Highly effective writing teachers teach with mentor texts. In direct instruction lessons, teachers explain the techniques to students. (continue reading)
State standards are a guide to all that we ask kids to do as writers and readers. They are not meant to be out of context as a stand-alone lesson. (continue reading)
The words we use to talk about writing and revision matter. Some things to consider from Heinemann Authors, Chris Hall and Mike Anderson. (continue reading)
If you're hoping to attend some virtual PD this year to lift your practice—and your spirits—we have many options for you! However, we know that decision fatigue is real and too many choices can be overwhelming. (continue reading)
Clearly, it is time to stop doing what we have always done with our middle and high school students while expecting different results. (continue reading)
If you, like me, suffer from bouts of the Blahs, I encourage you to develop your own plan too. To take care of our students, to do our part in ensuring Leticia and other young people like her don’t fall into the Abyss, we must first stay clear of it ourselves. (continue reading)
Last fall, I wrote about the Blahs, a predictable time of year when I struggle with energy, motivation, and self-doubt. A friend pointed out that our students battle their own Blahs as well. (continue reading)
In this video, Amy VanDerwater explains that if we are able to harness a love of poetry and use it as a way to demonstrate writing techniques across genres, students gain a better understanding of writing overall. (continue reading)
