Start thinking about the March Classroom Slice of Life Story Challenge!

Thursday January 22, 2015 Tara Smith5 Comments

I know that it’s January, but this really is the perfect time to...start thinking about the March Classroom Slice of Life Story Challenge. Here are some factors to consider: In the midst of everything else that you are juggling in writing workshop, is it really worth it to invest time and… Continue reading Start thinking about the March Classroom Slice of Life Story Challenge!

10 Math & Science Topic Choice Mentors + 10 Book Giveaways

Wednesday January 21, 2015Thursday January 29, 2015 Stacey Shubitz125 Comments

Do you have students who are interested in math and science, but claim they hate writing or don't know what to write about in their writer’s notebooks? Here are 10 newer picture books to inspire them to write about their passion.

writing workshop

An Invitation & SOLS

Tuesday January 20, 2015Sunday January 18, 2015 Dana Murphy64 Comments

Write, Share, Give

olw

Because Of a Word

Monday January 19, 2015Sunday January 18, 2015 Dana Murphy14 Comments

Kids in grades 3rd - 6th choose One Little Word

writing workshop

Transitional Words and Phrases: Little Words, Big Meaning

Sunday January 18, 2015Saturday January 17, 2015 Anna Gratz Cockerille8 Comments

There is something to be said for emphasizing the kinds of words and phrases that may not deliver a whole lot of meaning on their own, but when used within a piece of writing, are meaning powerhouses.

growth mindset · writing workshop

Three Words for Fostering Adventurous Writers: “Just Try It.”

Saturday January 17, 2015Saturday January 17, 2015 BethMooreSchool6 Comments

At our house we have a rule at dinner time: You have to try everything on your plate. Personally, I think it's a great rule, if I do say so myself. It's a useful rule. It covers many situations: The "I'm all done" situation: "Mommy, I'm done!" "You have to try everything. That's the rule.… Continue reading Three Words for Fostering Adventurous Writers: “Just Try It.”

slice of life

Call For Volunteers: Will You Help?

Friday January 16, 2015Thursday January 15, 2015 Betsy Hubbard2 Comments

Can you believe the March SOLSC is just over a month away? We hope you will join us and if you are feeling extra adventurous consider being a volunteer to help with this endeavor!

writing

Setting the stage for writing about nonfiction

Thursday January 15, 2015Thursday January 15, 2015 Tara Smith5 Comments

Writing about nonfiction elicits the same initial lack of enthusiasm from my students as reading about nonfiction - a nonfiction affliction that seems, at first, impossible to overcome. It’s the “dead Presidents and whales” syndrome that Donalyn Miller examines in Reading in the Wild: The Book Whisperer's Keys to Cultivating Lifelong Reading Habits, in the… Continue reading Setting the stage for writing about nonfiction