audience · authentic writing · blogging · digital writing · greenbelt writing · independent writing · independent writing projects · writing workshop

Branding Student Blogs

As an instructional technology coach, I have the privilege of working alongside teachers as they bring their students into the world of blogging.  Many of the teachers I work with are new to blogging. They rely on me to steer them into an experience that will engage the student, lift student writing, and fit within the already packed school day. I guide these teachers to create branded blogs.

colleen cruz · greenbelt writing · homework · Homework Mini-Series · independent writing · independent writing projects · ralph fletcher · writer's notebook · writing workshop

Nightly Writing: Homework and the Writing Workshop

Four ways to encourage students to write after the school day is finished WITHOUT assigning writing as homework.

independent writing · independent writing projects · ralph fletcher · writing workshop

The Freedom To Create

More and more, I've been recognizing the need to give students some freedom in their writing lives. Can independent writing time be the answer?

birthday poems · gifts · independent writing projects · LIWP · poetry · writing workshop

Heartfelt Gifts: Writing Presents

My favorite gifts to give are the ones that have come from my heart and my pen!

classroom · independent reading projects · independent writing · independent writing projects · management · portfolio · preparation · publishing · writers · writing · writing folder · writing workshop · writing workshop routines

Work Smarter: How To Wrap Up A Unit of Study

This week my colleagues and I are writing posts that we hope will make your life a little easier. We’re sharing some ways to work smarter, not harder.

digital writing · independent writing · independent writing projects · summer vacation

Summer Writing for You, the Teacher

You've got to practice writing to teach writing!

blogging · DonorsChoose.org · extended day girls · independent writing · Independent Writing Blog Series · independent writing projects · NWP · publishing

Independent Writing: 10 Ways to Get Students Published in the Real World

Some students want to write more than what is required of them in writing workshop. Enter independent writing projects! But how do you go from being another set of eyes on some additional writing a student does to helping him/her go public with their work?

independent writing · Independent Writing Blog Series · independent writing projects · writing workshop

Independent Writing: Back-Up Work

Encouraging students to have back-up work honors who they are as writers.

Independent Writing Blog Series · independent writing projects

Summer Writing Projects in the Upper Grades

Channeling students to write over the summer can generate loads of independence and engagement. Read on for tips on how to get started.

independent writing · Independent Writing Blog Series · independent writing projects · summer vacation · writing workshop

Independent Writing Blog Series Starts Now!

Today launches our Independent Writing Blog Series! Join us all week long as we write about writing projects, summer writing, getting published in the real world, multi-genre projects, pulling back to let kids write on their own, and much, much more! Also join us for a Twitter chat on Monday, May 12 at 8:30pm EST with the hashtag #TWTBlog.

humor · independent writing projects · mentor texts

Inspiring Independent Writing Project Mentor Text (Part 5 of 5)

My students were always shocked to learn that my favorite subject to teach wasn't writing... it was social studies!  I was a history minor in college and almost considered getting my first master's in secondary education so I could teach high school history.  As you know, I went into elementary education and the rest is,… Continue reading Inspiring Independent Writing Project Mentor Text (Part 5 of 5)

independent writing projects · interview · mentor texts · vocabulary

Inspiring Independent Writing Project Mentor Text (Part 4 of 5)

An interview with Author Germano Zullo + a giveaway of his new book, Line 135.