Ch-ch-ch-changes
I asked my students how they’ve changed as writers from the beginning of the year until now. Here’s what a few of them said: In the beginning of the year … Continue Reading Ch-ch-ch-changes
Timelines and Writer’s Notebooks
I divided my kids up into ten groups today, printed out my Google Class Calendar, and asked them to work with a partner to organize and illustrate a month of … Continue Reading Timelines and Writer’s Notebooks
Acrostic Poetry
I did quite a bit with acrostic poetry this year since a huge pet peeve of mine is watching kids write meaningless acrostic poems in their writer’s notebooks just for … Continue Reading Acrostic Poetry
The Rules of Writing Poetry
One of my students, Allandra, just e-mailed me this morning. (She’s also a co-author of DEAL WITH IT! Powerful Words from Smart, Young Women. I’m not sure what prompted her … Continue Reading The Rules of Writing Poetry
Kids 12-19 Can Build A Writing Portfolio Online
I just noticed that you can also get published online with Scholastic’s WRITE IT Website. Submissions must be from children between ages 12 – 19.
Poetry Friday (almost)
I wrote a poem from my wn entry: special place. I saved it for Poetry Friday (and then missed it from the pure chaos of the day!). Everyday Special This … Continue Reading Poetry Friday (almost)
Writing with Writers
I found a great section of Scholastic’s Website entitled “Writing with Writers,” which is a place devoted to helping kids learn how to write better by taking a workshop with … Continue Reading Writing with Writers
Poetry Friday
This poem makes me happy that it’s finally summertime! Sea Joy When I go down by the sandy shore I can think of nothing I want more Than to live … Continue Reading Poetry Friday
“An overuse of craft is cr*p!”
Author Lester Laminack taught a course I took at Teachers College during the 2006 Summer Institute on the Teaching of Writing. He said, “There’s only a letter or two that … Continue Reading “An overuse of craft is cr*p!”
Lester Laminack
Next Monday (less than 5 days away), I will be introducing Lester Laminack. I’m excited (and nervous) about this honor. However, I’ve been thinking — What will I say to … Continue Reading Lester Laminack
Ruth’s WN Entry: A Special Relative
Fletcher suggests writing about a brother, sister, or special relative. Remember: think small. Focus on one aspect of that person, or one experience you had with him or her. “Go … Continue Reading Ruth’s WN Entry: A Special Relative
Ruth’s WN Entry: Special Place
Today’s WN Entry comes from Ralph Fletcher’s Website. THE CHARGE: Special place: special room, attic nook, inside of a tree, scary closet. You might start by quickly sketching a map … Continue Reading Ruth’s WN Entry: Special Place
Stacey’s WN Entry: A Special Relative
Fletcher suggests writing about a brother, sister, or special relative. Remember: think small. Focus on one aspect of that person, or one experience you had with him or her. Both … Continue Reading Stacey’s WN Entry: A Special Relative
Lunch Box Poetry
I had an idea in the shower this morning (the place of many wonderful thoughts). When I have kids I think I’m going to put a poem into their lunch … Continue Reading Lunch Box Poetry
Poetry Friday: Valerie Worth Poems
Some lovely small poems by Valerie Worth: chairs Chairs Seem To Sit Down On Themselves, almost as if They were people, Some fat, some thin; Settled comfortably On their own … Continue Reading Poetry Friday: Valerie Worth Poems
Stacey’s WN Entry: Special Place
Today’s WN Entry comes from Ralph Fletcher‘s Website. THE CHARGE: Special place: special room, attic nook, inside of a tree, scary closet. You might start by quickly sketching a map … Continue Reading Stacey’s WN Entry: Special Place
Stacey’s WN Entry: Artifact
Today’s WN entry comes from Ralph Fletcher’s Tips for Young Writers: Write about an artifact (arrowhead, ring, antique, etc.). Important objects in our lives often provide excellent material to write … Continue Reading Stacey’s WN Entry: Artifact
Ruth’s WN Entry: Artifact
Today’s WN entry comes from Ralph Fletcher’s Tips for Young Writers: Write about an artifact (arrowhead, ring, antique, etc.). Important objects in our lives often provide excellent material to write … Continue Reading Ruth’s WN Entry: Artifact
Fletcher’s Tips for Young Writers
Ralph Fletcher recently added more tips for children on his “Tips for Young Writers” Page, which is a collection of ideas for getting started on writing notebook entries, information on … Continue Reading Fletcher’s Tips for Young Writers
Summer Vacation Literacy Activites
ReadWriteThink, a partnership between IRA and NCTE, launched a brand new section of their website today, which focuses on summer literacy activities for children. The activities are broken down into … Continue Reading Summer Vacation Literacy Activites
