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.
Category: social justice
Highlights from We Got This
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 afternoon choice sessions fill up the fastest due to the topic, presenter, or both. For instance, I’ve learned to power-walk to any session Cornelius Minor… Continue reading Highlights from We Got This
Continuing to think about our mentor texts
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.
Black History Month & Beyond – My #NF10for10 + 10 Book Giveaways
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 at the Edge. This is my third year participating in this event, which provides me with a chance to expand my nonfiction TBR list. Last… Continue reading Black History Month & Beyond – My #NF10for10 + 10 Book Giveaways
The Truth Matters!
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 quality piece of writing during the final month of the school year. After their celebration, they went to recess and lunch. When they returned, I… Continue reading The Truth Matters!
More from NCTE
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 and School Meet." We're going to chat this evening over coffee and cupcakes to talk about the issues that were presented in those sessions, as… Continue reading More from NCTE

