Like you, I read lots of books. One of my favorite authors has long been Patricia MacLachlan, who I believe is one of the most exquisite writers of our time. Her newest book, Nora's Chicks, with illustrations by Kathryn Brown is yet another book filled with the kind of writer's craft we'd like young writers… Continue reading Q&A with Patricia MacLachlan + a Giveaway
Words that are Speaking to Me
Try to remember tenderness is more important than technique. {Ralph Fletcher} (I think this may become my new mantra when thinking about teaching writers. Not only does it apply to all aspects of writing workshop, but it applies to life too.)
Share this:
Share this:
Prizes for the 6th Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge
The Sixth Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge runs from Friday, March 1st – Sunday, March 31st. Anyone who participates in the adult challenge (not the classroom challenge) for all 31 days of the month will be eligible for a prize. In order to be in the running, you have to do a little more… Continue reading Prizes for the 6th Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge
Share this:
Share this:
Why bother with a hashtag when you post your slice?
I'm nearing 1,000 Tweets. This is shocking to me since I was resistant to signing up for a Twitter account. I had a-go with it and got into a groove with it in December. I follow other educators, writers, publishers, chefs, news organizations, etc. While I could spend hours clicking on links I find on… Continue reading Why bother with a hashtag when you post your slice?
Share this:
Share this:
Conferring
Deb Gaby said this to me last week: Conferring is the heartbeat of workshop. I have to agree. Conferring is the way we gauge if our instruction is effective. It is the way we figure out what the writers in our classrooms need next. Without conferring we lose the pulse of workshop. Without conferring, workshop… Continue reading Conferring
Share this:
Share this:
Braving the Challenge: A Guest Post by Beth Scanlon
Braving the Challenge Inspired by my writing and the other Slicers’ work during the Slice of Life Challenge (SOLC) in March 2012, I decided to attempt the same with my ninth grade students on a smaller scale last May. My colleague, Lee Ann Spillane, and I designed a ten day SOLC for our student using… Continue reading Braving the Challenge: A Guest Post by Beth Scanlon
Share this:
Share this:
Finding a Space to Write
I'm a big advocate for writers to find a space that works best for them. I also think it's important for students to learn to write anywhere. I'm productive as a writer because I have very few needs when it comes to environment. I can write anywhere. I prefer a large block of time with… Continue reading Finding a Space to Write
Share this:
Share this:
Behind the Scenes of I Haiku You + a Giveaway
Betsy Snyder shares a behind-the-scenes process for writing and illustrating I Haiku You, her newest picture book published by Random House. Read through her post and then leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of this book.
Share this:
Share this:
All-Write Summer Institute 2013
I know I'm a little bias, but this is one of my favorite conferences. It is a little like summer camp for teachers. I think the reason why it's so great is because the speakers are top in the field, and yet the conference is still small enough that you feel like you matter. Like… Continue reading All-Write Summer Institute 2013
Share this:
Share this:
ALL students have something to teach their classmates about writing.
There are lots of things to keep top-of-mind when you're leading a writing workshop. Are all students engaged? Are they crafting pieces that hold meaning and value to them? Are kids constantly adding writing strategies to their writing toolboxes? The list could go on and on. There is another question I want teachers I work… Continue reading ALL students have something to teach their classmates about writing.
Share this:
Share this:
Slicing & Kind Comments
Anyone who's completed the month-long Slice of Life Story Challenge knows the greatest prize comes in the form of a writing community. I recently reflected on the way this writing community has helped me grow as an educator, parent, and writer. I hope you'll take a moment to read what I wrote, which is over… Continue reading Slicing & Kind Comments
Share this:
Share this:
You Have Time.
One of the biggest barriers between us and the Slice of Life Challenge is TIME. We look at our schedules, we look at other's slices, and we quickly jump to the conclusion that we don't have time to add one more thing, especially something like a daily writing challenge to our already too full schedule. Although… Continue reading You Have Time.
