independence

Approximation vs. Mastery: Nurturing Independence from the Start

As our students write this year, it will be important for us to remember that they are still learners, and as such, they will be approximating. It will be unlikely they will reach mastery. Understanding this can actually improve our teaching...

independence · Nurturing Independence From the Start Blog Series

Nurturing Independence From the Start

This week, the authors at Two Writing Teachers share ideas for building independence in your writing workshops. Here's a preview of what our series includes.

greenbelt writing · hopes and dreams · independence · independent writing · independent writing projects · informal writing · motivation · publishing · student engagement · Student ownership · writer's notebook · writing workshop

Ten Possible Minutes: Sacred Writing

Every year brings with it new surprises. I was delightfully surprised by just ten minutes this year. Ten minutes made a big difference.

choice · feedback · independence · middle school

Rethinking Learning Targets

We all want to support and nurture inspired writers who work independently. So how might we carefully avoid creating uninspiring, teacher-dependent environments for learning? I present a few ideas here...

choice · independence · independent writing · topics · writing workshop

Never Write About the Same Topic as Your Students–Except Sometimes

The cornerstone of writing workshop is that students get to choose their own topics rather than be assigned a topic by the teacher.

independence

From Dependent to Independent: Four Ways To Begin Tomorrow

We're not just teaching writers to be independent, we're teaching them how to be independent.

Here are four ways to nurture independence during today's writing workshop!

bulletin boards · charts · classroom environment · independence · writing workshop

Personalizing charts to foster intention and independence

More and more, another way we’ve been making sure that charts become part of our writers’ toolbelts is to create individual ones that are either the same as the ones on the wall or close enough that they don’t require instruction for students to access.

independence · independent writing · Independent Writing Blog Series · independent writing projects · Looking Back and Moving Forward Blog Series

How to Reinvigorate Writing Workshop With Joy Through Independent Writing Projects

Don't let kids (or teachers) lose momentum for writing as summer approaches! There is no better time than now to implement independent writing projects, as we help kids prepare to lead writerly lives long after the school year ends.

checklists · goals · independence · Teachers College · writing workshop

Writing Checklists: Tools for Independence and Goal-Setting

I am a list person. I have lists by my computer, by my bed, in the kitchen, in my car console-- And I love crossing things off my lists. One of the reasons I like lists is they tell me what to do, but my lists serve different purposes; sometimes they help me remember what… Continue reading Writing Checklists: Tools for Independence and Goal-Setting