informational writing · nonfiction writing · plan · writing workshop

When Ideas Collide

I'm not someone who rides horseback but I often get to let go of the reigns and see where I might end up. My students never disappoint.

writing workshop

TWT’s Mission Statement

Every so often, it is good to stop and think about why we do what we do. At Two Writing Teachers, the co-authors and I recently revisited our Mission Statement and updated it to reflect our most current beliefs about this blog and the teaching of writing

community · management · writing workshop

Crushed It!

Crushed It (defined): To feel positive, get more done, or in general be a better person. How are you crushing it in the classroom?

management · writing workshop

Three Tricks for Smoother Classroom Transitions

There are a hundred ways precious minutes can be wasted during those pesky transitions, and a hundred ways a rough transition can make for an uphill battle for the rest of writing workshop. Here are three tricks that you might try.

Beyond the Fundamentals Blog Series · blog series · independent writing · volume · writing workshop

Independent Writing Time: Beyond the Fundamentals of Writing Workshop

Last week I met with a teacher about a writer who worries her. “Where’s his writing?” I asked. She pulled out a piece with a date on it, and the date was from over a month ago. This second grader had written a few words on each page, and when we looked closely, many of… Continue reading Independent Writing Time: Beyond the Fundamentals of Writing Workshop

Beyond the Fundamentals Blog Series · mentor texts · writing workshop

Student-Written Mentor Texts: Beyond the Fundamentals of Writing Workshop

While many teachers seem knowledgeable about mentor texts and teacher-created texts, it is my hope that focusing on student-written mentor texts will lead more teachers to realize students can be mentor authors, too.

Beyond the Fundamentals Blog Series · checklists · conferences · conferring · writing workshop

Conferring with Writers: Beyond the Fundamentals of Writing Workshop

    "How about we read Goodnight, Gorilla?" Raising my eyebrows, I gazed hopefully at my two year-old daughter.  "Or maybe we could read The Grouchy Ladybug? You love that one!" "No!" Her brow furrowed, my youngest was emphatic. "That one! That one!  Moon!" Using her tiny pointer finger, she pointed to Margaret Wise Brown's… Continue reading Conferring with Writers: Beyond the Fundamentals of Writing Workshop

Beyond the Fundamentals Blog Series · writing workshop

Next Level Unit Planning: Beyond the Fundamentals of Writing Workshop

Tips for moving to the next level of unit planning.

blogging · challenges · Slice of Life Story Challenge · SOLSC Classroom Challenge · writing workshop

Who Is Up For A Challenge? A Guest Blog Post By Michelle Haseltine

How do I manage with thirty to forty students blogging? I blog too. That’s always made it more meaningful for my students.

writing workshop

The Post-it Note App and Writing Workshop

When you hear blended learning in writing workshop do you immediately envision a classroom of writers looking at a screen? 

slice of life · writing workshop

Welcome to Slice of Life

Write a slice. Share it here. Comment on at least three other slices. Are you ever surprised by what you write when you sit down and start writing? Sometimes out thoughts, feelings, and realizations sneak up on us when we write. Slice of Life Challenge Updates and Reminders The eleventh annual Slice of Life Challenge… Continue reading Welcome to Slice of Life

checklists · goals · independence · Teachers College · writing workshop

Writing Checklists: Tools for Independence and Goal-Setting

I am a list person. I have lists by my computer, by my bed, in the kitchen, in my car console-- And I love crossing things off my lists. One of the reasons I like lists is they tell me what to do, but my lists serve different purposes; sometimes they help me remember what… Continue reading Writing Checklists: Tools for Independence and Goal-Setting