Two Writing Teachers Podcast Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:38:22 -0400 https://twowritingteachers.org en © 2026 Two Writing Teachers Podcast yes e298538f-c091-541b-929a-288dbc102f7b Two Writing Teachers episodic false Since 2007, Two Writing Teachers has been a vibrant community of reflective writers. We're excited to take our passion for teaching writing to new heights in the second season of our podcast. Join us as we explore ways to create, lead, and sustain joyful and productive writing workshops, empowering educators to help their students become competent, brave, and confident writers. Let's make writing instruction engaging and rewarding for everyone involved!

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]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) writing workshop, workshop model, writing, teacher as writer, education, progressive education, writers, teachers, teaching, writing instruction Two Writing Teachers https://storage.buzzsprout.com/s1v1koyqix1aktibo4mqknfurp02?.jpg Two Writing Teachers Podcast https://twowritingteachers.org Melanie Meehan Stacey Shubitz Activism in Writing: A Writing Roundtable Activism in Writing: A Writing Roundtable This episode features Doug Kaufman and Tracey-Ann Lafayette talking about student activism, voice, and writing as a tool for social change. They explore how students move from personal concerns to purposeful action through inquiry, research, and dialogue. 

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]]> This episode features Doug Kaufman and Tracey-Ann Lafayette talking about student activism, voice, and writing as a tool for social change. They explore how students move from personal concerns to purposeful action through inquiry, research, and dialogue. 

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-18874116 Sun, 29 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0400 2596 full false The Power of Read Alouds: A Conversation With a Colleague The Power of Read Alouds: A Conversation With a Colleague Two Writing Teacher Co-author Jessica Carey joins Melanie to talk about the power of read alouds with tips and strategies that you can use right away in literacy instruction. Jess is a literacy coordinator in Westport, CT, and she is inspirational in the work she does every day with young learners. 

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]]> Two Writing Teacher Co-author Jessica Carey joins Melanie to talk about the power of read alouds with tips and strategies that you can use right away in literacy instruction. Jess is a literacy coordinator in Westport, CT, and she is inspirational in the work she does every day with young learners. 

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-18848436 Sun, 22 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0400 1655 full false The Importance of Morphology: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie The Importance of Morphology: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie In this tip for tomorrow, Melanie talks about why morphology is so important as students learn and use words. She also offers strategies for how to build students' skills in this critical area. 

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]]> In this tip for tomorrow, Melanie talks about why morphology is so important as students learn and use words. She also offers strategies for how to build students' skills in this critical area. 

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-18844199 Sat, 14 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400 439 full false Reset Tough Conferences Quickly: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Reset Tough Conferences Quickly: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Conferences don’t always go as planned, but you can quickly get back on track with a simple reset. Whether a student shuts down, you start over-teaching, or time runs out, each situation has a quick recovery line to try. Pause to rebuild trust, return control to the student, or end with a clear next step. These small pivots help students feel supported and keep your conferences productive. Pick one reset to try in tomorrow’s writing workshop.

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]]> Conferences don’t always go as planned, but you can quickly get back on track with a simple reset. Whether a student shuts down, you start over-teaching, or time runs out, each situation has a quick recovery line to try. Pause to rebuild trust, return control to the student, or end with a clear next step. These small pivots help students feel supported and keep your conferences productive. Pick one reset to try in tomorrow’s writing workshop.

Thanks to our affiliate, Zencastr! Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. 

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-18559519 Sun, 08 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0400 299 full false Foundational Skills of Writing: A Writing Roundtable Foundational Skills of Writing: A Writing Roundtable In this episode, Stacey talks with Melanie Meehan and Maggie Roberts about their book, Foundational Skills for Writing: A Brain-Based Guide to Strengthen Executive Functions, Language, and Other Cornerstones for Writers. The discussion highlights the "Conversations with a Colleague” sections, which bring expert voices to teachers and promote classroom collaboration. Melanie and Maggie explain how graphic organizers serve as thinking tools that support executive functioning and make writing more accessible. They also discuss the connection between gross motor development and fine motor writing skills, sharing strategies for learners of all ages. The episode offers practical tips on topics like cognitive flexibility and playful sentence combining.

