lessons learned from students · poetry · reluctant writers · writer identity

The Power of Writing Identity

I was in a fifth grade classroom in February during writing workshop, and a student flagged me down, eager to share her work. Now this is a student who (historically), I have been much more likely to encounter reading on the sly than writing during workshop. 

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!

academic choice · authentic assessment · celebration · collecting · lessons learned from students · writing workshop

Drilling Down into the Writing

Of the many ways I gain an understanding of my writers, my favorite and most valuable is gathering up all the writing and diving into reading ALL the students’ work.

books · character development · choice · curriculum · curriculum planning · drafting · fiction · focus lesson · free verse poetry · genre · lesson plans · lessons learned from students · mentor author · mentor texts · mentoring · narrative · organization · personalization · plan · poetry · point of view · primary grades · process · publishing · reflections · Reflective Practice · writer's notebook · writing process · writing workshop

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 practice meetings or planning meetings. Therefore, I have SO MUCH I want to record. Which leads me to my current dilemma: what do I not… Continue reading Highlights from the Week

lessons learned from students · reflections · stories · wn entry

Student Story #1: I Need to Hold Your Hand

I've taught fourth or fifth grade in low-SES communities ever since I worked as a fifth grade teacher at P.S. 72 in Spanish Harlem when I was a graduate student completing my first master's degree at Hunter College. Hunter prepares teachers to work in "urban settings." Hence, when it came time to find a job,… Continue reading Student Story #1: I Need to Hold Your Hand