A meeting place for a world of reflective writers.
This post is a look back at the resources I created to support families with at-home learning throughout the pandemic, and some ideas for supporting families in the future.
As I considered what to write this week, I decided to share a piece I was crafting for back to school, as an instructional coach/remote kindergarten teacher this year. The process helped me to focus on what families might need, as they experience writing workshop in new ways (i.e. at their kitchen tables).
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!
We do all we can to keep kids writing over summer. But are we assigning tasks and busywork, or actually enriching their writerly lives?
I’ve created a tool to share with families and students of all ages to inspire writing for REAL purposes this summer and beyond.
I don’t remember sharing writing experiences at home when my daughters were in elementary school.
I wish we had.
I believe in writing. I believe that the more you write, the more you discover your own thoughts and ideas. Your voice grows stronger. You become more fluent. Writing becomes a part of who you are, how you see the world, how you process your thoughts, how you communicate effectively with others. It is not enough for students to just write during writing workshop. Writing needs to be woven into the fabric of the day, across subject areas, in ways that are meaningful and authentic for students.
Can a Family Dialogue Journal help build stronger home-school connections through written conversation?
It’s the end of the school year and our days are full of reflections, assessments, and all kinds of celebrations. During those final days before summer vacation begins, we find … Continue Reading Celebrating Writers and Teachers
Back to School Night is around the corner! When it comes to writing workshop, what do we need families to know?
Check out Michigan author, Ruth McNally Barshaw and a peek at our family literacy night!
Many parents, guardians, and extended family members cannot leave work to attend writing celebrations. Here are some ideas to bring your next publishing party into the community where you teach OR to make them virtual celebrations.
Cultivate home-school partnerships around writing by hosting a family writing night this fall.
August is here! What are you eagerly anticipating this week, later this month, and this-coming fall?
Did you read Katherine Sokolowski’s Slice of Life post this past Tuesday? She crafted a poem that was a tribute to a dear family-friend, Vel, who passed away. Crafting the … Continue Reading Crafting a Tribute Poem
Tomorrow night I’ve been invited to talk with parents and host a mini-writing workshop for families. You must know, about a week ago, our youngest, Sam (a first grader), gave … Continue Reading Word Play (a writing night for families)
Late, I know, but sometimes things are just too fresh to write about on demand. Here is what I was hoping I could get out yesterday. Grey skies surrounded our … Continue Reading Ruth’s SOLS: 16 May 2010
My parents stopped by their classroom to meet my students yesterday. They were supposed to stay for a few minutes. In reality, they stayed for over thirty. There was no … Continue Reading Special Visitors
I came home exhausted from the Providence Ronald McDonald House 5K Walk. I took a short nap and then created a list of things I had to do today. Unlike … Continue Reading Sunday’s Balancing Act
I’m teaching memoir right now. It falls into our schedule early this year… and I love it! On Friday I had four conferences, two of which my students didn’t follow … Continue Reading Emotional & Truthful: That’s What Memoir Is!
Our Entry Table Has Begun to Brim with Anniversary and Chanukah Cards Originally uploaded by teachergal We’re all so busy these days, aren’t we? The snowstorm that hit New England … Continue Reading That Personal Touch
TWO WRITING TEACHERS 