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 of study in September. (One student I conferred with wasn't writing much... she was just doing literal explanations, rather than interpretations. Therefore,… Continue reading Quotes & Poetry
Category: minilesson
POETRY CHALLENGE
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 my own to share with my students during minilesson demonstrations. Hence... I was thinking about starting this Challenge on Saturday, 4/12 and… Continue reading POETRY CHALLENGE
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Literary Essay Texts
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 whatever book they're reading, I've come to believe that having children select from a pre-selected set of short texts is better. A… Continue reading Literary Essay Texts
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Why am I writing this over and over again?
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 the kids need to bring to the minilesson on the board. Granted, there are changes to the list daily, but most of… Continue reading Why am I writing this over and over again?
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reading research.
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 from the source. Determine if your subtopics are worthy. Will they offer you the chance to collect several bits of information? Are… Continue reading reading research.
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I’m finally using it today!
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 things to my firsts and lasts chart. Unfortunately, seeing my grandmother for the last time, in the hospital, could go on this… Continue reading I’m finally using it today!
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Checking Drafts BEFORE Publishing
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. We both think the same way: ABSOLUTELY! This absolutely needs to happen in order to ensure that not only is the child… Continue reading Checking Drafts BEFORE Publishing
