In the last three years Google Classroom has definitely transformed my teaching practices. It is such a simple system to use. At first I used it in obvious ways, create a Google Doc, type directions in that Doc and post it as a class assignment. But as time went on I began to see it as a store-house of writing workshop tools and resources! My hope is that this article inspires you to try out new ways of using Google Classroom in order to enhance your writing workshop instruction... 1. Use … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Use Google Classroom During Writing Workshop
Technology
10 Ways to Publish Student Writing: A Step-by-Step Guide
Publishing student writing is the cornerstone of a successful writing workshop program. At the beginning of each of my writing units I tell students they will write many different drafts within a writing genre and pick one to revise intensely and then to publish. In this article I'll present many options for publishing student writing, materials you'll need, the steps you need to take in order to implement these options and the best resources I've found to support you in sharing your … [Read more...] about 10 Ways to Publish Student Writing: A Step-by-Step Guide
10 Ways to Use PowToon in the English Classroom
PowToon is a fun and fairly easy video creation tool for teachers and students. The company already has an excellent blog post about how teachers can utilize this tool in their classrooms here. This blog post is about how students can use PowToon for ten writing and reading tasks! Here is an excellent tutorial video you can show your students to get them started with how to use PowToon... 1. Create an All About You Video Back to school is a great time for … [Read more...] about 10 Ways to Use PowToon in the English Classroom
10 Best YouTube Channels for Writing Teachers
Ever spend hours looking for YouTube videos to teach writing? Youtube channels for writing teachers are hard to find! YouTube is an incredible resource bank for writing teachers...but sometimes it can be annoying to sift through all the junk to get to the good stuff. Believe me, this post took hours and hours of sifting! I've separated out the channels based on if they are best to show students (student facing) or to keep for your own professional developmental arsenal. Check it out and don't … [Read more...] about 10 Best YouTube Channels for Writing Teachers
5 Steps Students Should Take After Googling
Okay, let's be honest here. Everyone Googles everything. Am I right? Hence, the need to teach students how to "Google" properly. Googling has taken over past research practices such as going to the library or using an encyclopedia. It is so easy to find what you want by "Googling" it but there is also a big problem with this! Finding the answers quickly and easily is convenient but also results in a lack of thought. I've seen students who cite Google and Pinterest as their … [Read more...] about 5 Steps Students Should Take After Googling
How to Create Student E-Porfolios
Student E-Portfolios are an easy and engaging way to demonstrate growth and learning. But, what exactly are they and how do you make them happen in your classroom? E-Portfolios are websites that contain pages which show student learning throughout the course of a year. I use Google Sites because it is free, my district uses Google Apps for Education and the sites can be private or shared with the district only. You can use other free platforms such as Weebly or Wix as long as you get … [Read more...] about How to Create Student E-Porfolios
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 the mess before you. And half the class shouts you forgot the "n" in when. Your response is to calmly say, "Why thank you for paying such close attention writers!" Inside you are screaming because you can't write and listen and keep your class all on task at the same time! What about the problem of … [Read more...] about Writing Chart Fails and Fixes
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 online heaven of Google Apps don't worry, many, many districts are changing the way they do things and I'm sure may even be working on it as you read right this very moment! While you are waiting...You could use these ideas as a station during your literacy centers if you have a few i-Pads handy:) So, how can Google Apps transform … [Read more...] about Let Google Take Over Your Writing Classroom, Here’s How…