I first heard of the "Heart Map" in 2003 from Nancie Atwell at Walloon Institute in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. I remember thinking it was genius. Then a year later I read the book, Awakening the Heart, by Georgia Heard and was reminded of this idea, "mapping our heart." If you know me, or my writing,… Continue reading Awaken the Writer Inside of You
A letter to my departing student teacher
In this heartfelt letter to her departing student teacher, Mrs. Smith reflects on their time together and offers words of advice and encouragement. She emphasizes the importance of being a model reader and writer, staying open to unexpected teaching moments, embracing the messiness of learning, fostering a culture of kindness and community, and remembering to have fun in the journey of teaching.
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Grammar Matters + a Book Giveaway
Lynne Dorfman and Diane Dougherty's new book, Grammar Matters, is for teachers of Kindergarten through 6th grade. It provides lessons as well as grammar references so you can enhance your instruction and get your students excited about learning grammar.
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WRITE, SHARE, GIVE: IT’S SOL TIME!
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 SOLS bloggers. Several Slicers are heading up to the Highlights Foundation for an Unworkshop for few days in late June. Consider joining them if you'd like to drop everything for… Continue reading WRITE, SHARE, GIVE: IT’S SOL TIME!
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Writing Mentors
All writers need mentors. Who are yours?
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The Antidote to December Stress: Teach Students to Write about Gratitude
This time of year can be overwhelming, for teachers and students alike. Writing about gratitude is one way to stay present and positive.
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Throwback Week: I Do. We Do. You Do.
This week, we've been re-posting our favorite old posts. I always learn a ton from my friend and co-blogger Stacey Shubitz. This post of hers, from one year ago, is one that I just loved.
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Throwback Week: Student Self-Assessment: Introducing the Writing Checklist
Back in October, Tara introduced us to her checklist process with students. What I love about this post is that Tara doesn't have students use a checklist merely for the purpose of checking off completed tasks, but they are a tool for students to improve and monitor their progress within their writing. She explains how… Continue reading Throwback Week: Student Self-Assessment: Introducing the Writing Checklist
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THROWBACK WEEK: HOW DO YOU PULL AWAY? LET GO OF THEIR HAND
Nurturing independence in writing workshop is one of the hardest things to do, and one of the tasks I struggle with the most. Betsy's post from last May, "How you pull away? Let go of their hand", is a beautiful guide to doing just this - in the primary grades, as well as in middle school. *********************** Letting… Continue reading THROWBACK WEEK: HOW DO YOU PULL AWAY? LET GO OF THEIR HAND
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Throwback Week: How To Read A Unit of Study
Learn some tricks for reading the Units of Study, whether you're new to the units or have been using them for many years.
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WRITE, SHARE, GIVE: IT’S SOL TIME!
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 SOLS bloggers. “Writing is the only thing that when I do it, I don't feel I should be doing something else.” ― Gloria Steinem
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Throwback Week: Information Writing – Upping the Ante on Text Features
In almost every classroom I have coached in, kids get really excited about adding text features to their informational writing. They love adding pictures, labels, maps, and table of contents to their writing. But do they know why text features are important? Do they understand how text features enhance their writing? In this thoughtful post, Anna provides… Continue reading Throwback Week: Information Writing – Upping the Ante on Text Features
