guest blogger · writing workshop

Recap of our Summer 2011 Guest Blogger Series

Labor Day came and went this past Monday.  Nearly every teacher and child I know is back in school.  Therefore, our summer guest blogger series has come to an end.  Next Friday Ruth and I will be blogging on alternating Fridays.  However, I wanted to take a moment to recap all of the guest blog… Continue reading Recap of our Summer 2011 Guest Blogger Series

adolescent literacy · big picture · challenges · change · choice · education · inspiration · reflections · Reflective Practice · writing workshop

Teach the Writer

I wish we could change the world by creating powerful writers forever instead of indifferent writers for school. ---Mem Fox I just want to take a deep breath and read those words again. Exactly. "Powerful writers forever instead of indifferent writers for school." Sigh. This is why I'm thankful for writing workshop. It helps us… Continue reading Teach the Writer

back to school · community · first day · writing workshop

Going “Back to School”

Some teachers have been back to school since August 1st, while others head back after Labor Day.  By looking through our site stats I've noticed a lot of people are searching for terms that relate to the beginning of the school year.  Therefore, I thought I'd take a few minutes to point you to some… Continue reading Going “Back to School”

classroom signage · Kristi Mraz · primary grades · writing workshop

Simple Shapes Convey Meaning

I have a confession to make: I'm a wanna-be artist.  I have a deep appreciation for art and for people who can draw the human form.  Until last month, I couldn't even draw a decent stick figure.  As a result, my classroom charts as a teacher were neatly written, and sometimes color-coded, but they rarely… Continue reading Simple Shapes Convey Meaning

early childhood · guest blogger · writing workshop

GUEST BLOG POST: Fostering a Love of Writing

Maureen Ingram has taught in cooperative preschools in the Washington, D.C. suburbs since September 2000, working primarily with three year olds, and mentoring adults – both parents and teachers – in their work with young children. She has a keen interest in open-ended, exploratory learning, conflict resolution and problem-solving with young children, and understanding different… Continue reading GUEST BLOG POST: Fostering a Love of Writing

speech · writing workshop

The Annual Pennsylvania Writing Institute

I've been spending quite a bit of time preparing for the morning session I'm leading at the Annual Pennsylvania Writing Institute in early August.  I am honored to have the opportunity to be speaking about the practical matters of daily life in the writing workshop on Tuesday, August 2nd.  Other speakers at this year's institute… Continue reading The Annual Pennsylvania Writing Institute

writing workshop

Summer Writing Plans

I've been seeing a lot around the blog world and on Twitter about summer reading plans. I think it's also important to help the writers in our classrooms think about their summer writing plans. Here are some ideas to encourage summer writing. I'm hoping you add to the list in the comments. Help students think… Continue reading Summer Writing Plans

writing workshop

Celebrate!

I feel like I have to apologize. Because of the storms, I keep coming home to no Internet. Boo! So like Monday, today's post is from my phone. (I'm hoping there won't be any errors!) Tonight we went to Sam's preschool graduation. On the way, he requested we play Kool & the Gang's Celebration. "Turn… Continue reading Celebrate!

writing workshop

What Are You Reading

Leave a comment and share... What have you read lately... For fun? That your students loved? That changed the way you teach? On the web? That you couldn't put down? That made you want to write? Can't wait to read your comments!

art · authors · conferring · fiction · writer's notebook · writing workshop

Bits of This & That

Remember this letter that Allie sent to Eve Bunting last fall along with The Ghostly Scary Mystery she wrote dedicated to Eve Bunting? Allie got a response! Yes, there was a form letter, but she also received a personal note from Eve. Wanna see the response? Click here. While getting to know characters, one fourth grader… Continue reading Bits of This & That

writing workshop

Ruth’s SOLS: I Have No Self-Control

When it comes to reading fiction, I have no self-control. I tell myself novels are meant to be read over a series of days. I do not have to engulf an entire novel in one setting. It is fun when the characters linger at the edges of my mind, waiting for me to return. Still.… Continue reading Ruth’s SOLS: I Have No Self-Control

writing workshop

Sundays for the Soul: Pass a Note

Happy Mother's Day. I hope you had a good day. It's a bittersweet day for me. I spent so many years missing a baby on this day that even now I'm reminded that it is a day where mothers miss children and kids are missing mothers. Whatever emotions today brings for you I want you… Continue reading Sundays for the Soul: Pass a Note