Expand the Possibilities of Genres You Teach · technology

Using Technology in Informational Writing: Expand the Possibilities Blog Series

There are times students need tools to grow, but then there are times when tools can create possibilities beyond expectations and inspire writers in new and creative ways. When I think about how technology shifted the writing in my classroom years ago, I think of Roman the most. Roman was a striving writer who used… Continue reading Using Technology in Informational Writing: Expand the Possibilities Blog Series

digital tools · interactive writing · technology

Interactive Digital Writing

As we work interactively with our students to compose a digital message, we share the keyboard. This time is instructional, authentic and explicit. The message composed and how it is composed comes from the students and holds value to the community of writers.

Dreaming Big for This Year’s Writing Workshop Blog Series · technology

This is the Year I’m Going to Integrate Technology

“Digital tools are in your stance. They’re not a seasoning or a decoration.” Cornelius Minor #TCRWP

apps · digital tools · technology · writing workshop

Infusing Technology: It’s More Than Apps and Devices

As I sat down to write my post for the upcoming series, titled: Dreaming Big for This Year’s Writing Workshop I thought back to when I opened my writing workshop to digital tools. I thought of all the things I wished I had known. I quickly learned technology was about more than devices, apps, and… Continue reading Infusing Technology: It’s More Than Apps and Devices

personalization · technology

8 Great Ways to Meet Writers Where They Are

Throughout the conference, I watched, listened, and played with digital tools and all along I thought about our students and how digital tools have the capability to make all students feel successful.  I was in awe of the opportunities digital devices bring to our classrooms.

digital writing · technology

Teaching  Digital Tools in Writing Workshop: Plan, Purpose, EXPLORE

Digital tools add opportunities to our writing, opportunities that can motivate and inspire writers. The reach of digital tools allows writers to receive and give feedback, share beyond their classroom, publish to an authentic audience, and build a writing community.  So how do we make sure our writers are ready?

digital writing · technology · writer's notebook

Thinking About My Writer’s Notebook in a Digital Age

Without a notebook, my great ideas are going unrecorded and, ultimately, forgotten.

academic choice · challenges · classroom environment · teaching tools · technology · writing workshop

Daring To Lift Student Learning- Choice in Writing Tools

Teaching well demands we stay current and try new ideas. There isn't any insurance policy that the newest strategy, book, program, or app will work for all or anyone, but we trust our education and experience, and we do what we know to be best for kids. Brené Brown in Daring Greatly says,

Risk aversion kills innovation~ Berné Brown Daring Greatly
So embrace the mess, the awkwardness, and all the uncertainties rattling in your mind and do what you trust to be best for the students in your classroom.

portfolio · technology · writing workshop

Digital Writing Portfolios

If you have not started using writing portfolios with your students yet, give it a try. Start a collection of their work and build in a system of reflection.

classroom environment · Creating Classroom Environments Blog Series · teaching tools · technology · writing workshop

Creating Classroom Environments: Are You Ready for Technology?

One question I am often asked about using technology is, “How do you get started?” The answer is actually a simple one - humbly.

digital writing · mentor texts · picture book · technology

Curating Mentor Text Collections

Get started organizing your mentor texts with four digital tools.

handwriting · modifications · teaching tools · technology

The Physical Act of Writing

We spend lots of time talking about the writing process here at TWT. This post tackles something that has nothing to do with meaning, structure, focus, word choice, elaboration, voice, or conventions. It deals with the physical act of writing, which can be challenging for some children.