I wrote this six part equity series to better understand the inequities surrounding the ways in which we teach and assess reading and writing skills in the United States. I wanted to know more. Not only that, I wanted to find practical solutions for the problems all teachers (not just English teachers) face, such as: A lack of understanding about how to teach reading and writing effectively and with equity in mindThe immense challenge of helping 30+ students with many differing needsStudents … [Read more...] about Rethinking Elementary and Secondary Reading Instruction and Assessment with Equity in Mind
Assessment
Rethinking Writing Assessment with Equity in Mind
In this six-part series, I outline exactly how I’m rethinking my workshop classroom with an equity lens. You can find the other parts of this series here:Part 1: Rethinking Writing Workshop with Equity in MindPart 2: Rethinking Reading Workshop with Equity in MindPart 3: Rethinking Conferencing with Equity in MindPart 4: Rethinking Unit Design with Equity in MindThere are many things I take issue with when it comes to the way we go about grading writing. But, before going into the topic of … [Read more...] about Rethinking Writing Assessment with Equity in Mind
Rethinking Unit Design with Equity in Mind
In this six-part series, I outline exactly how I’m rethinking my workshop classroom with an equity lens. You can find the other parts of this series here:Part 1: Rethinking Writing Workshop with Equity in MindPart 2: Rethinking Reading Workshop with Equity in MindPart 3: Rethinking Conferencing with Equity in MindBefore we get started with part 4, we need to define workshop and we need to define equity. Here is my very brief definition of both…Workshop- a method of teaching that empowers … [Read more...] about Rethinking Unit Design with Equity in Mind
How to Quit Grading So Much…
Amanda Write Now · How To Quit Grading So Much And Make It More Meaningful So, you want to know how to quit grading so much? Or maybe you just want your grading process to be more systematic and meaningful for students. Well, reading this blog post is the first step to making both of these things happen! My mission is to make teachers' lives easier. I resigned from teaching because of COVID-19. After making this huge decision one question has been on my mind constantly...how can I help … [Read more...] about How to Quit Grading So Much…
How I Cut My Grading Time by Ten Hours
I teach 4 sections of English with a total of 128 students. Grading that many papers every few months is a huge endeavor and can overtake a person's life! In my 13 years as a teacher, I've never been able to kick that nagging feeling that there's always more to do. I decided to change things this year. This mindset had to go, in order to begin taking better care of myself. I know that by taking care of myself and reducing my workload I will be a more effective and happy mother, wife … [Read more...] about How I Cut My Grading Time by Ten Hours
ONE Crucial Thing You Might Not Be Doing When Planning Writing Units and How To Start Doing It!
Teachers are SUPER busy during the school year and need to be efficient when planning new writing units. It is absolutely necessary to find ways to save time. The thing is you are most likely missing one huge step before you even begin planning your lessons. Listen to the podcast episode above or watch the YouTube video below to find out the ONE thing you need to start doing in order to save time when planning but more importantly, to teach students what they actually need to … [Read more...] about ONE Crucial Thing You Might Not Be Doing When Planning Writing Units and How To Start Doing It!
13 Creative Assessment Ideas for Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening
English teachers often default to essays, quizzes and tests as assessments. Figuring out creative ways to assess beyond this can be challenging. So, I've teamed up with some of my favorite blogging friends (see who below) to come up with creative ways to assess students' skills as readers, writers, speakers and listeners! This article would not be possible without the innovative ideas of these amazing teacher bloggers. Be sure to click over to their websites because they have so many brilliant, … [Read more...] about 13 Creative Assessment Ideas for Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening
10 Ways to Make Grading Writing Easier
Don't have time to read this article? Listen here! Grading hundreds of papers is the bane of an English teacher's existence. Don't get me wrong. I love being able to get a thorough look into the minds of my students and their writing abilities. Reading their writing can actually be quite pleasurable. It's slapping a letter grade onto that writing that has always bothered me. So in this article I'd like to go over ten things that have helped me make grading a much easier and satisfying … [Read more...] about 10 Ways to Make Grading Writing Easier