Opinion, Persuasive or Argumentative Writing?
Many teachers think argumentative and persuasive writing are the same. Some would go as far as to say that persuasive writing has just turned into argumentative because...
Mini Lessons Step By Step Part Three
Welcome to Mini Lessons Step By Step Part Three! Part One: Coming to the Meeting Area and Hooking Students In Part Two: Teaching a Targeted Skill & Modeling with...
Mini Lessons Step By Step Part Two
Welcome to Mini Lessons Step By Step Part Two... Part One: Coming to the Meeting Area & Hooking Students In Part Two: Teaching a Targeted Skill & Modeling with...
Mini Lesson Step By Step Part One
So what is a mini lesson anyway? To put it plainly, a mini lesson is a brief lesson modeling a targeted writing skill. In this series I'll break it down into small,...
Writing Chart Fails and Fixes
Charts for workshop can be incredible tools and well...a giant pain. Come on admit it, how many times have you scribbled down student ideas only to stare sideways at...
Let Google Take Over Your Writing Classroom, Here’s How…
If your students have access to Gmail your writing instruction should be completely transforming because of Google! If you don't have access to the teacher...
50 Ways to Get Kids Begging to Write More
Do your students moan and groan when it is time for writing? Does it make you sick to your stomach when that happens? Does it make you feel like you are failing as a...
Week Before Holiday Writing Ideas
Before your pants are covered in green glitter and your classroom floor is littered with candy cane wrappers, make sure those writing skills you taught during that one...
How To Do Project Based Learning During Writing Workshop
What is Project Based Learning? According to The Buck Institute, "Project Based Learning occurs when students gain knowledge and skills by working for an...
5 Essentials for Writing Workshop
Teachers are masters of winging it. We are resourceful when put on the spot, it's what makes this profession an art. Not only are teachers resourceful they are...
Get Writing Conferences Right
Writing conferences are the toughest part of the writing workshop class. If you are new to writing workshop don’t worry too much about the conferring at first. Just do your best to roam the room while students write with quick tips and encouraging statements.
Tips for Planning Writing Units
Planning a writing unit can feel overwhelming. Many teachers feel stressed out by curricula put in front of them by their schools and districts with little to no...
Supporting Writers At All Levels
Teaching writing can be overwhelming to the max! The variety of writing skills students need to master and the multifaceted competencies and struggles our students...