The work of Elfrieda (Freddy) Hiebert, professor and founder of textproject.org, explains further that “lists do not help our kids retain or expand their word knowledge. Students need networks of words that are grounded in ideas.”
Category: writing workshop
I Write Therefore I Am: Using Mentor Texts to Study Identity in Writing Workshop
Today is a Voices From the Community post, written by Logan Beth Fisher. She writes, "Writing workshop is the perfect time of the day in which to create opportunities for students to truly do a deep dive into their identities. The more chances a child has to examine the things that make them who they are, the greater the chance that they will broaden their capacity to generate ideas in which to write. Like any other good writing unit, educators can rely on mentor texts to help model not only the craft of writing but will also offer ways in which students can consider their own identities based on the theme or subject of the text."
Writing About Reading: Resource Toolkit Part Two for Middle School
Calling all middle school teachers! Today I’m sharing a ready to use set of lessons, resources, and a digital notebook for adolescent readers and writers featuring some of my favorite books in verse.
It’s Tuesday! Welcome to the Slice of Life Story Challenge.
Write your post. Share it. And then leave your comments for other writers. We are glad you are here.
Layers of Learning: A Review and Giveaway
Our instructional minutes count more than ever this year. Read on to discover a new professional book that will help you maximize your teaching in reading and writing while helping your students grow in character and mindset. JoEllen McCarthy's new professional book, Layers of Learning, is a must read! Comment on the post for a chance to win your own copy.
It’s Tuesday: Welcome to Slice of Life Story Challenge
Welcome to the Slice of Life Story Challenge. You are invited to write a slice of life from your week, share it with others by linking below, and give comments of your own to three other bloggers.
My Three Remote Teacher Survival Tips
As we all venture into another week of instruction, no matter what that may look like, I have three tips for surviving and thriving in these times.
Interval Training With Writers
Interval training has added movement and fun to the classrooms I've seen try it out. Everyone appreciates a change of pace, and sometimes, this is a great way to add that change up into the classroom repertoire.
Resources Teachers Can Share With Families: Increase Writing Volume and Stamina at Home
Teaching my own kids is humbling to say the least. At home, I am not the special visiting teacher. I'm not even the teacher. At home, I'm mom, and it is the understatement of the century to say that it is a challenge to teach my own kids.
At-Home Learning Resources Teachers Can Share With Families: Choices for Writing
Now's our time to shine workshop teachers! Hasn't independence and transfer always been the goal of workshop teaching? Haven't we always strived to teach in a way that allows students to carry on without us? Here are some resources to collaborate with families and caregivers to make this year successful.
It’s Tuesday! Welcome to the Slice of Life Story Challenge.
How is it September? This morning's quote for inspiration is from Chadwick Boseman. Sometimes the ritual of slicing on Tuesday is pressure, but it also inspires me to live and cherish moments differently. “You have to cherish things in a different way when you know the clock is ticking, you are under pressure.”-Chadwick Boseman Write… Continue reading It’s Tuesday! Welcome to the Slice of Life Story Challenge.
10 Strategies to Help Keep All Students Learning and Growing, Especially EALs
There are many strategies we can use to help us be the best teachers we can be for all of our students, but keeping good strategies in the forefront can be especially helpful for EAL students. By adding some simple strategies, we can also help EALs enjoy rich and meaningful learning experiences in the classroom.