ABOUT TODAY’S GUESTS

Maggie Beattie Roberts is a national literacy consultant, author, and highly sought-after professional learning facilitator. As co-author of DIY Literacy: Teaching Tools for Differentiation, Rigor, and Independence (2016; with Kate Roberts), Maggie continues to empower educators with tools that enhance student learning and independence. Her forthcoming book, Unboxing the Curriculum, helps educators and school leaders navigate prepackaged curriculum and tailor it to their students’ needs. Learn more about Maggie's work at kateandmaggie.com 

Melanie Meehan opened The Writing Clinic, an in-person and online center for inspiring and nurturing competent, confident, and joyful young writers, after retiring from her public school position as an Elementary Curriculum Coordinator. Melanie’s published works include Every Child Can Write (2019), The Responsive Writing Teacher (2021), and Answers to Your Biggest Questions About Teaching Elementary Writing (2022), all published by Corwin Press. 

GO DEEPER

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]]> In this episode, Stacey talks with Melanie Meehan and Maggie Roberts about their book, Foundational Skills for Writing: A Brain-Based Guide to Strengthen Executive Functions, Language, and Other Cornerstones for Writers. The discussion highlights the "Conversations with a Colleague” sections, which bring expert voices to teachers and promote classroom collaboration. Melanie and Maggie explain how graphic organizers serve as thinking tools that support executive functioning and make writing more accessible. They also discuss the connection between gross motor development and fine motor writing skills, sharing strategies for learners of all ages. The episode offers practical tips on topics like cognitive flexibility and playful sentence combining.

ABOUT TODAY’S GUESTS

Maggie Beattie Roberts is a national literacy consultant, author, and highly sought-after professional learning facilitator. As co-author of DIY Literacy: Teaching Tools for Differentiation, Rigor, and Independence (2016; with Kate Roberts), Maggie continues to empower educators with tools that enhance student learning and independence. Her forthcoming book, Unboxing the Curriculum, helps educators and school leaders navigate prepackaged curriculum and tailor it to their students’ needs. Learn more about Maggie's work at kateandmaggie.com 

Melanie Meehan opened The Writing Clinic, an in-person and online center for inspiring and nurturing competent, confident, and joyful young writers, after retiring from her public school position as an Elementary Curriculum Coordinator. Melanie’s published works include Every Child Can Write (2019), The Responsive Writing Teacher (2021), and Answers to Your Biggest Questions About Teaching Elementary Writing (2022), all published by Corwin Press. 

GO DEEPER

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-18720837 Sun, 01 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0500 2634 full false Conferring as Equity Work: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Conferring as Equity Work: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey This week’s TFT episode shifts the conversation about conferring from technique to equity. Even with solid conferring routines, some students, especially multilingual learners, students with IEPs, and quieter voices, can miss out on meaningful conferences. Learn how a quick equity scan of your conferring notes can help close these gaps. You’ll hear practical strategies to ensure every student benefits from your best teaching moves. Tune in to see how a few simple shifts can make your conferences more equitable and impactful for all writers.



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]]> This week’s TFT episode shifts the conversation about conferring from technique to equity. Even with solid conferring routines, some students, especially multilingual learners, students with IEPs, and quieter voices, can miss out on meaningful conferences. Learn how a quick equity scan of your conferring notes can help close these gaps. You’ll hear practical strategies to ensure every student benefits from your best teaching moves. Tune in to see how a few simple shifts can make your conferences more equitable and impactful for all writers.



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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-18559483 Sun, 22 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0500 300 full false Writing Together with Slice of Life: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Writing Together with Slice of Life: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Stacey and Melanie dive into the transformative power of the Slice of Life Story Challenge, a writing initiative that has connected educators since 2008. Stacey shares the origins of the challenge, emphasizing the importance of community and daily writing. The discussion highlights how participating in this challenge not only enhances writing skills but also deepens empathy and understanding among teachers, impacting their overall teaching practices. Melanie reflects on a recent meeting with fellow educators who revealed that the challenge has been a game-changer in their careers, enriching their approach across various content areas. Join them as they explore the profound insights gained from being authentic learners within a supportive writing community.

