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
Category Archive: Write: It’s good for you!
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
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
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
Persuasion with Karen Caine
Last week I was fortunate to spend the day with Karen Caine. Are you familiar with her work? It is the book that I have had to buy the most — SIX times… Read More
Be a writer. It matters.
Today I met with a teacher who said these words to me: I don’t like writing. I really don’t like writing. Give me math all day long every day and I’m happy, but… Read More
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… Read More
{Discover. Play. Build.} Character Wants
One of the best ways to get to know characters (or people in general) is to figure out what they want. Often these wants drive our stories Whether you are crafting a fiction… Read More
{Discover. Play. Build.} More on Maps
Last week… Stacey blogged about updating heart maps. (See everything we’ve blogged about heart maps here.) B. blogged about hand lists. I was reminded about writing close to the bones. I kept thinking… Read More
I almost forgot!
I almost forgot to blog today. How could that happen? Let’s see, maybe because today – It is in the midst of summer and I was playing catch in the yard, eating pancakes… Read More
Happy 4th + {Discover. Play. Build.}
To anyone celebrating today, we hope you are enjoying all of the good stuff of Independence Day: Watermelon, grilled meals, corn on the cob, and the blessings of freedom. The {Discover. Play. Build.}… Read More
Fear as Inspiration {Discover. Play. Build.}
One of the basics I’ve stumbled across while writing fiction is to know what your characters’ fears are. Often tension is built around fear, making stories weave around and get to the heart… Read More
All-Write Reflection + {Discover. Play. Build.}
Sometimes when an experience seems so big it is hard to focus a reflection. Sometimes it is hard to settle the thoughts and find the meaning. Sometimes it is difficult to even know… Read More
TEACHERS of Writers
Thank you to everyone who left a note about the {Discover. Play. Build.} posts. I’m thrilled that you are feeling inspired and excited to pursue a writing adventure during the summer. I’m excited… Read More
{Discover. Play. Build.} What’s holding you back?
There are a million reasons why we don’t have time to write. What are yours? What is keeping you from putting words on the page?Today take some time to think about the things… Read More
Sundays for the Soul: Get Ready
Last Monday I wrote something on a whim…in a blog post…about offering a writing prompt. Your responses have had me thinking all week. Thoughts like this: Can I offer worthy prompts? Can I offer… Read More
Full Circle (Ruth’s SOLS)
Today I had the privilege of working with the Warren Writing Project in Indianapolis. They invited me to present a keynote and a few breakout sessions about meaningful minilessons for their first annual summer institute.… Read More
Start a Notebook (Or Dust Off an Old One)
Summer always gives me a chance to reflect on my practice in a little more relaxed kind of way. For one thing, I’m pretty much caught up with my school work. This doesn’t… Read More
This One’s For Me: Ruth’s SOLS
It’s been one of those days where I’ve spent too much time wishing I were something else. Wishing I were older, with the luxury of experience. Wishing I could walk away without caring… Read More
