Writing
Getting Started with Writing Centers
One of the biggest issues I hear teachers struggling with is meeting all of their students' needs with such a wide range of ability levels. I hear you! You probably already know that conferring and working in small groups is the most organic and effective way to...
Getting Started with Opinion Writing
You probably already know that I LOVE teaching writing. And you might think I'm crazy, but nonfiction writing might be my favorite type of writing. It's hard to call favorites, but truthfully - I find it the easiest (personally) than other types of writing. I think...
Opinion and Informational Text Sets: Reading and Writing from One Text Set (+ a Freebie)
The monthly text sets are a set of nonfiction passages based around one topic. Students use the passages/articles to write in response to reading. The text set includes an opinion or informational writing prompt and reading comprehension questions. This means that you can use ONE set of texts to teach both reading and writing.
MLK Day Opinion Writing
Hey there! If you haven't had the chance to try out the monthly text sets in your classroom, then now is the time. If you teach grades 3-5 and follow the Common Core Standards (or your state's version of that), then your students are probably expected to write in...
How to Teach Informational Writing
You probably already know that I LOVE teaching writing. And you might think I'm crazy, but nonfiction writing might be my favorite type of writing. It's hard to call favorites, but truthfully - I find it the easiest (personally) than other types of writing. I think...
How to Use Small Group Writing Conferences
What do I do with my writers at all different levels? A few weeks back, I shared a blog post about Writing conferences. I think we can all agree how important Writing conferences are. We’d be hardpressed to find a teacher that DIDN’T think writing conferences are...
Actions & Words: Adding Dialogue to Narrative Writing
You know how sometimes you look around the room at your writers and realize they all have some version of describing their favorite birthday at Disney World, their trip to Pennsylvania, or just a description of their BFF and why they love them so much. As you start to...
How to Conduct Writing Conferences in Upper Elementary
Writing conferences are the most organic way to differentiate your writing instruction. These one-to-one moments give us the opportunity to really see our students as writers and give specific instruction to them on how they can grow as writers. Giving our students’...
How to Bring Craft into Your Writing Instruction
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uI9yf9npYQE&w=560&h=315] This is the last video in the 5 Part Video Series: The 5 C's of Teaching Writing with Confidence. If you missed any of the first videos, here are your links: Video 1: Confidence Video 2:...