Blogger Challenge
I’ve started a BLOGGER CHALLENGE over at DonorsChoose.org in order to get some funding for writing into other teachers’ classrooms. As you know, our motto is “Write: It’s Good For You!” Therefore, we… Read More
a special space.
I’ve been a writing coach for four years now. My arm was gently twisted at the end of the school year when I was planning on looping my seventh graders into eighth grade. … Read More
It’s Writer’s Notebook (WN) Wednesday!
Ruth put out a charge yesterday to write your entry off of a photograph. I did that and look forward to seeing your pictures and the memories you’ve written about each of the… Read More
ruth’s wn entry: finally home.
I must say, this photo led to an unexpected place & I’m quite tempted not to post, because it’s personal. However, I don’t have time to write another one . . . so here… Read More
WN Entry: Rhode Island Sunrise
As I was placing my bags in the backseat of my car, I looked up at the sky. It was a majestic array of colors, almost as heavenly as aurora bourealis. I paused… Read More
Friendly Letter Writing Unit of Study
Over the summer Kate and I planned out a short unit of study on friendly letter writing for our students. We re-grouped today since we’re launching it tomorrow. Here’s the plan as it… Read More
It’s Coming . . .
How about a little challenge for WNW? Let’s find a meaningful photo & write off of it. Stacey shared this strategy earlier in the week here. Check it out & then find that… Read More
check out this!
On learner.org you can watch video courses on different topics. It’s all FREE and they’re great resources. You can limit your search to subject area and grade level. I just watched a session… Read More
Practicing Written Responses to Texts
My students will be taking the NECAP Reading Test this-coming week. I’ve been trying to prepare them for the written responses to reading they’ll be doing. Therefore, I’ve tried to create some of… Read More
An Inspired Writer
The purpose of Ruth’s other blog aims to inspire readers and writers. She definitely did that with me today! I decided that what I had already bought my Mom for her upcoming birthday… Read More
creative ways of publishing
Ruth is WAY more creative than I am. Therefore, she’s my inspiration when it comes to scrapbooking, creating living room wall displays (that’s a whole post in and of itself), and much more.… Read More
Assessing Narrative Writing
I went to the TCRWP Website in order to link my last post. While I was there I noticed that the K-8 Continuum for Assessing Narrative Writing has been posted on the public… Read More
A Must-Read for All WW Teachers
An article published this past summer in Education Next came across my desk today. “The Lucy Calkins project: parsing a self-proclaimed literacy guru” disturbed me for two reasons: 1. Lucy was my professor… Read More
Strategy: Write Using A Photo
Whenever I want my students to bring in a photograph to help them write, I usually say NO PORTRAITS since there are rarely good stories that come from them. Hence, I put together… Read More
Thinking Critically About the Writing Workshop: Reflecting on the Way I Teach Writing
I wanted to reflect on some questions my former professor, Stephanie Jones, presents at the end of chapter 11 in her book Girls, Social Class, and Literacy. She asks readers to consider some… Read More
i flopped.
Big Time. Seriously. It wasn’t pretty. But it was a good experience. Here’s the scenario – A classroom of first graders + Exploding folders filled with stories + Each story is written across… Read More
Checking Drafts BEFORE Publishing
I just began an e-discussion with someone about whether or not teachers should check their students’ drafts (i.e., EACH STUDENT’S DRAFT) prior to allowing the kids to move forward and publish their work.… Read More
Take a look around you
When I taught in NYC, I was fortunate enough to work one block away from Central Park. Therefore, when the urge struck me, I’d take my students out to Central Park with their… Read More
Poetry Friday in My Classroom
Last week I began having my students share poems (original or ones they love from other poets) on Friday mornings. Only one person signed up so far this week and I know he’s… Read More
