Focus Lessons: A Review and Giveaway!
Reading Ralph Fletcher’s newest book, Focus Lessons, revealed memories of my childhood much the way photos can be revealed in a pan of solution. Slowly, vividly, and magically.
Highlights from the Week
I have been in a lot of different writing workshops lately. Just this week I’ve been in 13 writing workshops and have met with 13 different teachers in either reflective … Continue Reading Highlights from the Week
Minilessons Plant a Seed
One of the things I’m working on as a writing teacher is keeping minilessons, well, mini. As I’ve focused on this goal, I’ve realized sometimes lessons go long because I’m … Continue Reading Minilessons Plant a Seed
Ruth’s SOLS: First Day Minilesson — What is Writing Workshop?
Here’s a little Slice of Life from the first student day. As a coach, the first day is one of the days I miss the most about being a classroom … Continue Reading Ruth’s SOLS: First Day Minilesson — What is Writing Workshop?
Moving from Storyboards to Drafts.
In Keith Bollman’s fifth grade class, students are beginning to consider moving into drafts. They’ve envisioned their writing and are moving out of the rehearsal stage and into drafting. Today … Continue Reading Moving from Storyboards to Drafts.
reading research.
Today’s lesson in the sixth grade class went along the lines of Ways to Be a Good Researcher. I taught: Complete your source sheet only when you know you’ll … Continue Reading reading research.
research mania.
Let’s be honest. How many of you out there about lose your mind during the research phase of expository writing? Here in Indiana, it is expected that beginning in 3rd … Continue Reading research mania.
organizing.
Today I had a few moments to spare, so I worked on organizing my focus lesson binders. I pulled all my k-1 lessons and put them in a separate binder. I … Continue Reading organizing.
more on generating writing ideas.
Like Stacey, I think it’s imperative that kids have lists in their notebooks about writing ideas. I think one of the most powerful lessons we can give students in regards … Continue Reading more on generating writing ideas.
titles.
Found this fun blog post which gives great tips for writing titles. Have fun checking it out: The Sexy Art of Writing Headlines That Kill. (I can envision focus lessons … Continue Reading titles.
TWO WRITING TEACHERS 