We spend a week or so sharing stories, and building excitement for writing stories. We hand out notebooks with fanfare, and writers happily personalize them. They brainstorm ideas for stories they could write. And then we stand in front of the class and explain that today is the day we want each of them to… Continue reading Making the Most of Pre-Assessments
Category: writing workshop
Setting Up Writing Partnerships
Like so many routines and procedures, the investment of time to establish successful, productive, independent partnerships is incredibly worthwhile!
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Listening and Watching Intently: Building a Learning Community
A few short weeks ago our new school year began. I am feeling the pressure of getting to know my students, setting up our room, and building a community of learners. In these early days I tread slowly.
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Where Do Stories Belong?
We often say things like, "stories are everywhere," but do we really show students where stories can live?
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Getting to Know Writers
You can learn a lot about students when you give them a chance to tell you want they know!
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Finding Our Teacher of Writers Superpowers
What teacher of writers superpower would you like to develop this year?
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Fast Forward to Today: 7 Things I Want the Writers in my Classroom to Know
A year ago, I wrote a post titled, 7 Things I Want the Writers in my Classroom to Know. In this post, I wrote about what I knew about being a writer and what I thought the writers sharing our classroom should know about being a writer. Today, I offer an update after an another year of writing.
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Writing Through the Hard Parts
How can we teach our students to trust the writing process?
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Going Digital #BeBrave
Follow me this year as I try for the fifth time to go digital. Some say, "third time's the charm." It wasn't for me. Maybe the fifth time, with some extra determination, will do the trick!
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Nurturing Our Writing Lives: 5 Ways to Keep Writing
How can we nurture our own writing lives once the school year begins? 5 ways to help us keep writing.
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Straight From Students: Why Teachers Should Write
During the last week of school, I met with a group of fourth graders to have an end of the year reflective conversation. We can learn so much about what to do throughout they year by asking students to reflect and share what they found to be powerful. Many times, students are our very best… Continue reading Straight From Students: Why Teachers Should Write
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Close Writing: Review and Giveaway
"Mrs. Sokolowski, I'm done!" It's a refrain I've heard often from students, who tell me they are completely finished with a piece of writing. More times than not, as I read the student's work, I see that the piece could use more revisions, more editing, more care. I've always felt that having a passionate purpose… Continue reading Close Writing: Review and Giveaway
