It’s that time of year where things are finally starting to click. The procedures have been modeled and practiced, the writing tools have been introduced, and the writing stamina is starting to grow.
Read MoreHere are my 3 favorite narrative writing mini-lessons that will have your students writing spooky Halloween stories that build suspense for their readers.
Read MoreStay in the know! Read to find out how you can stay supported with incorporating genres of writing into your classroom! Gain support with Narrative Writing, Creative Writing and Poetry!
Read MoreA 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.
Read MoreIncluding 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!
Read MoreLooking to improve students attitudes toward writing? I will show you how to get started with writing warm-ups in your elementary classroom.
Read MoreIn order for students to learn to effectively write responses to text, we must teach them how to cite evidence and explain it. Here is an easy formula to teach students how to write an effective response to text.
Read MoreGrabbing and holding the reader's’ attention is what makes or breaks a story. I don’t know any teachers who get excited to read 30 narratives that begin with the same boring opener. I have taught 2nd - 6th grade and I expect more from my students. The lead is an important element of the story and should take effort and thought.
Read MoreI 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.
Read MoreJust 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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