I watched a version of this video several years ago. In preparation for a workshop I'm leading on Thursday with a group of Career Tech educators (think culinary arts and auto mechanics), I pulled it up to watch again. I was glad to find the video was updated last December. I'm struck by the reality… Continue reading Chewing On This
A Biography for Baseball Season + a Giveaway
You Never Heard of Willie Mays?! (The Back Story) by Author Jonah Winter Though I do understand that what I’m being called on to do here is talk about my research process for You Never Heard of Willie Mays?!, I’m finding that task a bit difficult. I write 32-page picture book biographies with very… Continue reading A Biography for Baseball Season + a Giveaway
Share this:
Share this:
Common Core — Appendices
Many of us are digging into Common Core Standards. We are spending time reading the standards, figuring out what they mean, and noticing how they grow from grade to grade. Indiana (my state) adopted Common Core State Standards several years ago, so I'm familiar with the standards. What I'm realizing now is the usefulness of… Continue reading Common Core — Appendices
Share this:
Share this:
Slicers: Why do you write?
Mid-way through the March Challenge I came across a poem Betsy wrote on Teaching Young Writers. It is entitled "Why I Write." There are so many reasons each of us choose to write and to come back and share our writing with this community each Tuesday year-round. When you leave the link to your slice… Continue reading Slicers: Why do you write?
Share this:
Share this:
Choice Literacy: Coaching the Common Core {Part 3 of 3}
The third part of the conference was led by Tammy Mulligan and Clare Landrigan. They inspired me to stick to my beliefs. One of the ideas they talked about is a Framework for Change. In order for change to occur, they suggest systems need: Vision Skills Incentives Resources Action Plan If any of these items… Continue reading Choice Literacy: Coaching the Common Core {Part 3 of 3}
Share this:
Share this:
The Handwriting Part of Writing
If you're in an elementary school, you've inevitably had discussion with parents about handwriting. My policy for writer's notebooks was always, "As long as I can read it, it's neat enough." I didn't feel that a writer's notebook was the place to be a stickler for handwriting. However, some parents would press their kids, demanding… Continue reading The Handwriting Part of Writing
Share this:
Share this:
SOLSC Prize Announcement
It's my pleasure to announce the winners of the prizes from the Sixth Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge. Yet again, I ran into a good problem this year. More people sliced and linked daily than I have prizes to give away. I'm delighted so many people kept up with the challenge. I only wish… Continue reading SOLSC Prize Announcement
Share this:
Share this:
Choice Literacy: Coaching the Common Core {Part 2 of 3}
The second portion of the Choice Literacy workshop, Coaching the Common Core was led by Heather Rader. Heather is the author of Side By Side: Short Takes on Best Practice for Teachers and Literacy Leaders. She is the senior editor for Choice Literacy and an instructional coach I hope you know Heather's work. She is… Continue reading Choice Literacy: Coaching the Common Core {Part 2 of 3}
Share this:
Share this:
Welcome Back. #slice2013
Welcome back to the weekly challenge. After a day off, how great it is to be back as a writing community? Last month, Cathy Mere wrote a poem entitled "The Writer" that resonated with me. She has graciously allowed me to republish it here. I hope you will find it as inspiring as I continue… Continue reading Welcome Back. #slice2013
Share this:
Share this:
Choice Literacy: Coaching the Common Core {Part 1 of 3}
Recently Deb Gaby and I attended a Choice Literacy Workshop called Coaching the Common Core. It was one of the best conferences I've ever attended (and I've attended a lot of really great conferences!). The workshop was divided into three parts. Jennifer Allen, Heather Rader, and Clare Landrigan and Tammy Mulligan led the three portions.… Continue reading Choice Literacy: Coaching the Common Core {Part 1 of 3}
Share this:
Share this:
#slice2013: 31 of 31
WRITE. Each day in March write a slice on your own blog. SHARE. Link your post here (using the SAME username each day) before the comments close. (Comments typically close around 5 am.) GIVE. Comment on at least three other slices. Woo-hoo! You're still blogging on the 31st. It feels good, doesn't it? Even if… Continue reading #slice2013: 31 of 31
Share this:
Share this:
Classroom SOLSC: 31 of 31
It always seems impossible until it is done. –Nelson Mandela It's the final day of our month-long writing challenge. How did it go? I'd love to hear your thoughts, feelings, and reflections. Please leave a link to your class's final round-up along with anything else you'd like to share. Thank you for taking the plunge… Continue reading Classroom SOLSC: 31 of 31
