Posts tagged writing
4 Activities to Support Creative Writing
4 Activities to Support Creative Writing

During writer’s workshop, I do not deviate from the standards I am responsible for teaching. Here’s where my conflict arises: I want my young writers to experience writing in a fun, free, engaging and enjoyable way; I want them to let loose, relax, smile, and laugh! I will describe four activities I always have available for my students to help them tap into their creative side.

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Technology & Writing, Writing Workshop, FREEBIES, Best PracticesGuest Usercreative writing, writing, writing workshop, writing center, writing activities, writers workshop, creativeComment
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
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
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
12 Strategies to Support Struggling Writers in Elementary
12 Strategies to Support Struggling Writers in Elementary

Just like our students, not all struggling writers are the same. Some students struggle with writing because they are stuck for ideas. You know the kid…the one who proclaims, “I don’t know what to write,” then shrugs and stares blankly at you.  Those are also often the students getting up to get another drink of water and staring at a blank page. These students struggle with getting started and knowing what to write about.

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Best PracticesGuest Userwriting strategies, writing tips, writing, writing support, struggling writers, elementary writing, writing in elementary Comment
End of the Year Writing Reflection
End of the Year Writing Reflection

The Undiscovered Author Writing Reflection is a fun end of the year writing activity inspired by Playbill Biographies. During this writing project, students reflect on their writing assignments for the year. This writing reflection makes a great cover piece for student writing portfolios and they are very cute to hang up at Open House!

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FREEBIES, Writing AssignmentsGuest Userwriting, elementary writing, writing activity, end of the year writing, end of the year writing activity, end of the year writing reflection, writing reflection, writing projectComment