Go Deeper:

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]]> Stacey and Melanie dive into the transformative power of the Slice of Life Story Challenge, a writing initiative that has connected educators since 2008. Stacey shares the origins of the challenge, emphasizing the importance of community and daily writing. The discussion highlights how participating in this challenge not only enhances writing skills but also deepens empathy and understanding among teachers, impacting their overall teaching practices. Melanie reflects on a recent meeting with fellow educators who revealed that the challenge has been a game-changer in their careers, enriching their approach across various content areas. Join them as they explore the profound insights gained from being authentic learners within a supportive writing community.

Go Deeper:

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-18674594 Sun, 15 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0500 1953 full false Interval Training in Writing: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Interval Training in Writing: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie While interval training shouldn't take the place of process writing, there are potential benefits to writing in short spurts. In this episode, Melanie shares some reasons to give interval writing a try, as well as some strategies to get you started.

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]]> While interval training shouldn't take the place of process writing, there are potential benefits to writing in short spurts. In this episode, Melanie shares some reasons to give interval writing a try, as well as some strategies to get you started.

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-18562521 Sun, 08 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0500 373 full false Embracing Imperfection as a Teacher-Writer: A Conversation With a Colleague Embracing Imperfection as a Teacher-Writer: A Conversation With a Colleague This episode features Ana Valentina Patton, an Instructional Coordinator at KLA Academy in Miami and a contributing writer for the Two Writing Teachers blog. Together, Stacey and Ana tackle the challenges teachers face during the mid-year slump, when energy dips and the pressure of test scores can overshadow the joy of writing. Ana shares practical ways to reclaim presence and authenticity as a teacher-writer, focusing on small shifts that make a big difference in the K-6 classroom. Drawing on her global teaching background, Ana offers strategies for connecting and making writing a more joyful, meaningful part of daily classroom life.

GO DEEPER:

Ana Valentina Patton, the Instructional Coordinator at KLA Academy in Miami. With over 20 years of experience across the globe—taught in Venezuela, Egypt, and now the U.S.—Ana is an expert in literacy coaching and writing workshops. She’s passionate about the 'reciprocal power' of teaching and learning, and she’s here to help us cultivate stronger writing communities in our schools.

Instagram: @anavpatton

Blog: https://anavpatton.org

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]]> This episode features Ana Valentina Patton, an Instructional Coordinator at KLA Academy in Miami and a contributing writer for the Two Writing Teachers blog. Together, Stacey and Ana tackle the challenges teachers face during the mid-year slump, when energy dips and the pressure of test scores can overshadow the joy of writing. Ana shares practical ways to reclaim presence and authenticity as a teacher-writer, focusing on small shifts that make a big difference in the K-6 classroom. Drawing on her global teaching background, Ana offers strategies for connecting and making writing a more joyful, meaningful part of daily classroom life.

GO DEEPER:

Ana Valentina Patton, the Instructional Coordinator at KLA Academy in Miami. With over 20 years of experience across the globe—taught in Venezuela, Egypt, and now the U.S.—Ana is an expert in literacy coaching and writing workshops. She’s passionate about the 'reciprocal power' of teaching and learning, and she’s here to help us cultivate stronger writing communities in our schools.

Instagram: @anavpatton

Blog: https://anavpatton.org

Thanks to our affiliate, Zencastr! Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. 

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-18559392 Sun, 01 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0500 2167 full false Building Self-Advocacy: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Building Self-Advocacy: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Discover how teaching self-advocacy during writing workshop empowers students to express their needs and take charge of their learning. Drawing on insights from her upcoming book, Make the School System Work for Your Child with Disabilities: Empowering Kids for the Future, Stacey shares practical sentence starters to help students ask for help with revision, clarify instructions, and participate in peer conferences with confidence. Learn how teaching your students these sentences can foster independence and help them speak up for themselves clearly. 

