Once we teach students about goals and the importance of them in our lives, we can use the accompanying language in all aspects of their, and our own, learning.
Category: writing workshop
The Power of Silence in Conferring
I took a deep breath and paused a long pregnant pause. My next words needed to be just right.
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Watch. Look. Listen: AUTHENTIC PURPOSES FOR WRITING
Writing is a stalwart act. Through writing, we express ourselves, uncover feelings, tell our stories, organize our schedules, share our beliefs, and change our world. To some students (and even adults) writing can seem like a monumental task and writing may feel cumbersome. But when you think of the necessity of writing in our lives, writing is unavoidable.
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Writing for Audience: Authentic Purposes for Writing
Sometimes we write to clarify our thinking or record a moment so it won’t be lost in our memories. Other times we write to entertain, inform, or instruct. Recently, many of us have found writing to be an avenue for us to express opinions, voice our beliefs and persuade others to join us in our… Continue reading Writing for Audience: Authentic Purposes for Writing
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Carving Out Time: Authentic Purposes for Writing
I believe in writing. I believe that the more you write, the more you discover your own thoughts and ideas. Your voice grows stronger. You become more fluent. Writing becomes a part of who you are, how you see the world, how you process your thoughts, how you communicate effectively with others. It is not enough for students to just write during writing workshop. Writing needs to be woven into the fabric of the day, across subject areas, in ways that are meaningful and authentic for students.
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Writing Partners: Authentic Purposes for Writing
Someone once told me: You can't write well about something you don't care about. One day, I listened in on two first grade partners, Jennifer and Marco, sharing their pieces of writing. I stood ten steps away, just observing. Jennifer had written a piece about her brother. I watched as Marco and Jennifer scooted their seats… Continue reading Writing Partners: Authentic Purposes for Writing
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Creating Change: Authentic Purposes for Writing
It's often difficult for children to see themselves as change-makers. Writing and processing small or big ideas can help children see that their voices can be powerful guides for change, even if the change is simply making someone's day.
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Exploring Feelings Through Writing: Authentic Purposes for Writing
This week, my TWT colleagues and I are writing about the importance of authentic purpose to writers. We all agree that our students will benefit from having strong voices, clear messages, and wide audiences in our quickly changing world. Sometimes, we sit down to write, and we know exactly what we want to say, and… Continue reading Exploring Feelings Through Writing: Authentic Purposes for Writing
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Join the 10th Annual March SOLSC Welcome Wagon Team!
5 My father used to say, "February is the longest month." But really, we know it isn't. Thankfully we can look forward to the Tenth Annual March Slice of Life Story Challenge! March will be here before we know it. And we would love your help with our Welcome Wagon. What, you ask, is… Continue reading Join the 10th Annual March SOLSC Welcome Wagon Team!
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The Writing Strategies Book + Giveaway!
Ever wish you could have all the best strategies from your favorite writing teachers in one place? Atwell, Fletcher, Ray, Calkins, Heard and more are among the many hat tips in Jen Serravallo's newest publication, THE WRITING STRATEGIES BOOK. Come take a look at how Jen expertly weaves her own expertise and ideas along with tried and true favorites from the best of the best.
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A Perfect Time For Pattern Books
Yesterday, first graders celebrated Halfway day at my school. It it hard to believe we are halfway through the school year. And yet, when I am in writing workshop classrooms, I see much evidence of growth. Our kindergarteners are studying and creating books with pattern and repetition. Halfway through the school year is the perfect… Continue reading A Perfect Time For Pattern Books
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Student Ownership and Writing Choices
With so many (and ever changing) options at our fingertips, I want my students to learn how to control the tools. We have a motto in our room, "If the tool is telling you what to do, you aren't in charge of your learning. You tell the tool what to do!"
