caregivers · conferences · parent involvement

What I Bring to Caregiver Conferences

Consider how I prepare for caregiver conferences this Fall.

caregivers · parent involvement · Ready-to-Go Tip · routines · summer vacation

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!

early childhood · parent involvement · Straight from the Classroom

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.

back to school · independent writing · parent involvement

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.

caregivers · conferences · parent involvement

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.

feedback · kindergarten · parent involvement · remote instruction · remote learning

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?

back to school · conferring · family · parent involvement · remote learning · routines · writer identity · writing workshop · writing workshop routines

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).

COVID-19 · kindergarten · parent involvement · play · writing workshop

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.

parent involvement · units of study

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 · community · digital writing · family · homework · parent involvement · writing workshop

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!

parent involvement · publishing

How To Send Student Writing Home With Intent

The way we send student writing home sends big messages to families and writers.

adolescent literacy · back to school · literacy coaches · Mary Ehrenworth · middle school · parent involvement

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...