Six Self-Advocacy Sentences for Writing Workshop

  1. I’m feeling confused about my writing. Can you help me understand what to do next?
  2. I need help with this part of my writing. Could you help me?
  3. I’m not sure how to revise this. Could you show me again?
  4. Can you please check if I understood the instructions correctly?
  5. I’m struggling with giving feedback. Can we talk about how to do it?
  6. I’m not comfortable sharing this piece. Is there another way I can participate?

Learn more about Stacey’s book, Make the School System Work for Your Child with Disabilities: Empowering Kids for the Future (Guilford Press, 2026).

*****

Thanks to our affiliate, Zencastr. Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. 

*****


Send us Fan Mail

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]]> Discover how teaching self-advocacy during writing workshop empowers students to express their needs and take charge of their learning. Drawing on insights from her upcoming book, Make the School System Work for Your Child with Disabilities: Empowering Kids for the Future, Stacey shares practical sentence starters to help students ask for help with revision, clarify instructions, and participate in peer conferences with confidence. Learn how teaching your students these sentences can foster independence and help them speak up for themselves clearly. 

Six Self-Advocacy Sentences for Writing Workshop

  1. I’m feeling confused about my writing. Can you help me understand what to do next?
  2. I need help with this part of my writing. Could you help me?
  3. I’m not sure how to revise this. Could you show me again?
  4. Can you please check if I understood the instructions correctly?
  5. I’m struggling with giving feedback. Can we talk about how to do it?
  6. I’m not comfortable sharing this piece. Is there another way I can participate?

Learn more about Stacey’s book, Make the School System Work for Your Child with Disabilities: Empowering Kids for the Future (Guilford Press, 2026).

*****

Thanks to our affiliate, Zencastr. Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. 

*****


Send us Fan Mail

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You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-18548316 Sun, 25 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0500 457 full false Previewing MAKE THE SCHOOL SYSTEM WORK FOR YOUR CHILD WITH DISABILITIES: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Previewing MAKE THE SCHOOL SYSTEM WORK FOR YOUR CHILD WITH DISABILITIES: A Digging Deeper Dialogue In this episode, Melanie talks with Stacey about her forthcoming book, Make the School System Work for Your Child with Disabilities: Empowering Kids for the Future. From its three-part structure and recurring features, such as tips for cultivating joy and engaging in self-care, to its asset-based approach that builds partnerships while fiercely advocating for services, the book offers practical guidance. Designed primarily for parents and caregivers, it also benefits educators and service providers by demystifying technical language, procedures, and processes, serving as a quick-reference roadmap—making it valuable for non-special ed teachers, new special educators, administrators, and more. It offers key insights on self-advocacy, agency, and strategies to empower kids for lifelong success ahead of its January 20 release from Guilford Press.

​Use promo code AU2E to receive 15% off your pre-order this text at Guilford.com.

​Connect with Stacey Shubitz online:



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]]> In this episode, Melanie talks with Stacey about her forthcoming book, Make the School System Work for Your Child with Disabilities: Empowering Kids for the Future. From its three-part structure and recurring features, such as tips for cultivating joy and engaging in self-care, to its asset-based approach that builds partnerships while fiercely advocating for services, the book offers practical guidance. Designed primarily for parents and caregivers, it also benefits educators and service providers by demystifying technical language, procedures, and processes, serving as a quick-reference roadmap—making it valuable for non-special ed teachers, new special educators, administrators, and more. It offers key insights on self-advocacy, agency, and strategies to empower kids for lifelong success ahead of its January 20 release from Guilford Press.

​Use promo code AU2E to receive 15% off your pre-order this text at Guilford.com.

​Connect with Stacey Shubitz online:



Send us Fan Mail

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-18475694 Sun, 18 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0500 1973 full false Handwriting Tips: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Handwriting Tips: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie In this episode, Melanie provides a few tips for building students' automaticity with letter formation. 

