Empowering Independence
One of the things I think most about this time of year is how can I empower students to be (more) independent in writing workshop. What do I mean be independent? This is a crucial vision for us to develop as we head into a new school year. For a moment let's suspend reality. Let's… Continue reading Empowering Independence
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GUEST BLOG POST: Growing as Writers through an Author Study
Stella Villalba teaches English as a Second Language at Beechwood Elementary in Columbus, Ohio. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, she started her career in education teaching ESL in Asuncion, Paraguay. Stella also publishes articles on the topic of teaching ELLs at Choice Literacy and is a teacher consultant for the Columbus Area Writing Project. Stella… Continue reading GUEST BLOG POST: Growing as Writers through an Author Study
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Are plan boxes worth it?
This past Tuesday I spoke at the 8th Annual Pennsylvania Writing Institute, which is held at Millersville University. Since school begins at the end of August here (in Pennsylvania), I spent a great deal of time talking about routines so my audience could spend some time reflecting on their existing classroom routines and consider implementing… Continue reading Are plan boxes worth it?
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How do you make writers feel welcomed?
This time of year thoughts about creating a safe and inviting classroom fill our minds. This is one of my favorite things to think about. Today I shifted the question slightly and began thinking about writers specifically. How can we make writers feel welcomed? Here are some ideas I'm tossing around. More importantly, I can't… Continue reading How do you make writers feel welcomed?
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SOLSC
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WFMAD (Write Fifteen Minutes a Day Challenge)
Last year I joined the WFMAD challenge hosted by Laurie Halse Anderson. You know Laurie Halse Anderson, right? No matter what level of students you work with she writes books that you would be interested in reading (if you haven't already). Young Adult: Speak. Wintergirls. Twisted. Prom. Catalyst. Historical Thrillers: Chains. Forge. Fiction for Young… Continue reading WFMAD (Write Fifteen Minutes a Day Challenge)
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The Un-Perfect Classroom
I was one of three new kids in my bunk at camp in 1989. The rest of the girls who were in my bunk had been together for a few years and were known for getting perfect tens on daily bunk inspections. That summer, I was the kid who made my bunk get nines, rather… Continue reading The Un-Perfect Classroom
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Words that are Speaking to Me + Something Cool
Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read. --- Attributed to Groucho Marx And make sure to check out these FREE SUMMER READING PRINTABLES. Don't be fooled by the word summer, I can totally envision using some of these ideas in classrooms. Check it… Continue reading Words that are Speaking to Me + Something Cool
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GUEST BLOG POST: The Journey
Caroline Gonzalez currently works as an Instructional Support teacher for grades 1-3 in South Brunswick NJ. After 21 years of teaching, she is completing coursework to attain an Administrator's License. She is the proud mother of three children who is entering a new stage in my life as she prepare to send her child off… Continue reading GUEST BLOG POST: The Journey
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Say What You Mean: Part Two
Tammi Myers wrote the following on our Facebook Page in response to the post I wrote on Tuesday: Sometimes we repeat jargon with the goal of being consistent with other grade levels- but that just gives us a class of kids who can parrot the terms with no real understanding. Tammi makes an excellent point. … Continue reading Say What You Mean: Part Two
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“The Mind Flip”
Yesterday, Deb Day wrote a Slice about the way her brain "flips" and is ready for school. It resonated with me. I understood exactly what she was talking about and expect it will happen soon for me. The past few summers I've spent time in the days leading up to starting school saying So Long… Continue reading “The Mind Flip”
