professional development · writing workshop

Taming the Clutter: Bringing Focus to Professional Learning

Sometimes, I am overwhelmed with the amount of new learning about writing that I wish to incorporate. I’ve come to realize I’m not alone. I’m not the only person with more resources and ideas than they know what to do with, and I‘m not the only one who risks inertia because I don’t know where to start. If that’s also you, or someone you know and love, I’ll be sharing my process for how I work my way to more clarity and focus.

authentic writing · memories · poetry · professional development · Teachers College

I Remember

What is a memory? What makes a moment memorable? Were they moments of utter joy and warmth? Or was there embitterment, stress, and even trauma that made it special? For me, the 2020-2021 school year had many moments that were both. As much as I would like to move forward from last year, those memories… Continue reading I Remember

classroom environment · environment · management · professional development · writing workshop

Take a Tour of Your Own School with an Eye Toward Writing Workshop

When you have a chance, take a walk through the hallways of your own school. Try to see with fresh eyes. Pretend you are a visitor. Ask yourself: What kind of writing is on display? What kind of writing is not on display?If what we display in the hallways conveys a message about what we… Continue reading Take a Tour of Your Own School with an Eye Toward Writing Workshop

conferences · professional development · Strengthening professional learning blog series

Tips for Getting the Most out of a Literacy Conference: Strengthening Professional Learning

Professional conferences are an excellent way to increase your knowledge and can fuel your enthusiasm for teaching. If you're new to attending conferences -- or just want some tips to help you maximize your enjoyment as a conference-goer -- then this post is for you!

conferring · feedback · professional books · professional development · writing workshop

Feedback That Moves Writers Forward: Review and Giveaway

Feedback That Moves Writers Forward: How to Escape Correcting Mode To Transform Student Writing, written by Patty McGee, is a must-read for educators who know we can do far better for students when it comes to talking with them about their writing.

aimee buckner · demonstration · don graves · professional books · professional development · student engagement · writing workshop

When Writers Drive The Workshop: Review and Giveaway

When Writers Drive the Workshop is a book with heart. Brian Kissel writes with passion, voice, humility, conviction, and wisdom. The stories he shares from the student writers he worked with are stories that will stay with you, reminding you why doing this work matters so much. Read the rest of the book review and leave a comment for a chance to win your own copy of When Writers Drive the Workshop! (You will want to win!)

apps · authors · blogging · communication · digital writing · kidblog · organization · parent involvement · preparing students for the 21st century · professional development · writing workshop

A Class Hub To The Rescue!

A class hub can make all the difference for digital writing and learning!

christopher lehman · professional books · professional development · writing workshop

Close Writing: Review and Giveaway

"Mrs. Sokolowski, I'm done!" It's a refrain I've heard often from students, who tell me they are completely finished with a piece of writing. More times than not, as I read the student's work, I see that the piece could use more revisions, more editing, more care. I've always felt that having a passionate purpose… Continue reading Close Writing: Review and Giveaway

professional development · writing workshop

Post-its and PD: Crafting a Writer’s Statement

When was the first time you felt like a writer? My earliest memory of being a writer was creating stories that my Grandma used to tell. She invented characters: "Good Gertie," "Bad Betsy," and "Sweet Sally" (Gertie's sister). My Grandma would make up stories of how Betsy would do all naughty things while Gertie always listened… Continue reading Post-its and PD: Crafting a Writer’s Statement

PD Possibilities Series · professional development · staff development · video

Video Case Studies: P.D. Possibilities

One of my favorite kinds of professional development is having an opportunity to visit other teachers' classrooms (aka: lab sites). It helps to see how other teachers carry out instruction with their students. Visiting other classrooms provides us with the opportunity to borrow ideas for our own teaching practice. However, sometimes small classrooms make it… Continue reading Video Case Studies: P.D. Possibilities