Go deeper

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]]> In this episode, Melanie provides a few tips for building students' automaticity with letter formation. 

Go deeper

Send us Fan Mail

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-18443270 Sun, 11 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0500 433 full false The Power of Cognitive Flexibility: A Digging Deeper Dialogue The Power of Cognitive Flexibility: A Digging Deeper Dialogue This week, we examine cognitive flexibility and its importance for young writers and learners. Listeners will hear clear, classroom-based examples—such as switching from an outside voice to an inside voice, adapting to new assignments, and seeing disappointing grades as growth opportunities. The discussion links cognitive flexibility to writing, emphasizing how it aids in planning, revising, experimenting with different leads and endings, and responding to teacher feedback productively. Practical strategies like perspective-taking, word play, experimentation, writing within constraints, and goal-setting are shared to help teachers develop this skill. The episode also features picture book mentor texts such as Don’t Feed the Bears, Beautiful Oops, The Dot, and One Word from Sophia, using them as springboards to discuss flexible thinking with students.

Sources Mentioned

Thanks to our affiliate, Zencastr! Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. 

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]]> This week, we examine cognitive flexibility and its importance for young writers and learners. Listeners will hear clear, classroom-based examples—such as switching from an outside voice to an inside voice, adapting to new assignments, and seeing disappointing grades as growth opportunities. The discussion links cognitive flexibility to writing, emphasizing how it aids in planning, revising, experimenting with different leads and endings, and responding to teacher feedback productively. Practical strategies like perspective-taking, word play, experimentation, writing within constraints, and goal-setting are shared to help teachers develop this skill. The episode also features picture book mentor texts such as Don’t Feed the Bears, Beautiful Oops, The Dot, and One Word from Sophia, using them as springboards to discuss flexible thinking with students.

Sources Mentioned

Thanks to our affiliate, Zencastr! Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. 

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-18433573 Sun, 04 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0500 2007 full false The Beauty of Opinion Writing: A Digging Deeper Dialogue The Beauty of Opinion Writing: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Opinion writing in grades K–6 is more than just persuasive essays. It lets kids express what they really think and see their ideas matter on the page. In this episode, we look at what makes opinion writing special: children sharing real opinions on topics they care about, building their sense of self, and bravely taking risks with their words. You’ll hear how opinion writing grows from simple preferences with pictures and labels to more thoughtful arguments that consider other viewpoints. We also share a list of mentor texts you can use to lift the level of your students’ opinion writing. Finally, we offer ways to celebrate students’ work, like author’s chair, hallway displays, family mailings, and online publishing, all focused on giving students a voice and the joy of sharing their opinions with real audiences.

Go Deeper 

Books We Mentioned:


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]]> Opinion writing in grades K–6 is more than just persuasive essays. It lets kids express what they really think and see their ideas matter on the page. In this episode, we look at what makes opinion writing special: children sharing real opinions on topics they care about, building their sense of self, and bravely taking risks with their words. You’ll hear how opinion writing grows from simple preferences with pictures and labels to more thoughtful arguments that consider other viewpoints. We also share a list of mentor texts you can use to lift the level of your students’ opinion writing. Finally, we offer ways to celebrate students’ work, like author’s chair, hallway displays, family mailings, and online publishing, all focused on giving students a voice and the joy of sharing their opinions with real audiences.

Go Deeper 

Books We Mentioned:


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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-18320303 Sun, 14 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0500 2367 full false Finding Home and Building Voice with Mentor Texts: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Finding Home and Building Voice with Mentor Texts: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey In this episode, Stacey explores how picture books about moving, starting over, and making a new home—including stories of immigrants, refugees, and families in transition—can inspire and elevate students’ writing. Drawing on Rudine Sims Bishop’s work about books as mirrors and windows, she highlights three powerful titles: My Home is in My Backpack, You Are Home, and Just Say Welcome. Each book offers students opportunities to see themselves, build empathy, and practice meaningful writing craft moves. You’ll also learn a simple, actionable routine for using picture books as mentor texts in your classroom right away. Whether your students have lived through significant changes or are learning to welcome others, these stories will help every child find their voice and build a sense of belonging through writing.

