My third graders are wrapping up their unit on personal essay. While some have grasped the structure and have articulated reasons and examples to support their argument, others have struggled to understand the concept of an essay. I want to take some time to think about what went right when teaching this unit and where the breakdowns occurred.
Category: Reflective Practice
Writing: A Path to Become an Intentional Educator
What if there was a way to build in opportunities to reflect, in writing, about my teaching right in the place where the lesson plans reside? And what if that place could also offer daily inspiration and opportunities to set positive intentions for the week ahead?
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If Your School Year Were a Book: Endings
As the end of this particular school year draws near, you might think about the qualities of your favorite stories to help you plan an ending that is meaningful for your students.
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Where Do We Go Next? Use a Checklist!
Do your on-demand writing samples go into a folder or do they help you plan your next steps?
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Reflecting: What kind of writer am I?
Before you plan to ask your students to reflect on the kinds of writers they are (for their end-of-year self-assessments), be sure you ask yourself "What kind of writer am I?"
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Beginning a Year of Teaching Writing with Reflection
What goals will you set for your practice this year? Here are a few suggestions.
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Ending a Year of Teaching Writing with a Group Reflection
One thing I love so much about being an educator is the cyclical nature of the school year. The beginning of the year brings promise, renewed energy, and a certain mania. The middle of the year brings familiarity, routine, and structure. The end of the year brings a slower pace, stepping back, reflection. There is… Continue reading Ending a Year of Teaching Writing with a Group Reflection
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Teaching Reflective Writers
Dana Murphy shares some thoughts about the expectations we place on students when we ask them to reflect on their writing.
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I survived my first Twitter Chat!
Reflections on my first Twitter Chat: what worked well, what overwhelmed me, and some silly things I tweeted.
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Writing Matters
Today Deb Gaby and I finished leading the third day of a three-day Foundations of Writing Workshop training. At the end, we asked for reflections. Teacher after teacher commented on the impact of adult writing time. In each session, we gave time to write. If we want to learn how to teach writers, it's not… Continue reading Writing Matters
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Friday Favorites
Unfortunately I don't have a photo from Favorite #1. Christy Rush-Levine and I met for a walk + dinner on Tuesday. Christy is one of those people who help me feel grounded and real. Favorite #2: Earlier this week Brenda Power from Choice Literacy visited Deb Gaby and me at school. As always, Brenda fuels me.… Continue reading Friday Favorites
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This Quote
I love this quote. It is one of my favorites to share in a workshop. I read it today with an epic-cool group of teachers at Southbury School. (I learned epic-cool from a Southbury first grader.) Little did I know I needed to hear it today. I started the day thinking: I am such a… Continue reading This Quote
