Is there a stanza or story in this image? Do a little creative writing today. Share it in the comments section.
Stanzas & Stories, 9/13
Try a stanza or story inspired by Nikhil Shah. Post yours in the comments section. Here’s mine: Are you dancing with us, Shadows? Does the rain tickle you to move in the rhythm of our steps? We’re happy to have you join us on our …
Book Response: No More “Us” and “Them” by Lesley Roessing
On Fridays, I write a blog post for my seventh grade students and their families about what we were trying to do that week in class. On the first Friday of the school year, I asked students to reply to the post with a comment …
Sunday Stanzas & Stories, 8.30
Dixie Keyes from Arkansas State writes, “One consistent creative writing idea that I ease into fluidly, even on a busy day is writing about ‘moments.’ This also challenges me to rethink the day with gratitude and to be more mindful of interactions with everyone. So, I …
Classroom Library: Tips from a Librarian
Setting up a middle school classroom library with the help of Erin Linsenmeyer of the Downers Grove Public Library.
Peer Response from Three Perspectives
A three-perspective approach to peer response involves responding as a human being, a reader, and a writer.
Sunday Stanzas & Stories. 8.23
Pick someone out that we each see daily, or regularly, and create a little character study or fictional backstory.
Teacher-Friends: Diane & Sarah
Teaching can feel so lonely at times. Do you have a colleague who is your BFF, who pulls you out from under your desk to make you laugh, who hands you a tissue when you just need to cry, who just inspires you? Diane and Sarah taught together for over a decade, and through a series of email exchanges, they talked about stories, students, and the beauty of teacher-friends.
Sunday Stanzas & Stories, 8.16
Last week, in my Call for Writers, I invited you to join me on Sundays to do some creative writing. People from all over the country responded- Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Texas, and Turkey. Thank you for joining me in …
Book Response: Rethinking Grading by Cathy Vatterott
I think this book is really helpful for teachers rethinking grades. Okay. In Rethinking Grading: Meaningful Assessment for Standards-Based Learning, Cathy Vatterott offers a framework for standards-based grading to reflect student progress and learning, and she provides examples from elementary, middle, and high schools. Still, …