It's happened to ever teacher. We start out strong, with enthusiasm. We think: This unit is going to be GREAT! This is is exactly what my kids need! This unit is our favorite!  But then, five weeks, six weeks, seven weeks (!!) later you and the kids are completely sick of the writing you've been doing--just like a favorite recipe that you've become burnt out on.

If we want engaged writers, and not simply compliant students going through the motions and counting the minutes until writing time is over, we need to find ways to capture their attention and their hearts.

Once fall arrives, most writing workshops are well underway. Depending on when your school year started, you're likely teaching your second or third unit of study. Most of you are probably prepping for parent-teacher conferences, which will take place in the next couple of weeks. This is a predictable time of year. As a result,… Continue reading Overview: Solving Predictable Problems Blog Series