WRITE. Each day in March write a slice on your own blog. SHARE. Link your post here (using the SAME username each day) before the comments close. (Comments typically close around 5 am.) GIVE. Comment on at least three other slices. Any questions, please contact: Linda Baie – lindab414[at]gmail[dot]com (If you last name begins with A… Continue reading #slice2013: 18 of 31
Category: writing workshop
Working through Confusion
Around here everyone is hunkered down on a snow day. I'm thinking it might be a sign to some that it's a perfect day to start a blog. (If you're not on a snow day, you'll have to find another sign to start a blog. I'm sure there's a sign for you to start a… Continue reading Working through Confusion
Finding a Space to Write
I'm a big advocate for writers to find a space that works best for them. I also think it's important for students to learn to write anywhere. I'm productive as a writer because I have very few needs when it comes to environment. I can write anywhere. I prefer a large block of time with… Continue reading Finding a Space to Write
Today we celebrate equality. When I read about the civil rights movement, I have to pause and stretch my imagination to understand what life was like in the 1960's. Separation was accepted, even desired. We've come a long way. Today we learned our new son will be home this week. He puts his hand in… Continue reading
A Fresh Start (In the Middle)
One of the things I love about teaching is the opportunity for a fresh start. No matter how the day goes, we get to start over the next morning. If one year isn't so hot, we get to start over the following school year. Not only that, but the nature of our school year allows… Continue reading A Fresh Start (In the Middle)
12.12.12
It's a special date today. Never again in our life time will the month, day, and year be identical. My daughter's school had a special 12-12-12 celebration. At home, we celebrated Andy's birthday. So in honor of 12-12-12, I've decided to make a list of 12 reasons I believe in writing workshop. 1. Stories change… Continue reading 12.12.12
Formal Language Continuum
There's way more to this story than what I can process and write tonight. So this is a post with a promise. I'll share the more of the thinking soon. I'm working with a group of grade 4 teachers to create some meaningful learning experiences with conventions for Tier 2 intervention. It has been incredible… Continue reading Formal Language Continuum
Your Dreams Matter. Your Teaching Matters.
A couple of weeks ago I was re-reading the chapter about genre studies in The Art of Teaching Writing, New Edition (Heinemann, 1994) by Lucy Calkins. Once I was finished, I flipped to the final chapter of Lucy's book, which is entitled "Do I Dare to Care So Much?" I was looking for inspiration. (In… Continue reading Your Dreams Matter. Your Teaching Matters.
Where to start?
As many of you know, I love helping people get started with workshop. Here's what I'm wondering tonight... What is the most important thing to know as a writing workshop teacher? I'd love to hear your thoughts, so I hesitate to share mine. Please leave a comment about your first reaction to this question. Even… Continue reading Where to start?
Does your practice reflect your beliefs?
Lately I've been involved in a lot of professional development where I'm providing space and time for teachers to consider their teaching beliefs. I've been nudging teachers to consider: 1. What makes you stick with tough stuff? 2. What does it look like and sound like when we honor students? 3. How can we empower… Continue reading Does your practice reflect your beliefs?
An Inspiring Mentor Text, an Interview, and a Giveaway
I love, LOVE, L-O-V-E Ralph Tells A Story (Amazon Children’s Publishing, 2012), which is a story about a boy, Ralph, who has trepidation about writing. (It’s already become a book I suggest to teachers when I speak about mentor texts!) Ralph is that kid in your writing workshop who claims he doesn’t have anything to… Continue reading An Inspiring Mentor Text, an Interview, and a Giveaway
Nudging Joy: A Student Group
I've been thinking a lot lately about the things I know because I write. I've been keeping a little list of these ideas as a crude plan for an article about the topic. When Christy Rush-Levine invited me to lead a study group at her school, she suggested the topic of being a teacher who… Continue reading Nudging Joy: A Student Group

