mentor texts · nonfiction · picture book · Read Aloud

Nonfiction Picture Book 10 for 10

Today is the annual Nonfiction Picture Book 10 for 10, hosted by Cathy Mere from Reflect and Refine, Mandy Robek of Enjoy and Embrace Learning, and Julie Balen of Write at the Edge. This is my fourth year participating in this event, which provides me with a chance to share ten nonfiction picture books I have been using as mentor texts with elementary school writers.

writing workshop

Helping Parents See Student Writing with a Writer’s Eye

We come together in the interest of supporting and celebrating the student, it's important to help parents see the work of their child on a deeper level.

compliment · conferring

“I want to give you a compliment.”

The next time you are conferring, try this neat little tip that one of my wonderful colleagues shared with me.

Slice of Life Story Challenge

SOL Tuesday & TWO Weeks Until the March Challenge Begins

Here's the weekly link-up for slice of life stories. In addition, find out more about the #SOL16 Twitter Chat we're hosting tonight.

dialogue · writing workshop

Where is the Dialogue?

Adding dialogue to a piece can a be a great means of adding voice and detail, but I've found it doesn't necessarily come naturally for third-graders. They needed a nudge and some guided direction.

books · celebration · Read Aloud · writing workshop

Waving the White Flag on Valentine’s Day!

There are some days in an elementary school teacher's life where the white flag must be waved. Halloween. The day before holiday break. Pajama Day. Crazy Hat Day. And, of course, Valentine's Day...

charts · scaffolding charts · writing workshop · writing workshop routines

Sometimes we only write in writing workshop

My sixth graders have been busy drafting their feature articles this week, and I had a series of mini lessons planned to begin each writing workshop day. My students, however, had other ideas.

creativity · writers · writing

A Book for Passionate Creators + a Giveaway

Have you lost your muse? Create Now is the kind of book you need to help you transform your creative process and get you inspired to write.

collaboration · LIWP · revision · writing workshop

When Revision Doesn’t Work

I used to think professional workshops were where you would go to get answers, but now I know that the best ones are where you find more questions.

assessment · primary grades · rubric · writing workshop

Looking at Student Writing

Comparing two writing samples may be as effective as scoring using a rubric

Slice of Life Story Challenge

SOL Tuesday & 3 Weeks Until the March Challenge Begins

When you're writing a slice of life, it can be about something ordinary. Please don't wait until something extraordinary happens to you to share a slice of life story here. Sharing the ordinary is more than okay... it's what slicing is all about!

Diving into Information Writing Blog Series

ICYMI: Discovering the Writer’s Life Blog Series Recap

It's difficult to consider yourself a writer isn't it? As I read the post in this series I related to each of my co-author's posts. Considering yourself a reader seems natural to many of us; but calling yourself a writer is personal and difficult.