adults in the classroom · writing workshop

Making the Classroom a Place for Everyone

Establishing expectations, student goals, and classroom norms from the start will help you and the paraprofessional move forward as a team who operates with the best interest of the children first.

adults in the classroom · writing workshop

Maximizing the Adult Resources in Our Classrooms

Over the summer, a few of us at TWT all received questions about how to manage extra adults in the classroom. Today and tomorrow, Deb and I have begun our own little mini-series addressing this issue. Tomorrow, Deb will share important ways to make the classroom a place for everyone, emphasizing communication and management strategies.… Continue reading Maximizing the Adult Resources in Our Classrooms

writer's notebook

It’s Not Just About the Notebook

  I started this summer with  this confession to all of you about my less than steady notebook habit. And after I let you in on my little secret, I dusted off my notebook, located my pens, and selected a few pencils. Then I put them all on the chest of drawers beside my bed, and… Continue reading It’s Not Just About the Notebook

professional development · writing workshop

Post-its and PD: Crafting a Writer’s Statement

When was the first time you felt like a writer? My earliest memory of being a writer was creating stories that my Grandma used to tell. She invented characters: "Good Gertie," "Bad Betsy," and "Sweet Sally" (Gertie's sister). My Grandma would make up stories of how Betsy would do all naughty things while Gertie always listened… Continue reading Post-its and PD: Crafting a Writer’s Statement

mentor texts · picture book

Because Kids Need to See Themselves in Books: My #PB10for10

Today is Picture Book 10 for 10, which is a community of educators who share "must-have" picture books for classrooms. My list includes stories that will inspire children to write about their own experiences in new ways.

Starting With What Matters Most · writing workshop

ICYMI: Starting with What Matters Most

A recap of our blog series - Starting with What Matters Most

Slice of Life Story Challenge

Time for Slice of Life 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.

Starting With What Matters Most · writing process · writing workshop

Cultivating Authentic Work Habits: Starting with What Matters Most in Writing Workshop

Your students should work and feel like real writers.

community · Starting With What Matters Most · Talking · writing workshop

Unpacking the Power of Talk: Starting with What Matters Most

Early on, as a writing teacher, I didn't realize the power that talk plays in the writing workshop. Over the years, I have learned there are many benefits from intentionally making talk a priority.

BLOG SERIES: Starting with What Matters Most in Writing Workshop · play · Starting With What Matters Most

Incorporating Play-Based Learning in Writing Workshop at any Age: Starting With What Matters Most

Before you embark on the adventure that is your school year, you will want to consider: How will you fuel your teaching? What is it that inspires you? Why do you come to work each day?

scheduling · Starting With What Matters Most

The Right to Write: Starting with What Matters Most

Like any other skill, children need long stretches of time to practice writing if they're going to develop strong writing muscles. Seeing as muscles need to be used often to get bigger, it's important teachers are providing kids with (four or) five times a week to engage in a writing workshop where they have at least 30 minutes of independent writing time.

writing workshop

What Are Their Tools For Independence? Starting With What Matters Most

  One of the most important questions I always have in the back of my head when I am working with students is how to ensure that the concept  I am teaching will become a part of the students' independent repertoire. How can I tell that I am teaching the writer and not just enhancing the one… Continue reading What Are Their Tools For Independence? Starting With What Matters Most