Consider how I prepare for caregiver conferences this Fall.
Category: parent involvement
Supporting Caregivers in Setting Up Writing Routines for Summer
Read about tips to pass along to caregivers to support writers in continuing to strengthen their writing identities all summer long!
Supporting the Home / School Connection: Straight From the Classroom
Parents want to support their children with writing at home, but often do not know where to begin. This post provides some simple ideas you can share with them.
Fall Flashback
It's finally fall- my favorite season! Today I am flashing back to some of my fall posts that I've shared before on TWT.
Preparing for Fall Conferences With Families
As the temperature drops and the leaves begin to change color, teachers begin preparing for conferences with families. I know for many teachers, this can be stressful (and time consuming), making decisions about what to share in that precious 20-30 minutes that will both inform and reassure caregivers that their child is learning. Here’s an idea that I'm hoping helps all workshop teachers to feel more confident about conference prep.
Five Tips for Parents and Caregivers for Offering Feedback to Writers
How can I be clear about aligning what families hear me teaching with what their children are doing with the feedback both they and I offer kids along the way?
A Letter to Families as we Launch Remote Writing Workshop
As I considered what to write this week, I decided to share a piece I was crafting for back to school, as an instructional coach/remote kindergarten teacher this year. The process helped me to focus on what families might need, as they experience writing workshop in new ways (i.e. at their kitchen tables).
A Few of My Favorite Things For Distance Learning
It's the end of a memorable Teacher Appreciation Week. In the spirit of appreciation, I'm sharing a few of my favorite things so far during distance learning.
Communicating Clear Expectations for Writing Workshop
Words, time, language. All of these factors can be challenges when communicating efficiently and effectively with families. When in doubt, turn to creating a short video to communicate clear and concise expectations.
Back to School Themes and Reflections
What are the themes that you come back to each school year? Today I explore the topics that I come back to each new year and share links from previous posts. Please share your ideas in the comments!
How To Send Student Writing Home With Intent
The way we send student writing home sends big messages to families and writers.
Enlisting Writing Support from Parents
Parents can be a tremendous educational resource. Yet, in middle school it can be challenging, as developmentally our students are beginning to morph from children into young adults. Thinking about next year, I have drafted some ideas for partnering with parents on how to help their kids become stronger writers. How might parents provide support in the way writing workshop teachers believe is most helpful? Here are a few ideas...

