Posts in The Writing Process
Beat Writer's Block: A Brainstorming Bonanza
Beat Writer's Block: A Brainstorming Bonanza

To me, learning how to brainstorm is a critical skill to advance the writing process.  Students genuinely need direct instruction and allocated time to practice how to brainstorm.  Without teaching this skill, students are likely to deem it fruitless, skip to outlining, and eventually find themselves in a writing rut. 

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Best Practices, The Writing Process, Writing Mini-lessonsGuest Userwriter's block, writing process Comment
Narrative Writing Mini-Lesson: Narrow Focus
Narrative Writing Mini-Lesson: Narrow Focus

A HUGE mistake I see many Elementary writers make is trying to write a story about a topic that’s too broad. Instead of focusing on a small slice or seed of the story, they try to cover EVERYTHING that happened from when they woke up to when they went to bed. Here is a mini-lesson that will help your students narrow their focus to a specific event.

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FREEBIES, Writing Mini-lessons, Writing Workshop, The Writing Process, Modes of Writing, Best PracticesGuest Userelementary writing, writing mini-lesson, writing mini lesson, writing in elementary, 2nd grade writing, 3rd grade writing, 4th grade writing, 5th grade writing, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th gradeComment
Interactive Writing Notebooks: Creating a "Space-Saving" Reference Section
Interactive Writing Notebooks: Creating a "Space-Saving" Reference Section

Including a reference section in student writing notebooks is essential! Read to learn more about ways to set up the resource reference section and to gain suggestions on types of resources to include. Students will become more independent writers when writing skills and strategies are at their fingertips!

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Best Practices, Editing and Revision, The Writing Process, Writing Mini-lessons, Writing WorkshopGuest Userwriting notebooks, writing strategies, writing tips, writing journals, interactive writing notebook, writing process, writing workshop, workshop, struggling writers, writing support, writing in elementary, writing, back-to-school, back to schoolComment
3 Ways to Motivate Writers: An Exclusive Interview with Teaching in Room 6
3 Ways to Motivate Writers: An Exclusive Interview with Teaching in Room 6

Stephanie Moorman from Teaching in Room 6 has been inspiring teachers and supporting student writers for two decades now. She has graciously agreed to share her best tips for motivating students to write here on teachwriting.org! Read this post to find out what Stephanie has to say about motivating students to write. 

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Best Practices, Philosophies on Writing, The Writing Process, Writing WorkshopAmanda Wernerelementary writing, elementary, writing process, writing structure, writing workshop Comment
Writing in the Elementary Classroom: An Interview with the Teacher Next Door
Writing in the Elementary Classroom: An Interview with the Teacher Next Door

I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to interview Jenn Larson, also known as The Teacher Next Door, about her top tips for implementing a writing workshop in elementary and the relationship between reading and writing.  Jenn has been teaching for over 20 years, and over the course of her career, she has developed strategies to help students produce their best pieces of writing and to help teachers navigate writing workshop.

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Best Practices, Philosophies on Writing, The Writing Process, Writing WorkshopMeredith Dobbsthe teacher next door, interview, interviews, writing, writing tips, writing structure, writing workshop, workshop, writer's notebook, notebook, writing support, best practices, elementary, elementary writing Comments
Graphic Organizers vs. Creative Writing- Why Students Need Both to Improve Writing 
Graphic Organizers vs. Creative Writing- Why Students Need Both to Improve Writing 

I love graphic organizers. There is something about the organization and structure they provide. With regards to writing, there is often some debate about whether or not graphic organizers are appropriate for elementary school children. Some educators believe that writing should be totally creative and free flowing. However others believe students need support and structure with writing. In order to be successful writers, I believe students need exposure to both.

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Best Practices, Philosophies on Writing, The Writing Process, Writing WorkshopGuest Userwriting tips, writing strategies, writing support, elementary writing, writing in elementary, 3rd grade writing, 2nd grade writing, 4th grade writing, graphic organizers, creative writingComment
Peer Writing in an Elementary Classroom
Peer Writing in an Elementary Classroom

During the last couple years, I started to embrace collaborative peer writing strategies. You know the old saying, "Two heads are better than one?" Why should it be any different with writing? With a collaborative, peer writing culture in the classroom, students inspire each other, become exemplars, generate dynamic ideas, increase confidence, and become critical observers.

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Best Practices, The Writing Process, Writing WorkshopGuest Userpeer writing, peer review, elementary writing, writing, writing tips, writing strategies, writing workshop, writers workshop, peer editing, collaborative writing, classroom culture, writing process, the writing processComment
Essential Elements for Setting Up an Elementary Writing Workshop 
Essential Elements for Setting Up an Elementary Writing Workshop 

Back to school. A fresh start. A new year. Oh, the possibilities! In this post, I'll share some of my tips for setting up a writing block in elementary school.

Let’s get this year started right…with writing!

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Best Practices, The Writing Process, Writing WorkshopGuest UserWriting block, back to school, back-to-school, writing, writing strategies, writing tips, writing workshop, writers workshop, writing structure, writing warm-upComment