The research and evidence that supports the importance of syntactical awareness is expansive, so it's worth spending time developing a toolbox of strategies. Co-author Sarah Valter and I have a mini-series to share that will help fill that toolbox. Here are a few ideas and resources to use today.
Category: Ready-to-Go Tip
From Field Trips to Fire Drills: Writing About Shared Experiences
Can’t think of something to write about? Language learner? Reluctant writer? Need a story to model for your class? Try writing about a shared experience to improve the targeted support you provide and increase student success.
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Teaching Self-Advocacy Writing Through Multiple Literacies
Move writing from a school task to a meaningful way for students to participate in the world. A starting guide of minilessons is included for multiple literacies, ideal for grades 3-8.
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Connecting with Author Bios
As readers, we connect with authors through their author bios. Let's teach our young authors to write author bios that connect to their writing and their readers, too!
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Morphology in Minutes: Ready-to-Go Tip
Morphology doesn’t require lengthy lessons. A few intentional minutes can transform how students see and use words. These easy, ready-to-use ideas and linked activites will help you bring morphology to life in any classroom K-8.
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Year-Long Planning: Keep the Big Picture in Mind from the Beginning
Don’t lose sight of the big picture with all the things to do at the beginning of the year! Read on for reasons why making a year-long pacing plan for yourself is so important, and use the included calendar templates to get started on your year-long plan as well as monthly unit planning.
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Some Test Prep Ideas (That Could Be Fun!)
I'm hoping that, regardless of what assessment you're prepping for, there are some ideas in this post that could help-- maybe you'll find ideas even if there's NO test to prep for! I also hope that these ideas feel less about test prep and more about purposeful play and practice for students to become better writers and overall learners. Prep, play, and practice don't have to be mutually exclusive.
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Supporting Tone and Mood: Ready-to-Go-Tip
During this long stretch of school, sometimes you need a quick idea to add to your unit or switch things up. This is a grab and go!
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A Holiday Preview: National Poetry Month
The March Slice of Life Challenge is exciting enough, but it’s even more exciting when I know Poetry Month will follow. I’m already thinking ahead to the many ways I’ll be enjoying April with my students and school community, and today I’ll share some of my ideas with you as well.
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Building Vocabulary With Purposeful Games
Building vocabulary empowers kids to communicate effectively and unlock their full writing potential.
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Writing Process Mentor: Ready-to-Go-Tip
Using a tool with a newfound purpose! Teaching middle school writers involves navigating AI challenges and emphasizing the writing process over final drafts.
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Teaching Poetry with a Bracket Competition: Ready-to-Go Tip
Here is a ready-to-use lesson plan for a poetry bracket competition you can use with kidnergarten to eighth grade and beyond!
