Time is a precious commodity in elementary schools. Making the time for a daily writing workshop often means that something else has to get short shrift. However, sometimes, the time for writing workshop gets cut by five or ten minutes. Here are several suggestions for what you can do if writing time gets cut.
Category: writing workshop
Tuesday Slice of Life Story Challenge
Join us for the Tuesday Slice of Life Story Challenge! #TWTBlog
Developing Independence in a Remote Classroom: Meeting Writers Where They Are
Today I am sharing three essentials for developing and maintaining independence in a remote classroom.
Developing Stamina: Meet Writers Where They Are
When we think of stamina, whether with exercise or writing, we might be tempted to think only of the moment - the moment of doing jumping jacks or moving the pencil across the paper. Yet, so much more goes into getting to that moment and then staying in that moment. Stay with me, as I compare trying to build up my stamina for daily movement to students growing in their stamina for writing.
Meet Writers Where They Are Blog Series
Today I am introducing our November blog series, entitled "Meet Writers Where They Are." The TWT co-authors envisioned this blog series to be responsive to this moment in time. As educators, we need to meet students where they are. We need to know the students in front of us (or on the screen with us) and understand where they are as learners. Our teaching needs to be focused and directed to what the students need.Join us on November 1 as we launch this series! Read more to learn about the fabulous blog series giveaway, generously donated by Heinemann.
Expanding Vocabulary and Use of Transitions in Students’ Writing
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.”
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.

