Welcome to the Podcast
Empower Students Now
5 Ways to Use Google Classroom During Writing Workshop
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...
Launching Writing Workshop: The First 14 Days
This article outlines exactly what I did to launch both reading and writing workshop in my classroom. If you are an English teacher wanting to teach using the writing and reading workshop model, then this post is exactly what you’ve been looking for! You’ll find my exact lesson outline for 14 total school days. Students will get to know each other, you’ll build a writing community and begin teaching workshop routines in a matter of 14 days.
The Ultimate Writing Workshop Routines Guide
Every teacher on the planet knows that the first weeks of school are all about routines, routines, routines and more routines. But, over time so many routines in our classrooms go overlooked. This guide discusses five important components of the workshop schedule...
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....
5 Worst Research Habits Kids Have and How to Fix Them
Researching online is easier than ever. But, thoughtlessness is easier than ever too! Classrooms are transforming. They are spending more and more time learning online. This is why it is vital we read articles like this with our students. We need to think about,...
Teach Argumentative Writing Through Video
Students are glued to their media...YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat are the top apps used by secondary kids. As educators our job is to engage our students in the process of learning and what better way is there to engage than through video?!?! In this post...
Why You’re Probably Teaching Information Writing WRONG
Most secondary teachers I know, wonderful teachers who are friends of mine by the way, teach information/expository writing using essay assignments. Here's how it usually goes: Read & annotate articles Write an essay in response to the articles Teach how to cite...
Realizations About Teaching Writing
Don't have time to read? Listen to this article instead! I've been teaching writing workshop for four years now with no formal training. Last week I attended the Summer Writing Institute in NYC organized and facilitated by the leading think tank in writing instruction...
The Truth About Writing Part One
This is a three-part mini lesson series that will help you reach for the truth about writing with your students. Each post will include a mini lesson, not for the faint of heart. These mini lessons are for writing teachers who want to discuss difficult topics that...
8 Ways Teachers Kill a Love of Writing in Their Classrooms
Are you a writing teacher who wants to instill a love of writing in your students but aren't sure how? Yes, teaching standards is important and students need to be college and career ready, but that doesn't mean we have to suck the fun out of writing, does it!?!? In...
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 exhibit can make your head spin! I'm not a fan of labeling students but over the course of twelve years...