Your Dreams Matter. Your Teaching Matters.
A couple of weeks ago I was re-reading the chapter about genre studies in The Art of Teaching Writing, New Edition (Heinemann, 1994) by Lucy Calkins. Once I was finished, I flipped to… Read More
Monthly Archive: November, 2012
The Intersection of Poetry and Informational Writing + a Giveaway
When Thunder Comes: Poems for Civil Rights Leaders can be used as a mentor text to help students craft poems, instead of biographies or informational reports, about people they read about and research.
Reading More, Understanding More
Today a third grade teacher stopped me and said, “You should read some of the reviews my students wrote. They are awesome.” “Really?” I smiled. “Oh yeah. They were so much better than… Read More
Tuesday Slices
I’ve been reading Lynne Dorfman and Rose Cappelli’s new book, Poetry Mentor Texts: Making Reading and Writing Connections, K-8. They have a reminder, on page five of their book, that is worthy of repeating… Read More
Where to start?
As many of you know, I love helping people get started with workshop. Here’s what I’m wondering tonight… What is the most important thing to know as a writing workshop teacher? I’d love… Read More
Be more than busy. Be productive. Be happy.
Seven tips to help you get and stay more productive during the holiday season and all year long.
Gratitude List
Oops…I was supposed to post this yesterday. Oh well, here we go… Gratitudes Dirty Dishes. I cook for my family. We eat together. Again and again. So I smile as I wash and… Read More
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank a family member, friend, or colleague for a small kindness they’ve extended to you. While a text message or an e-mail is nice, a handwritten note or live conversation (i.e., in person, via Skype/Facetime, or on the telephone) is even better.
Because of WMS…
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… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
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.
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… Read More
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… Read More
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… Read More
