After reading through “Using Web 2.0 in the Classroom” in the most recent issue of Reading Today, I went online to ReadWriteThink.org to read through a lesson entitled “Weekly Writer’s Blogs.” It was… Continue reading
In Keith Bollman’s fifth grade class, students are beginning to consider moving into drafts. They’ve envisioned their writing and are moving out of the rehearsal stage and into drafting. Today I taught them how… Continue reading
During the demonstration of today’s minilesson I added asterisks to my WN Entry to show a flashback in time. I said something like, “I’m going to put some stars here, called asterisks, to… Continue reading
I was asked, by Ro, about my Strong Emotions/Skittles Lesson. I normally don’t post minilessons I write in this forum for several reasons (one of which is that it doesn’t align with the… Continue reading
Ro left a comment a couple of days ago asking about meeting areas in upper elementary school classrooms. I’ve been corresponding with her, but thought that it might be useful to open up… Continue reading
Starting My Poetry Craft Table Originally uploaded by teachergal Tomorrow, I’m doing some explicit instruction on identifying poetic tools in poems we admire and then trying to use those tools in our own… Continue reading
When Lucy had us keep Process Logs for each piece we wrote for one of her classes, I (at first) thought it was a waste of time. I wondered how it would help… Continue reading
We’re starting a new unit of study on Monday: MEMOIR! I’ve taught it twice using Calkins and Chiarella’s Book. However, this year is going to be different. Kate and I decided to mesh… Continue reading
Today’s Writing Workshop lesson went soooo well. I had never had kids write about quotations before, but it was such a success! I look forward to folding this lesson into the first unit… Continue reading
I like challenging myself and my students with their writing. So… in honor of National Poetry Month, I thought about creating a week-long poetry challenge since I’d like to create more poetry of… 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
After hearing about Janet Angelillo’s new book from Ruth, I went online and started reading the sample chapter. I started thinking about the fact that each and every day I write down what… Continue reading
Today’s lesson in the sixth grade class went along the lines of Ways to Be a Good Researcher. I taught: Complete your source sheet only when you know you’ll be taking notes… Continue reading
I’m finally using that notebook. You know, the one with all of the recopied entries, today in my WW Demo. (Here’s an image of the entry.) However, since 2005 I’ve added a few… Continue reading
I just began an e-discussion with someone about whether or not teachers should check their students’ drafts (i.e., EACH STUDENT’S DRAFT) prior to allowing the kids to move forward and publish their work.… Continue reading
