Pushing the dance studio door open, I watched my two daughters and their two best friends bound playfully out to the parking lot. Walking next to me was Jamie, their mother. "Sorry," she whispered, "we can't do dinner tonight. Blake's got homework." Blake, a fourth grader, after attending school all day and now having finished… Continue reading Some Issues to Consider: Homework and the Writing Workshop
Reimagining Homework: Homework and the Writing Workshop
This past summer, I found myself questioning homework- why I give it, what it accomplishes and if there might be an alternative.
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SOL Tuesday
Share a story today. It's Tuesday SOL!
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Misunderstandings Within The Writing Process
The writing process is not always linear, it is not a circle of steps, it is not something that needs to be done the same way twice. The writing process might be different everytime a writer sits down to start. It might be different for someone writing a poem one day and an essay a week later. The writing process is as unique as the writer. Embrace the process and its endless possibilities as students move forward.
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What I’ve Learned about Word Study
I recently had the good fortune of watching the wonderful Natalie Louis deliver a word study lesson at a school in Harlem. It was so cool. For a mostly upper grade person like me, word study has always been a bit shrouded in mystery. What exactly is the difference between phonemic and phonological awareness? What… Continue reading What I’ve Learned about Word Study
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Let’s Talk About Methods for Conferring
When I was a new teacher, I learned from Lucy Calkins that there are basically four overall methods to choose from when planning instruction: 1) demonstration, 2) coaching, 3) inquiry, and 4) telling/explaining. This four-method framework is useful for thinking about conferring.
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Teaching Digital Tools in Writing Workshop: Plan, Purpose, EXPLORE
Digital tools add opportunities to our writing, opportunities that can motivate and inspire writers. The reach of digital tools allows writers to receive and give feedback, share beyond their classroom, publish to an authentic audience, and build a writing community. So how do we make sure our writers are ready?
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SOL Tuesday
Write. Share. Give. Welcome to the weekly Slice of LIfe.
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ICYMI: Solving Predictable Problems
In case you missed any pieces from our series about predictable problems, here's a quick review of the week of posts with the links, as well.
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Units of Study That Go On Forever: Solving Predictable Problems
It's happened to ever teacher. We start out strong, with enthusiasm. We think: This unit is going to be GREAT! This is is exactly what my kids need! This unit is our favorite! But then, five weeks, six weeks, seven weeks (!!) later you and the kids are completely sick of the writing you've been doing--just like a favorite recipe that you've become burnt out on.
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STUDENT AGENCY: SOLVING PREDICTABLE PROBLEMS BLOG SERIES
I stepped back and put my kids in front of their learning about six years ago. It has changed how I teach and deepened my respect for students and who they are as individuals.
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Parental Intentions: Solving Predictable Problems
Children deserve a caring adult in their corner. Sometimes good intentions can backfire. As we continue the series on Predictable Problems, today we tackle parental figures and misunderstandings related to the writing workshop.
