From the Archives · independent writing · independent writing projects · Keep Learning Going Throughout the Summer Blog Series

Creating Classroom Environments to Launch the School Year: From the Archives

As you prepare to start a new school year, consider refreshing your classroom environment with inspiration from this 2015 August Blog Series throwback!

From the Archives · independent writing · independent writing projects · Keep Learning Going Throughout the Summer Blog Series

Summer Writing: From the Archives

Summer writing plans can be next week's lesson plans! Find inspiration as you consider how to wind down the year and wind up student writing for summer.

book review · independent writing projects · mentor author · mentor texts · picture book

Mentor Texts for Independent Writing Projects

Discover the transformative power of independent writing projects for students as they embark on their summer break. Explore a range of captivating mentor texts, from science and poetry to cooking and forgotten skills, that will inspire and engage young writers. Don't miss out on the chance to enter the book giveaway for a chance to win ALL EIGHT featured books.

independent writing projects · Joy · play

Writing: A Form of Deep Play

Many writing workshops have become more structured, so teachers need to help students seek opportunities to rediscover the raw and unconstrained power of writing.

independent writing projects · inspiration · writing workshop

Words Matter: Using Affirmations in Writing Workshop

Our words to our students matter. What our students say to themselves matters. We can inspire and uplift the conversation by using affirmations throughout our teaching and in writing workshop.

COVID-19 · independent writing projects

A Mini-Series for Families: Writing is for Everyone, Everywhere, All the Time

Rasha Hamid and Kelsey Sorum present three videos to guide families with writing anywhere, anytime, with anything they have.

independent writing projects · Nurturing Independence From the Start Blog Series

When Writers Choose the Genre: Nurturing Independence from the Start

We don’t just want writers to be independent writers in our classrooms, we want them to be independent writers in the world! To do that, we need to offer frequent opportunities for them to begin with ideas, then choose genre — instead of the other way around.

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.

authentic writing · independent writing projects · lessons learned from students · Student ownership

From the Classroom to the World: How a Young Writer is Making Her Voice Heard

Find out how Amelia Poor, age 12, learned "at a really young age how powerful writing can be."

Amelia's journey will surely inspire you and your young writers!

independent writing projects · soft starts · writer identity

A Soft Start To Writing Workshop

When thinking about the year ahead, you may be considering soft starts to the day. In this post, I share the why's and how's for having soft start to writing workshop.

family · independent writing projects · purpose · summer vacation

Six REAL Purposes For Kids to Write This Summer and Beyond

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.

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.