I began my career as a seventh grade language arts teacher at Wawasee Middle School. Thirteen years later, I remain in the same district, but in a different position. My career path has taken me into hundreds of classrooms. I've been able to learn about writers from preschool to college. I've developed many diverse relationships.… Continue reading Because of WMS…
The Weekly SOLSC
Here are some quotes about writing to serve as inspiration for your writing today or for the writing you will do in the week to come: •“Walk through life like a writer.” --Lucy Calkins •“Tell the truth about your life and what’s really going on.” --Georgia Heard •“We know the truth of ordinary life events. … Continue reading The Weekly SOLSC
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Voices Strong Reflection
Remember a few weeks ago I visited Christy Rush-Levine's classroom? As a reflection for our curriculum director, principal, and school board, we (Andrea Komorowski, 6th grade language arts teacher; Shelley Kunkle, 7th grade language arts teacher; Deb Gaby, corporation reading coach; and me) put together a video. It's long (and you know my rule about… Continue reading Voices Strong Reflection
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Information Charts: A Guest Blog Post by Kristi Mraz and Marjorie Martinelli
We are so delighted to be guest blogging here at Two Writing Teachers. We know many teachers who use this invaluable resource and are honored to lend our thoughts on writing. It’s that time of year again. We are dusting off the decorations, making shopping lists, and planning for upcoming non-fiction writing units. This is… Continue reading Information Charts: A Guest Blog Post by Kristi Mraz and Marjorie Martinelli
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The Art and Science of Chart Making + A Giveaway
I started thinking deeply about the significance of classroom charts once I spent a week with Kristi Mraz who led a section, “Toolkits, Charts and other Resources That Support Writers in Revision and Writerly Craft,” at the writing institute back in 2011. Kristi, along with her TCRWP colleague Marjorie Martinelli, started a blog in 2011… Continue reading The Art and Science of Chart Making + A Giveaway
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Does your practice reflect your beliefs?
Lately I've been involved in a lot of professional development where I'm providing space and time for teachers to consider their teaching beliefs. I've been nudging teachers to consider: 1. What makes you stick with tough stuff? 2. What does it look like and sound like when we honor students? 3. How can we empower… Continue reading Does your practice reflect your beliefs?
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The Call for Slice of Life Stories
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A Little Writing Love
As an instructional coach, a key part of my job is to encourage and inspire teachers. This is one of my favorite things about my job. It isn't easy to be the person who is always nudging people to grow, but it is fun to be the person who gets to offer doses of encouragement… Continue reading A Little Writing Love
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Two Million
I am thankful for every person who has found their way to our blog. I’m thankful to those who have offered advice, kind words, inspiration, and support through the years. It’s because of you, our readers and fellow educators, that we continue to blog day after day. Thank you for helping us to reach this special occasion in our blogging lives.
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Working Together to Help Struggling Writers
I'm working on a presentation, "Getting Started with Writing Workshop," for a group of 3rd - 6th grade teachers I'll be working with later this month. I've made a list of non-negotiables I'm going sharing with them. They range from writing is taught daily to kids need time to write to students need to go… Continue reading Working Together to Help Struggling Writers
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An Interview with the Author of The Tooth Mouse + a Giveaway
The Tooth Mouse, written by Susan Hood and illustrated by Janice Nadeau, is a fable that allows young readers to learn about another country's version of the Tooth Fairy. The Tooth Mouse is ready to move on and Sophie, who is a dear little mouse has to prove that she is honest, brave, and wise… Continue reading An Interview with the Author of The Tooth Mouse + a Giveaway
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Writing Because…
One of the reasons I appreciate the opportunity to lead professional development is I get to continue pushing myself to new understandings and deeper learning. Every time I speak or work with a group of teachers, I gain a clarity and energy for teaching writers. When this doesn't happen, when my learning ceases, when I'm… Continue reading Writing Because…
