Our hope is that this blog series helps to bridge the divides between how we teach writing and how students learn writing because we all believe not only in the importance of writing, but also that all children can learn to write– and learn to write well– and even like writing!
Last month at MRA, I listened to Jacqueline Woodson speak about her writing process. It wasn’t the first time I heard her speak and I hope it won’t be my last. She is… Continue reading
Lindsay Reyes began her teaching career seven years ago in South Carolina where she taught 4th and 5th graders. Following her heart for urban education and literacy reform, she moved to New York… Continue reading
One of the common threads running through the All-Write Conference was having mentors. I’m wondering who are your favorite mentors to use in your classroom and to use for your own writing. For… Continue reading
My colleague and next-door-classroom-neighbor Leanna and I were eating and grading writer’s notebooks together at lunchtime today. I got to the second notebook in my stack and said, “She’s gotta be kidding me!”… Continue reading
I shared an excerpt from the Jacqueline Woodson Section of Speaking of Journals by Paula W. Graham with my students today. Afterwards, we all wrote down some ways in which we already use… Continue reading
My kids returned from lunch and recess looking like they were ready for a discussion, not a read aloud aloud. However, it was time for Interactive Read Aloud and we were supposed to… Continue reading
I was reading a post Franki wrote about a new free-verse poetry novel, 42 Miles. After reading about it, I went on to Amazon and purchased a copy through the Strand Bookstore. I’m… Continue reading
I am creating a list of writing partnerships for my students’ Literary Essay Unit of Study based on the texts they’ve selected to examine, from the packet of 11 texts I gave them,… Continue reading
During our common planning time today, my colleagues and I brainstormed a list of texts we’re going to have students select from for their literary essays. Many people think that kids should pick… Continue reading
This week has been filled with wonderful blog-related things. First, we became b-listers. Next, one of my favorite authors, Jacqueline Woodson, happened upon our blog and posted a comment. And then this morning… Continue reading
I’ve read Jacqueline Woodson’s Book Sweet, Sweet Memory to three classes now. However, I’ve never had such an intense discussion with any other group of children about Sweet, Sweet Memory as I did… Continue reading
