Teaching well demands we stay current and try new ideas. There isn't any insurance policy that the newest strategy, book, program, or app will work for all or anyone, but we trust our education and experience, and we do what we know to be best for kids. Brené Brown in Daring Greatly says, Risk aversion kills innovation~ Berné Brown Daring Greatly So embrace the mess, the awkwardness, and all the uncertainties rattling in your mind and do what you trust to be best for the students in your classroom.
Category: writing workshop
Tuesday Slice of Life
"Although it's true that those who regularly publish are writers, they don't own writing. Writing is for all of us." - Tom Romano in Write What Matters Please write your Slice, share your link, and give at least three comments to other bloggers. Remember to use our new hashtag for 2016 #sol16.
Looking for March Slice of Life Story Challenge Prize Donations
In a few weeks, we will begin our 9th Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge (SOLSC). The rewards for writing for 31 consecutive days are numerous: you will develop a writing habit, sharpen your writing skills, find your voice as a writer, belong to a writing community, receive peer feedback, and learn to savor the struggle of writing.
Tara’s One Little Word of 2016
In the past, I have had to go hunting for my One Little Word, but this year I just knew what it would be.
Kathleen’s One Little Word of 2016
My fourth grade self's advice, my grandmother's influence, participating in the Literacy Leaders' Forum, and even a Facebook quiz and a fortune cookie have all pointed me in the direction of my One Little Word for 2016...HAPPY.
Beth’s One Little Word for 2016
Play is at the top of my list for 2016, and I want to shout it from the rooftops. Pitting play against literacy is a false dichotomy. It's not either/or. The way to teach literacy is to provide time for kids to play, talk, dance and sing their little hearts out!
Dana’s One Little Word of 2016
I finally found my word. I had been looking everywhere, but my word escaped me. I was starting to panic. Was I going to begin 2016 wordless? I thought about all the ways I could improve my life. I could write more. I could clean less. I could work on self-acceptance. I could be a better… Continue reading Dana’s One Little Word of 2016
Deb’s One Little Word For 2016
When I reflect on the flux in my life, I waiver between pure joy of what's to come and loss of what has been. Moving forward is scary when you have so dearly loved all that has been. Just writing this makes me pause.
Blogging Break
Dear Readers, Once again, we find ourselves asking, "Where did the time go?" We are on the cusp of a new year. December brings many celebrations to our team of co-authors including Christmas, Hanukkah, anniversaries, and birthdays. We are busy wrapping presents and spending time with our families. As we prepare to usher in… Continue reading Blogging Break
Heartfelt Gifts: Writing Presents
My favorite gifts to give are the ones that have come from my heart and my pen!
Small Writers, Writing Small
Just a quick glance through the writing in our classroom and you will feel the call for more craft, more voice and more drama in our lessons.
When to Pop Out of the Notebook
As much as I LOVE notebooks, even I have to admit there is a time in every writer's process when it is time to pop out of the notebook and onto a laptop or lined paper.

