Encouraging engagement with notebooks means we may need to get out of the way. The notebook should always feel like it belongs to the writer.
Overview: Notebooks as a Writer’s Tool Blog Series
Though the topic of this series is notebooks, the spotlight of each of our posts shines on writers. Our goal is to foster the kind of writers who, at any age, habitually collect ideas. Writer’s notebooks can most certainly become a powerful tool for this.
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Writing on a Snow Day
Matthew Cordell's new picture book provides inspiration for kids to CHOOSE to write when they're snowed-in during the winter. Read through my Q&A with Cordell to start thinking about how you could encourage your students to decide to write when they're homebound this winter. After you read the Q&A, leave a comment on this blog post for the chance to win a copy of King Alice.
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Writing Conferences: What to Do When a Writer Doesn’t Say Much?
When conferring with a writer, our big aim is to engage in a meaningful conversation with the student about his or her writing. An individual writing conference is likely the single most effective way for a teacher to help move a writer forward. But many times, even with our best intentions and attempts at "training" students how to converse during a conference, the student will sometimes say something curt, like, "Good." Or, "It's fine." Silence. That's it. That's all they have to say. What to do? Fear not! Conferring Carl suggests six strategies to help teachers address this situation...
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A License to Write: Giving Ownership to the Writer
I am a writer and a teacher of writing. I have experienced the pivotal role ownership has on my writing and my willingness to write. As teachers of writing, we have the opportunity to give the students in our classrooms the license of ownership over their writing.
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SOL Tuesday
Our systems face significant shock from August to September. After long days, little sleep, and almost no time to recharge, I told myself, "It's only temporary. I'll find balance in October." Well, October has come and gone, and I didn't find my balance. As a natural consequence, I got a doozy of a cold and… Continue reading SOL Tuesday
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The Writing Process for Perfectionists
To put it simply, the writing process can be excruciating for our perfectionists. If we aren’t careful, we can unintentionally curb the enthusiasm of a writer who leans toward perfection.
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Thoughtful Third Grader: Building Relationships Through Writing
Making some time and space in the day to celebrate a student each week has enriched my class as readers, writers, and human beings. How do you use writing to lift up the students in your class?
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How To Send Student Writing Home With Intent
The way we send student writing home sends big messages to families and writers.
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How a Portable Word Wall Can Help Your Students with Spelling
Do you differentiate your students' spelling lists by giving them personal spelling words? If so, you can take those lists a step further by providing them with portable word walls for their writing folder and/or for at-home use.
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SOL Tuesday
WRITE a slice of life story on your own blog. SHARE a link to your post in the comments section. GIVE comments to at least three other SOL bloggers.
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Continuing to Think About Google Forms
I am so grateful to have this resource available to me as an educator at no cost. Maybe someday, I'll get to thank whoever is behind the Google Curtain in person. In the meantime, I'll share what's been working and I'll look forward to hearing about how some of you end up doing it even better!
