A meeting place for a world of reflective writers.
Today is the annual Nonfiction Picture Book 10 for 10, hosted by Cathy Mere from Reflect and Refine, Mandy Robek of Enjoy and Embrace Learning, and Julie Balen of Write … Continue Reading Black History Month & Beyond – My #NF10for10 + 10 Book Giveaways
Are you looking for books to add to your Black History Month book list? Are you looking for mentor texts to teach your students certain writing crafts? You can add Seeds … Continue Reading Seeds of Freedom: A Review & Giveaway
Just in time for Presidents’ Day, I chatted with nonfiction author Katherine L. House about her recent book, White House for Kids. Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win a copy of her book.
If you aren’t familiar with this delightful biography of Sun Ra by Chris Raschka, you should be. Learn about the ways that this book is a perfect mentor text, and hear about the writing process from the author.
Do you have students who are interested in math and science, but claim they hate writing or don’t know what to write about in their writer’s notebooks? Here are 10 newer picture books to inspire them to write about their passion.
Get started organizing your mentor texts with four digital tools.
Thinking about your demonstration texts this way can give you some inspiration for multiple ways to teach the same minilesson, to the whole class, or to small groups as follow-up.
The way I felt about starting my first garden is probably how a lot of kids feel during writing workshop when we give mysterious directions to “add more detail” or “grab the reader’s interest.” The language many of us use during writing workshop probably makes perfect sense to adults–but for kids we need to be more explicit. Teaching just by telling is not enough.
This book will serve many purposes in your writing workshop, not the least of which is a good laugh. Comment on the post to enter the giveaway!
We were in the midst of a lively mentor text analysis of James Howe’s “Everything Will Be Okay” for our just-launched memoir unit. I was thrilled to see my sixth … Continue Reading Notice & Note and Memoir: When Reading Workshop Meets Writing Workshop
What picture books pack a punch for you in the workshop? Here are seven titles that are sure to give you bang for your buck.
I’ve always been a diary and letter person. I have loads of journals from my childhood and post-college years. To this day, I relish letters I saved from my childhood … Continue Reading Two New Mentor Texts I Adore + Book Giveaways
Assuming that children understand the elements of a story is assuming too much. These elements must be taught if they are meant to be used in the writing process.
Do you have students who claim they don’t know what to write about in their writer’s notebooks? Here are 10 new picture books to inspire them to write.
Inquiry-based centers introduce kids to mentor texts while helping them find their own mentor texts.
Tony Johnston and Wendell Minor’s new book, Sequoia, will be published later this month. Recently, both of them were gracious with their time and granted me interviews. Hear what they have to say about writing and illustrating. Get a sneak peek at this exquisite text you can use to infuse your students’ informational writing with poetry.
