flexible seating options on a limited budget.
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Take a Tour of Your Own School with an Eye Toward Writing Workshop
When you have a chance, take a walk through the hallways of your own school. Try to see with fresh eyes. Pretend you are a visitor. Ask yourself: What kind of writing is on display? What kind of writing is not on display?If what we display in the hallways conveys a message about what we… Continue reading Take a Tour of Your Own School with an Eye Toward Writing Workshop
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End of Year Reflections and June Planning
As we approach the end of another school year, many of us begin making plans for outgrowing ourselves. But what might be some lenses to think through when taking on such a task? I have a few ideas . . .
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Flexible Seating Options
Not everyone works the same way. As educators, it’s up to us to find what works best for every kid so we’re meeting their needs.
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Building a Community of Writers: Creating the Emotional Space
Building a community of writers is likely a goal for all writing workshop teachers. But what are some ways to be intentional about bringing such a goal to fruition?
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Changing Tack: Learning from a Writing Conference
It's great to be prepared when we are conferring with our writers. However, being 'prepared' and being 'present' are not the same thing...
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Back to Basics: Writing Centers
As you head into this week, remember to keep your head up and check on the basics. In this post I share five things you might look for and notice about writing centers.
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A Game Plan for Writing Workshop Transitions
Have you ever visited a colleague's classroom or watched a video of a lesson and wondered, "How are those kids so perfect? How do they seem to know exactly what to do, the moment the teacher suggests it?" Just like in sports, practice makes perfect. A sports coach puts time and effort into devising game… Continue reading A Game Plan for Writing Workshop Transitions
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Why We Gather: The Importance of a Classroom Meeting Area
You might be so completely used to your classroom arrangement that it seems normal to you -- but it maybe could be better.
