primary grades · writing workshop

Nurturing Primary Writers: A Q&A with Jennifer Jacobson

No More "I'm Done!" Fostering Independent Writers in the Primary Grades is a new book out this month from Jennifer Jacobson.  Since I consult with primary grade teachers, as well as upper elementary teachers, I started reading this book as soon as I received the review copy from Stenhouse.  Quite frankly, any elementary school teacher… Continue reading Nurturing Primary Writers: A Q&A with Jennifer Jacobson

editing · revision · writing workshop

Quips from Jeff Anderson

Today I listened to Jeff Anderson speak. (Tomorrow I'll be part of a study group he's leading and watch him model in classrooms.) He is the author of Mechanically Inclined and Everyday Editing and he is brilliant when it comes to teaching kids to understand grammar. Not to mention, he's an exceptional presenter. So today's post… Continue reading Quips from Jeff Anderson

writing workshop

A Bit of This & That

You may consider today's post random, however, I prefer to think of it as eclectic. There are some things I've been meaning to share, some things I've been preparing to share, and some things I just learned about today and am wanting to share. Plus, I think a good dose of eclectic has never hurt… Continue reading A Bit of This & That

writing workshop

Noise Level in Writing Workshop

One thing I've noticed as I've worked with many teachers across grade levels is we all have a different tolerance for noise level. This makes me realize that all of our students probably have different tolerances as well. Which makes me wonder -- how much noise is enough in Writing Workshop and how much noise… Continue reading Noise Level in Writing Workshop

writing workshop

A Song for You, Momma (Ruth’s SOLS)

Today was frustrating at work school. (I know it's been a rough day when I begin referring to it as work.) On the way home Sam fell asleep in his car seat, which is a very rare occurence. I carried him in and he snuggled close, so I cuddled him in the rocking chair. We… Continue reading A Song for You, Momma (Ruth’s SOLS)

writing workshop

First Draft Writing

When I was first learning about Writing Workshop, it was difficult for me to wrap my head around the process each student would be going through. I spent a lot of time thinking and re-thinking the writing process and the way it would become individualized. Going from idea to notebook to draft to publication seemed… Continue reading First Draft Writing

writing workshop

Good Bye March (Ruth’s SOLS 31/31)

March you whirled around and around. March you spent hours on the computer, more than you like, but somehow still not enough. March you stayed home, enjoying the grey days almost as much as the sunny ones. March you held chaos and solitude, stress and delight, tears and giggles all within your arms. March you savored… Continue reading Good Bye March (Ruth’s SOLS 31/31)

writing workshop

The Way We Speak

The way we speak has been on my mind a lot lately. I read Peter Johnston's Choice Words: How Our Language Affects Children's Learning (Stenhouse, 2004) when it was fresh off the press. At the time I remember thinking, What's the big deal? This is a book filled with common sense and conversations that are second nature.… Continue reading The Way We Speak

writing workshop

Walking on Sunshine (Ruth’s SOLS 30/31)

I know it’s shocking that they aren’t red, but nonetheless these are my latest pair of shoes from my mom. I’ve been wanting a pair of yellow shoes, and even with the big flower on the toe, I think these are perfect. Maybe it’s because they are yellow. Maybe it is because they are bright.… Continue reading Walking on Sunshine (Ruth’s SOLS 30/31)

writing workshop

Dinner Disaster (Ruth’s SOLS 29/31)

All of this happened in less than ten minutes. "Come on in for dinner," I called out the front door. Andy and the kids began picking up the baseballs speckling our yard. Then in went the bats and in went the mits. They heaved the tub back to the garage. Everyone crowded around the bathroom sink… Continue reading Dinner Disaster (Ruth’s SOLS 29/31)

writing workshop

Summer Plans?

The 5th annual All-Write Summer Institute is planned for June 21 - 22 in Shipshewana, IN. At an ubelievable price, it is something you may want to consider. If you register before May 1st, it is $159 (only $99 if your school is a member of the All-Write Consortium). Check out this line-up of national… Continue reading Summer Plans?

writing workshop

Counting Down to Break (Ruth’s SOLS 28/31)

Four more happy wake ups until Spring Break. The days before break always challenge me to continue savoring each day. I tend to get caught up in anticipating vacation and I forget to relish each day for what it is. I’m looking forward to collecting my final Slices for the challenge in these days leading… Continue reading Counting Down to Break (Ruth’s SOLS 28/31)