Category Archives: writing
Beating my head against a brick wall made of homophones and dangling participles…
I love teaching young writers. I love nudging them along, building their confidence, and reading their words. I love teaching them to freewrite, to try different genres, to embrace revision as opportunity rather than obligation. And I do okay at … Continue reading
Filed under instruction, writing
The Power of Positive Grammar
GUMS–Grammar, Usage, Mechanics, Spelling. If there were really a way to get around teaching this business in fifth grade, I’d have found it. Since it is un-getaroundable, I’m trying to figure out a more positive approach. I’ve been hanging on … Continue reading
Filed under instruction, writing
Summer Goals Update Part 2
I’m reading the third and final professional book on my summer list. Well, I actually have picked up a few more, but Choice Words by Peter Johnston is the last I committed to finish by summer’s end. I wrote a … Continue reading
Filed under instruction, professional development, writing
Craft Cracking
I have a rather terrible habit of assuming conscious negative intent when “higher-ups” (or their potential henchpeople) mention professional titles. I anticipate more bolted-on, poorly supported shifts in curriculum and practices that don’t end up benefiting students as promised and promoted. … Continue reading
Filed under instruction, professional development, writing
Rereading and Highlighting
I finished Notebook Know-How: Strategies for the Writer’s Notebook by Aimee Buckner yesterday. Some useful ideas from a teacher/writer who is clearly very thoughtful. Sadly, I did not get the magic shortcut for the one universally perfect way to help … Continue reading
Filed under instruction, writing
Rethinking Writer’s Notebook Work
No, I have not finished Notebook Know-How by Aimee Buckner yet. But I need to write about what I want to stick with me now, or it’ll just fade away. I’ve read the first two chapters, and what I’m enjoying most … Continue reading
Filed under Uncategorized, writing
Digital Storytelling
My class completed their digital stories a couple of weeks ago. For their first attempt, they’re pretty good. Having to collaborate on a group project and doing informational pieces made the projects extra-challenging. I wish I could share them online, … Continue reading
Filed under Tech Integration, Uncategorized, writing
The Podcast’s the Thing
Here I am, trying to get back on the reflective blogging again! In my class’ most recent publishing cycle, a handful of my students chose to blog their pieces–something we’ve done with great success in the past. Another handful chose … Continue reading
Filed under Tech Integration, Uncategorized, writing
Nonfiction Writing–WOWstyle
Hey WOWsers, welcome to my blog. I’m happy to say that, thanks to my fellow RCWP colleague Jennifer O’Brien, I helped deliver a workshop yesterday that was okay. The focus was on nonfiction writing, and I made a commitment to … Continue reading
Filed under Uncategorized, writing
Assessment That Doesn’t Suck
I’m happily plopped on a friend’s couch in Seattle, trying to enjoy the last few days of winter break, but needing to look ahead to the next six months at the same time. I hate multitasking. I pulled out my … Continue reading
Filed under assessment, Uncategorized, writing
