The Immersion Phase of a Unit: Reading and Writing Collide
The immersion phase of a unit allows us all to get to know our subject. For students, it might be ideas they have and for teachers, it is about getting to know their writers a bit better.
A Mini-Crash-Course on Oral Storytelling
It’s been several months since I’ve written for Two Writing Teachers. In December my son was born, and I was on maternity leave until a few weeks ago. Then, in March I pushed … Continue Reading A Mini-Crash-Course on Oral Storytelling
The Book Stack
An eclectic little stack today. Click on the images to go to a link about the book. I’ve been enjoying books I can read a little here and a little … Continue Reading The Book Stack
Persuasion with Karen Caine
Last week I was fortunate to spend the day with Karen Caine. Are you familiar with her work? It is the book that I have had to buy the most … Continue Reading Persuasion with Karen Caine
First Attempt at Poetry
Yesterday Lori Hickman and I launched a poetry unit of study in her kindergarten classroom. Since we wanted to see what they already knew about writing poetry, we decided to … Continue Reading First Attempt at Poetry
I’ve been studying sentence structure…
I was watching or listening or reading something this week — I don’t remember what — but the message was: You can’t be a writer if you’re not a reader. … Continue Reading I’ve been studying sentence structure…
In Their Words
Today’s Workshop, in my classroom, was spent immersing my students in the memoir genre (or is it genre of memoir… both sound funny to me!). The kids realized that most … Continue Reading In Their Words
Immersion Begins Tomorrow
I’ll begin immersing my students in the literary essay genre tomorrow. I’m fortunate to have had some wonderful students last year who graciously allowed me to share their essays with … Continue Reading Immersion Begins Tomorrow
Take Note of What Surrounds You
My students have been doing a lot of noticing in Writing Workshop since we began our Personal Essay Unit of Study last week. Hence, I created this Motivational Poster (of … Continue Reading Take Note of What Surrounds You
have you noticed the wow lately?
I’m lucky because, you see, I have this constant, little reminder to notice stuff. I live with a toddler who notices the world and points out the wow. Constantly. Walking out … Continue Reading have you noticed the <i>wow</i> lately?
Take a look around you
When I taught in NYC, I was fortunate enough to work one block away from Central Park. Therefore, when the urge struck me, I’d take my students out to Central … Continue Reading Take a look around you
ruth’s wn entry: my fav things about (you name the place).
Following Stacey’s lead, here’s my list — Favorite Things About Indiana Wide open spaces that allow for my mind to wander during late afternoon/early evening walks. My family is close in … Continue Reading ruth’s wn entry: my fav things about (you name the place).
Paying Tribute to Those Who Make the World Run (Including You!)
Last month I wrote a writer’s notebook entry entitled “Noticing People.” I urged everyone to thank the people who make the world go round on a daily basis. It seems … Continue Reading Paying Tribute to Those Who Make the World Run (Including You!)
WN Entry: Fireflies
I stepped out of the car in New Jersey last night. Home sweet home, I thought. I was coming home to my parents’ house for two nights. I slammed the … Continue Reading WN Entry: Fireflies
WN Entry: Noticing People
As I walked through my day today, I noticed the small things that people do that we often overlook. For instance, during my layover at O’Hare, I noticed that one … Continue Reading WN Entry: Noticing People
ruth’s wn entry: noticings
So far this morning I’ve noticed: My son is becoming a little boy. He smiles for the camera now. He sits on a stool up at the counter alone now. … Continue Reading ruth’s wn entry: noticings
WN ENTRY: Kids on Leashes
Ralph Fletcher gives young writers 11 tips for things to collect in their writer’s notebooks. Fletcher encourages writers to notice the world around them and write about it. Here’s what … Continue Reading WN ENTRY: Kids on Leashes
TWO WRITING TEACHERS 