Two rewind arrows with the words Two Writing Teachers: Recap at the top. A bi-weekly round-up of #TWTBlog posts. Includes link to twowritingteachers.org. Catch Up Quick: Recap
Recap

Catch Up Quick: Recap

Jenna Komarin

As you settle into a new school year, we hope you'll find some time to read (or re-read) the most recent posts from #TWTBlog!

Three Ways to Make Student Growth Visible Across the Year
goals · Reflective Practice · routines · writing workshop routines

Three Ways to Make Student Growth Visible Across the Year

Sarah Valter3 Comments

Young writers show tremendous growth each year, but sometimes lack the tools or the skills to see it. This year, be intentional about putting systems and routines into place that not only make this growth visible but also allow your students to push themselves in new directions.

Slice of Life Tuesday Image: an orange with the text "Slice of Life" It’s Tuesday! Share Your Slice of Life.
Slice of Life Story Challenge

It’s Tuesday! Share Your Slice of Life.

Leah Thomas36 Comments

Write, share, give.

Deep red background with five picture book covers being held up with masking tape. These five books can help teachers begin a school year by building community. More details over at twowritingteachers.org. Five Books to Help Build a Writing Community
back to school · community · mentor texts · picture book

Five Books to Help Build a Writing Community

Stacey Shubitz23 Comments

Discover how building a writing community in your classroom can transform your students' writing experiences and foster a sense of belonging. Learn about five picture books that will inspire meaningful conversations and support the development of a collaborative, inclusive writing community. Leave a comment on the blog post for a chance to win all five books, perfect for building a supportive writing environment!

Creating Classroom Environments to Launch the School Year: From the Archives
From the Archives · independent writing · independent writing projects · Keep Learning Going Throughout the Summer Blog Series

Creating Classroom Environments to Launch the School Year: From the Archives

Betsy Hubbard

As you prepare to start a new school year, consider refreshing your classroom environment with inspiration from this 2015 August Blog Series throwback!

Cover of a class book, titled "Getting to Know You" by Room 145. Hand-drawn smiley faces in different colors and with different hair. Getting to Know You: Building Classroom Community Through Shared Writing
ELL · primary grades · shared writing · Straight from the Classroom

Getting to Know You: Building Classroom Community Through Shared Writing

Shawnda Fukano7 Comments

Get to know each student and build classroom community with this beginning-of-the year shared writing activity that also includes language development for multilingual learners.

Slice of Life Tuesday Image: an orange with the text "Slice of Life" It’s Tuesday! Join Us for Slice of Life!
slice of life

It’s Tuesday! Join Us for Slice of Life!

Leah Thomas32 Comments

Join us for Tuesday Slice of Life!

Exploring Identity in Writing Workshop
identities · mentor texts · Reflective Practice · writing workshop

Exploring Identity in Writing Workshop

Jessica Carey5 Comments

Read about how one school is working together to think about how to support students in exploring and bringing their identities into their writing.

TWT Help Desk: What If a Child’s Topic Makes Me Uncomfortable?
TWT Help Desk Blog Series

TWT Help Desk: What If a Child’s Topic Makes Me Uncomfortable?

Melanie Meehan2 Comments

It could be that a great story exists poop and farts and video games.

TWT Help Desk: What if They Say, “I Don’t Write?”
accessibility · reluctant writers · student engagement · Student ownership · TWT Help Desk Blog Series

TWT Help Desk: What if They Say, “I Don’t Write?”

Betsy Hubbard3 Comments

Be ready for the students who challenge you at every turn. We often learn more about how to teach writers when we work with students who face the most significant writing obstacles.

Hands raised next to the words "help! It's the first day of writing workshop!" TWT Help Desk: What if it’s the First Day of Writing Workshop?
TWT Help Desk Blog Series

TWT Help Desk: What if it’s the First Day of Writing Workshop?

Leah Thomas4 Comments

Setting the right tone on the first day of writing workshop is crucial. Join us for today's help desk post all about how to begin.

TWT Help Desk: What if students haven’t written all summer?
community · stamina · TWT Help Desk Blog Series

TWT Help Desk: What if students haven’t written all summer?

Stacey Shubitz2 Comments

During summer break, elementary school students often experience a decline in writing skills, leading to a "summer slide." To address this, teachers can do three big things to motivate students to write again.