conferring · Reflective Practice

Conferring.

Tomorrow I get to meet with a book study group. We're going to read Conferring: The Keystone to Reader's Workshop by Patrick Allen. Deb Gaby, an incredible reading coach for my district is leading the study and asked us to reflect on a few questions before tomorrow. Write down what you hope to gain from… Continue reading Conferring.

books · character development · choice · curriculum · curriculum planning · drafting · fiction · focus lesson · free verse poetry · genre · lesson plans · lessons learned from students · mentor author · mentor texts · mentoring · narrative · organization · personalization · plan · poetry · point of view · primary grades · process · publishing · reflections · Reflective Practice · writer's notebook · writing process · writing workshop

Highlights from the Week

I have been in a lot of different writing workshops lately. Just this week I've been in 13 writing workshops and have met with 13 different teachers in either reflective practice meetings or planning meetings. Therefore, I have SO MUCH I want to record. Which leads me to my current dilemma: what do I not… Continue reading Highlights from the Week

Reflective Practice · writing workshop

What is MOST important?

This question has been tumbling around in my mind lately: What is most important when it comes to literacy instruction? It stems from state mandates, district expectations, curriculum guides, and instructional minutes being cut. More importantly, though, I believe it is a question each of us ought to answer. Years ago I read a book… Continue reading What is MOST important?

books · mentor texts · Reflective Practice · video

Words that are Speaking to Me

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you. --- Maya Angelou Remember awhile back when I shared about my YA reading life? I promised to share the way I'm closely rereading and studying a few of the books. One of the titles is Kristina McBride's (she's blogger!) The Tension of Opposites… Continue reading Words that are Speaking to Me

fiction · reading · reading-writing connections · reflections · Reflective Practice · writer's notebook · writer's-reader's notebook · writing · writing about reading

Reflecting on Reading Like a Writer

So I took some time to create a video about the system I created in order to track and reflect on my summer reading. Because I pushed myself to reflect in a new medium, I feel like I dug deeper into the work I've done with reading like a writer. (I hope it's not too… Continue reading Reflecting on Reading Like a Writer

Reflective Practice · writing process

Reflection after Returning the Manuscript

According to Merriam-Webster Online: Main Entry: copy editor Function: noun Date: 1899 1 : an editor who prepares copy for the typesetter According to me: Main Entry: copy editor Function: to prevent me from being embarrassed when my words are published Date: 19 July 2010 1 : a person who knows when to use "that" and when… Continue reading Reflection after Returning the Manuscript

choice · process · Reflective Practice

Individualize Writing Process + Standardized Tests

Sometimes when I write in this forum it is about topics I have thought through and know exactly where I stand and what I think. Other times I write here in order to figure out what I think. These are the thoughts which make me most nervous to post. However, if I never post my… Continue reading Individualize Writing Process + Standardized Tests

key beliefs · memories · Reflective Practice

The Life Lessons We Teach

On Sunday, June 13th my husband and I attended a retirement celebration at Norwalk High School for Jeff Smith, who is retiring after 34 years as a music educator.   My husband played saxaphone with the Norwalk Marching Bears throughout high school.  He spent countless hours practicing for local football games and for special events, such… Continue reading The Life Lessons We Teach

Reflective Practice

Gratitudes.

It's been a long time since I've made a list of gratitudes. Isn't it interesting how embedded in the word gratitude, is almost the word attitude? I've found if I make a list of things I'm most thankful for my attitude always improves. So today I'm thankful for: A job that allows me to make a difference… Continue reading Gratitudes.

reflections · Reflective Practice

Year-End Student Reflection

An integral part of being a writer is taking time for reflective practice. The end of the school year is one time to ask students to reflect on their lives as writers. Take some time to consider which aspects of their writing lives you would like students to consider. Here is a PDF of a… Continue reading Year-End Student Reflection

Reflective Practice · writing

Influence

Today I'm reminded how little things add up to make a big difference in our lives. Recently we learned my daughter has many issues with her teeth. What started as a tooth ache has revealed cavities needing filled, an infected tooth needing pulled, and a rotten adult molar needing a crown. If you are a regular… Continue reading Influence

Reflective Practice

A Quick Reflection.

Stacey and I are big on reflective practice.  (It's one of the main reasons for our blog.)  To encourage you to do a little on your own, there's a little poll below.  Won't you vote?  If you want to take it one more step, then leave a comment telling why you voted the way you… Continue reading A Quick Reflection.