back to school · celebration · community · end of year reflection · engagement · first day · ideas for the future · independence · inspiration · motivation · notebooks · reflections · Reflective Practice · reluctant writers · struggling writers · student engagement · Student ownership · writer identity · writing life · writing workshop

“Dear Future Me…”: An End-of-Year Activity That Builds Confidence for Next Year’s Writing Workshop

Your students filled notebooks, found their voices, and grew as writers this year—don't make them start from scratch in September. Try “Dear Future Me…”, a simple end-of-year writing tradition that helps students reflect, celebrate progress, and walk into next year’s workshop already confident, capable, and ready to write from day one.

writing workshop

Slice of Life Tuesday

Happy Tuesday! We’re so glad you’re here.  Write a Slice of Life. Share your link in the comments section of this post. Give comments to at least three other Slice of Life stories.

writing workshop

Slice of Life Tuesday

Whether you’re fresh off the March Slice of Life Story Challenge or joining this community for the first time, welcome! We’re so glad you’re here.  If you were part of the March challenge, we wanted to take a moment to extend a special note of thanks to Fran, Glenda, Joanne, and Peter for their troubleshooting… Continue reading Slice of Life Tuesday

accessibility · AI · assessment · ELL · games · IEP · standardized tests · struggling writers · student engagement · writing workshop

Scaffold and Gamify Test Prep with AI

Test prep doesn’t have to feel repetitive or overwhelming—learn how to scaffold and gamify writing test prep with AI tools. These simple, classroom-ready strategies help students analyze responses, break down prompts, and build stronger test-taking writing skills in fun, interactive ways.

Slice of Life Story Challenge · writing workshop

Day 23 of the March SOLSC #SOL26

Day 22 of the Slice of Life Story Challenge!

Slice of Life Story Challenge · writing workshop

Day 21 of the March SOLSC #SOL26

Day 21 of the Slice of Life Story Challenge!

writing workshop

Be a Bossypants!: Playing with Voice

Estimated Reading Time: 4 min. (686 Words) Target Audience: Elementary Teachers, Specialists, Coaches The Context My fourth graders and I are crafting stories in the style of Leo Leonni. While we’re emulating his story form, however, I want kids to feel like the writing is theirs, in their voice. But how to teach something as… Continue reading Be a Bossypants!: Playing with Voice

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Day 14 of the March SOLSC #SOL26

It's Day 14 of the March SOLSC. Challenge yourself today to post thoughtful comments and respond to those who have visited your site!

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Day 13 of the March SOLSC #SOL26

Today is Day 13. What have you noticed about yourself as a writer? What communities are you developing? How have other writers inspired you?

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Day 12 of the March SOLSC #SOL26

You might be feeling like you're in the groove in which case, high five! You might also be feeling worried about keeping up the energy in which case, be inspired by some of the other slicers. We work hard to feature slices that many people can relate to.

writing workshop

Day 11 of the Slice of Life Story Challenge 2026

Yesterday you were almost 1/3 of the way through, and today you're more that 1/3 of the way through! By now, you're making connections. Maybe you're noticing the world in a different way as you find slicing moments throughout the day.

writing workshop

Day 10 of the March SOLSC #SOL26

We are into the double digits of slicing! You're almost 1/3 of the way through!