Pattern-seeking is one of the ways that I keep planning for small group instruction manageable in writing workshop. When I can both anticipate common needs and plan for ways to learn which kids share those needs ahead of time, then I can be much more strategic and efficient with small group instruction.
Category: writing workshop
Expanding the Reach with Small Group Work: A Blog Series
Even in the best of teaching times, a student’s work is rarely completely one level since there are so many elements that constitute effective writing, and it’s also rare for the same sequence of lessons to meet the learning opportunities of all students. With such variation and discrepancies, small group instruction is more critical than ever in order to address and nurture the range of learners in classrooms. We hope that this blog series inspires you to lean into small group instruction with intention and confidence!
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Let Them Write
Ever feel like you just need a nudge to give your students time for low-stakes writing? Here you go!
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Starting with Publishing in Mind: About the Author
When we start the year off with publishing in mind, we think about the authors.
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Three Ways to Exalt Process for Young Writers
My litmus test for the work we do in the classroom pivots on an understanding that collecting one's own ideas and practicing ways to communicate them will serve students outside classroom walls. And it is with that framing in mind - with children reflecting on their journeys, in carefully selecting the language I use, and in sharing feedback on growth as opposed to the final alone- that I hope to continually communicate the importance of process over product.
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Mining the Moments Between Minilesson and Work Time
In those quick moments between minilesson and work time, as writers are settling in (or not), I pay attention to what is—the current reality. I seek leverage points to both know writers better and to support writers in continuing to grow. Over time, I notice as more and more writers find the processes and strategies that work for them.
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It’s Tuesday! Welcome to Slice of Life
On Tuesdays throughout the year, we invite you to share a slice of life story here at Two Writing Teachers. Write your post, share it in the comments, and be sure to leave some comments for other slicers on their blogs.
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Getting to Know the Writers in Your Classroom- Part 2: Cultural and Social-Emotional Domains
Last week, I wrote about getting to know students by thinking about their academic knowledge and skills, as well as their use and understanding of language. This week, I shift and consider cultural and social-emotional aspects of students' identities.
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Getting to Know the Writers in Your Classroom- Part 1: Academic and Linguistic Domains
Who students are and what their past experiences have been impact them as writers, and those impacts should have implications on instruction. Therefore, it's worth the time and energy to have systems and structures for learning about students as writers in your classroom.
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When Writing Feels Right: Exalting Choice and Purpose in Workshop
When writers feel empowered to write for their own personal catharsis, it matters. When writers know they will have the opportunity to strengthen their writing alongside peers, it matters. When writers have greater degrees of choice around topic and genre, it matters. And when, at times, there’s a wider audience for writing, beyond classroom walls or the teacher’s eyes alone, there is often deeper motivation.
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Beyond School Supplies: Energizing Ourselves for a New Year
Going back to school is an exciting time. A new school year gives us a chance to dream, to reconnect with our ideals, and to renew our commitment to ourselves and our students.
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Ways to Teach Conventions: Our Favorite Things
Writing involves the integration of so many skills and cognitive processing that it’s understandable when conventions don't show up! Here are some ideas that I hope you can use in your instruction right as the year starts-- and then any time thereafter.
