management · plan · writing workshop

Plan Boxes as Management Tools

Do you struggle with students working -- rather than socializing -- during independent writing time? If so, here's a solution to keep your kids engaged as writers so you can maximize the number of students you meet with during independent writing time.

greenbelt writing · growth mindset · guest blogger · ralph fletcher · writing workshop

Writing Workshop is Anticipated

 Writing is joyful this year.

minilesson · writing workshop

The Problem with Q&A

When I was a new teacher, my professors and mentors emphasized the importance of questioning as a teaching technique. We were taught to track the number and frequency of questions we asked, as well as the type of questions. We were taught to track how many and which students we were questioning, and how many… Continue reading The Problem with Q&A

academic choice · choice · digital writing · writing workshop

Using Digital Tools to Meet the Needs of Developing Writers

When writing with digital tools, students have the opportunity to design and share writing in a variety of ways that not only add a new aesthetic to writing but more importantly they offer teachers the ability to skillfully and intentionally scaffold writing development.

slice of life · writing workshop

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 SOLS bloggers. It's a busy time of year! A time when sometimes sitting down in the chair and writing is hard to do. (It's always hard!) A community helps, and so… Continue reading SOL Tuesday

grammar · play · writing workshop

Warming up with grammar games

Before my daughter plays a soccer game or scrimmages, her team goes through several warm-up exercises. Watching the go through the motions, I’m impressed that they all seem to enjoy the warm-ups, and they also can explain the purpose of them. It has helped me to think of these grammar games as the girls think of their soccer warm-ups. They’re quick, they’re fun, and they’re relevant to writing.

olw · reflections · writing workshop

OLW Reflection: Step

Reflecting on the steps of the year as I watch students taking their own.

Brooke Geller · inspiration · student engagement

What’s the Keynote of the Unit?

Hurriedly making my way through the front door of the majestic Riverside Chapel on Manhattan's Upper West Side, I glanced at my watch.  Late, I thought to myself.  Oh well, I'm sure I can still find a seat.  To my surprise, I was politely directed not to the actual main body of the chapel, but… Continue reading What’s the Keynote of the Unit?

early childhood · emergent writers

Adventures in First Grade Writing

When you love writing, and love teaching writing, and when you blog often about the teaching of writing, it's a wee bit awkward when your own first grade son refuses to write in school.

slice of life

It’s SOL Tuesday!

Warm up with a story.

conferring

Don’t Skimp on the Compliment.

Mark Twain once said, "I can live for two months on a good compliment." While our students should regularly receive compliments from their teachers, good ones can fuel their ambition and willingness to stretch themselves as writers.

writing workshop

Happy Thanksgiving from the Two Writing Teachers Team

On behalf of our team at Two Writing Teachers, I’d like to thank you, our readers, for your dedication to the teaching of writing, and for the incredible community of educators you have helped us to build.