Everyone's talking about bullying these days... and for good reason. The recent suicides of teens, from New Brunswick, NJ to Mentor, OH, have made front page headlines. The deaths of these students leave us all asking, "What else could have been done to prevent this child from taking his/her life?" Quite frankly, there's a lot… Continue reading A Special Series on Bullying
It’s Here!
Guess what was on my doorstep tonight? Day by Day -- the actual book! It is officially released and is in the warehouse. I have to admit, there is a lot about this whole process that seems a little surreal. I used to say, "When I grow up I want to be a writer." When… Continue reading It’s Here!
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SOLSC
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Taking Time to Reflect Leads to More Accurate Teaching Decisions
Today I found myself understanding the writing process more deeply. Primary writers work through the writing process by layering each phase on a single copy of their writing. They plan a story across pages, first touching each page and telling the story, then sketching. They draft by adding words to the pictures. They revise by going… Continue reading Taking Time to Reflect Leads to More Accurate Teaching Decisions
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Storytelling Helps Kids in Many Ways and Meets the Standards!
To date, 37 states and the District of Columbia have voluntarily adopted the Common Core State Standards. Many teachers of writing are nervous about the adoption of the Standards since there is a fear that students will mostly be writing non-narrative pieces. While this fear isn't unfounded,we have to remember the Standards are a guide… Continue reading Storytelling Helps Kids in Many Ways and Meets the Standards!
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Winner of the Stanley Books Giveaway
I'm pleased to announce the recipient of the Stanley Series Giveaway, sponsored by Kids Can Press. Betsy, who blogs at Learning to Teach Young Writers, is the lucky winner. If you haven't read through the post about Stanley's Little Sister, and how you can use it with the young writers in your classroom, then click… Continue reading Winner of the Stanley Books Giveaway
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1,000,000
Yesterday we hit a new milestone on Two Writing Teachers -- over ONE MILLION hits! Thank you for your support and encouragement. In honor of one million, would you take a minute to leave a comment with your general location, as well as your job title? I thought it would be neat to see the… Continue reading 1,000,000
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A Poetry Book for Boys
Bob Raczka and Peter H. Reynolds' new book, Guyku: A Year of Haiku for Boys, was released earlier this month. Guyku is a book of seasonal haiku poems written with a young male audience in mind. The nature-related poems by Raczka are enhanced with classic Reynolds illustrations. The writing and the illustrations are extremely appealing… Continue reading A Poetry Book for Boys
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Have you celebrated lately?
Celebration is the fuel for writers. Sadly, I used to think celebration meant party and party meant fluff. This was an unfortunate misconception. Celebration is an essential component to a writer's life. Without it we cease to exist. Writing is difficult and unless we take some time to relish in the little accomplishments, we fizzle… Continue reading Have you celebrated lately?
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Ruth’s SOLS: Away.
This afternoon Stacey said to me, "You don't know what to do with yourself, do you?" She was right, I had no clue. Afternoons are the busiest part of my day. When I walk in my door at 4:30 I am completely consumed with family life. The afternoons with Stacey have been quiet and relaxing.… Continue reading Ruth’s SOLS: Away.
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Fall Literacy Conferences
Ruth and I presented twice at the Keystone State Reading Association Conference this past Sunday and Monday. We met lots of great people at the conference and would like to thank the folks who attended and asked great questions at our sessions. Next month, we'll be presenting at two conferences: Literacy for All and the… Continue reading Fall Literacy Conferences
