Getting Students to Write- Helping Elementary and Middle School teachers improve student writing.

Here is Part 2!

This one is all about providing Meaning and facilitating Collaboration.

In order for students to feel motivated to write, it must be meaningful to them. Creating meaning always comes b…

If we are hoping to help our writers to enjoy and be engaged in writing, what do we need to provide and facilitate in our classrooms?

This episode will cover two of the four aspects I feel are necess…

One big struggle many writing teachers face is knowing what to teach their writers.

I believe that your writers are your biggest resource, and that asking questions during writing conferences will pr…

Here is Part 2 where we will relate that high jump session to writing instruction!

Identifying a jumper's bar height, understanding their approach, observing and analyzing their jump, identifying a fo…

I mean, it really is!

I recently watched my daughter's high jump training session and was blown away by the parallels between teaching writing and coaching the high jump!

The cycle of observation, demo…

Teachers, I feel ya! It seems to be that time of year when you've been in full swing for a while, and you're tired.

I hope this episode will provide some validation as well as support with a couple o…

Writing teachers! I know there is such a variety of writing levels in your classroom!

This issue has been brought to my attention from several teachers this school year, so we are going to tackle thi…

Just like me, I bet you have said, "they just aren't growing!" and you've felt frustrated with your students' writing growth.

What do we do when our writers (or we) struggle with writing instruction.…

I've been there. I've wanted to be in charge of what my writers do in the classroom.

I worried that their writing might not reflect 'good teaching', so I controlled much of what they did as writers. …

I can picture it now, students are still and silent as they try to work on their writing piece. The teacher quiets anyone who is whispering and tells them to keep writing.

Maybe that is just asking t…

Alright teachers, here's the thing. I know it can be scary to teach this writing stuff!

Today I talk about the 3 obstacles around teaching writing and the ways to combat our fears and concerns and st…

If you are wondering how to start your writing program this year, this is the episode for you!

K-8 teachers will find helpful information for getting started with writing so that your students will A…

I am still excited about my conversation with Kimberly Rotter about her experience with and passion for teaching writing.

In this episode, I reflect on what stands out the most to me from our conver…

Wow! What an inspiring episode! Kimberly leaves us with so many thoughts and questions! Her passion is contagious, and I hope you feel it too!

Just a few of her quotes that stand out are:

• I try to …

Listen in as I model the mentor text portion of 2 mini-lessons!

Mentor Texts are highly effective in demonstrating writing strategies to your writers!

I will discuss the process of using a text as a m…

Here is a quick episode to give the short and sweet of modeled writing.

I share what Modeled Writing is, What it isn't, and why it is such a vital technique for your writing instruction.

Modeled writin…

Building a writing unit can seem like a daunting task, so here is another episode with even more help for planning one!

In this episode, I will speak more to the idea of obtaining feedback from your s…

Interview episodes are always the best!

Michelle Ruhe is a friend and literacy mentor! She is a fabulous resource and support for all things literacy intruction!

In this episode we discuss:

-Why we feel…

Here is the last episode the in Mini-lesson series!

Highlights of the episode include:

-Students do not need to practice/try the mini-lesson strategy that day!!!

-The language you use is important!

-You …

More about Writer's Workshop Mini-lessons!

In this episode you will hear:

-My thoughts on why teachers should follow the structure of the mini-lesson

-A mini-lesson for you! You will hear me walk throug…