A meeting place for a world of reflective writers.
Through the variety of resources, the widening of access points, the flexibility of expression, and the inclusion of art as a mode for interpretation and analysis, all students- especially students who have been historically marginalized- have additional opportunities for impactful instruction and participation.
Here’s an idea, shared by an inspirational professional colleague that I’m working toward for February 2021, and if anyone is interested in collaborating and joining in the planning of this, I’d welcome partners.
Right now, I want more than Hallie did when she wrote to her sister, Codi in one of my favorite books of all times, Animal Dreams, by Barbara Kingsolver. That being said, I will continue down my own hallway, running harder, stretching my arms further. And my hope is that there are more of us who are doing the same.
Though our topical blog posts pause for the summer, we hope you will join us as we engage in literacy-rich and anti-racist work by reading How To Be An Antiracist.
For the last few days, I have had the privilege of attending the National Council of Teachers of English Convention in Baltimore, Maryland. While there were many colleagues and friends who shared the experience, I know many others couldn’t attend. I’m sure there are others who will share in the upcoming weeks, but for now, in somewhat of a post-convention haze, I’m scrolling through my notes and pulling out some of my favorite quotes and ideas from my experiences.
How a story about babies and bandages helped kids and families differentiate between equity and equality….and what it looks like for everyone go get what they need during writing workshop.
After finishing each swirl of her curly hair, Camila circled her paintbrush around and around, forming eyes. For many children, the self-portrait stops here, at the outline. I kneeled next … Continue Reading From Skin Study to Writing Workshop
A move to a school in my Brooklyn neighborhood has me questioning my role as a white teacher of young, Black writers — and what my former role was as a white teacher of white students.
Two Writing Teachers is growing. We hope you’ll join us as we learn, share, and write.
Whether students choose to express themselves in the form of writing prose, poetry or creating a video, the choice belongs to the writer.
As we think about our implicit biases, maybe the most important thing is that we increase our awareness and act from a place of humility and reflection– with a willingness to take a look at parts of our belief systems and behaviors that are uncomfortable, at best. When we know better, we do better. And isn’t that the goal?
Throughout our posts this week, you may read the refrain, “When we know better, we do better.” We are on the continuum of growing our own understandings and practices around the importance of social justice, cultural awareness, empathy, and inclusion. We hope you join the conversation. Please comment. Please share your own experiences and resources. Please begin conversations within your own environments and practices.
I’ve attended 14 TCRWP summer institutes since I began my teaching career. I’ve learned countless things about becoming a better teacher of writers. Through the years, I’ve also learned which … Continue Reading Highlights from We Got This
While we have to ask ourselves questions about where books fit into our curriculum and how books support mindsets, now, more than ever, we should be asking how the books we use promote social justice and cultural awareness. These questions do not apply only to the books we offer students to read, but also the books we use to teach students to write.
Today is the annual Nonfiction Picture Book 10 for 10, hosted by Cathy Mere from Reflect and Refine, Mandy Robek of Enjoy and Embrace Learning, and Julie Balen of Write … Continue Reading Black History Month & Beyond – My #NF10for10 + 10 Book Giveaways
My students published their research-based essays on the Holocaust this morning, which was not a small feat! I was so incredibly proud of their diligence and desire to produce a … Continue Reading The Truth Matters!
Ruth and I joined up this morning for two workshops: “Where has all the Real Choice Gone? Revisiting an Essential Element in Writing Instruction” and also for “Where Social Justice … Continue Reading More from NCTE
