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.
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
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
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
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.
ICYMI: Starting with What Matters Most
A recap of our blog series - Starting with What Matters Most
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.
Cultivating Authentic Work Habits: Starting with What Matters Most in Writing Workshop
Your students should work and feel like real writers.
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.
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?
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.
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