Click here to look inside the picture books in “Finding Home and Building Voice: How Picture Books on Moving and Belonging Inspire Young Writers.”

References:

Craft Moves: Lesson Sets for Teaching Writing with Mentor Texts by Stacey Shubitz (Stenhouse Publishers, 2016)

Just Say Welcome by Emily Raij and Nathalia Takeyama (Kar-Ben Publishing, 2025)

Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors by Rudine Sims Bishop (1990)

My Home is in My Backpack by Eugenia Perrella and Angela Salerno (Floris Books, 2025)

You Are Home by Bex Tobin Fine and Andres Landazabal

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]]> In this episode, Stacey explores how picture books about moving, starting over, and making a new home—including stories of immigrants, refugees, and families in transition—can inspire and elevate students’ writing. Drawing on Rudine Sims Bishop’s work about books as mirrors and windows, she highlights three powerful titles: My Home is in My Backpack, You Are Home, and Just Say Welcome. Each book offers students opportunities to see themselves, build empathy, and practice meaningful writing craft moves. You’ll also learn a simple, actionable routine for using picture books as mentor texts in your classroom right away. Whether your students have lived through significant changes or are learning to welcome others, these stories will help every child find their voice and build a sense of belonging through writing.

Click here to look inside the picture books in “Finding Home and Building Voice: How Picture Books on Moving and Belonging Inspire Young Writers.”

References:

Craft Moves: Lesson Sets for Teaching Writing with Mentor Texts by Stacey Shubitz (Stenhouse Publishers, 2016)

Just Say Welcome by Emily Raij and Nathalia Takeyama (Kar-Ben Publishing, 2025)

Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors by Rudine Sims Bishop (1990)

My Home is in My Backpack by Eugenia Perrella and Angela Salerno (Floris Books, 2025)

You Are Home by Bex Tobin Fine and Andres Landazabal

THANKS TO OUR AFFILIATE!

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-18293772 Sun, 07 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0500 489 full false Inspire Students to Set Goals: The Writing Roundtable Inspire Students to Set Goals: The Writing Roundtable This Writing Roundtable episode features Valerie Bolling discussing her book, Goal Setting in the Writing Classroom: Building Student Agency, Independence, and Success. Valerie shares what inspired her focus on writing, goal setting, and how teachers can balance guidance with student ownership. She explains how to model goal setting, teach effective strategies, and assess student progress. Valerie also addresses common challenges teachers face and offers practical solutions. This episode provides valuable insights into fostering agency and independence in young writers.

Go Deeper: Here are several Two Writing Teachers blog posts and past podcast episodes that deal with the topics discussed in this episode:

Valerie Bolling is an award-winning 30-year educator/author who has written over 10 books for children; Goal Setting in the Writing Classroom: Building Student Agency, Independence, and Success is her first book for teachers, and she has two others on the way. Follow these links to find Valerie online:

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]]> This Writing Roundtable episode features Valerie Bolling discussing her book, Goal Setting in the Writing Classroom: Building Student Agency, Independence, and Success. Valerie shares what inspired her focus on writing, goal setting, and how teachers can balance guidance with student ownership. She explains how to model goal setting, teach effective strategies, and assess student progress. Valerie also addresses common challenges teachers face and offers practical solutions. This episode provides valuable insights into fostering agency and independence in young writers.

Go Deeper: Here are several Two Writing Teachers blog posts and past podcast episodes that deal with the topics discussed in this episode:

Valerie Bolling is an award-winning 30-year educator/author who has written over 10 books for children; Goal Setting in the Writing Classroom: Building Student Agency, Independence, and Success is her first book for teachers, and she has two others on the way. Follow these links to find Valerie online:

Thanks to our affiliate, Zencastr! Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. 

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-18149778 Sun, 30 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0500 2138 full false Shape the Trajectory of Writing Units: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Shape the Trajectory of Writing Units: A Digging Deeper Dialogue In this episode, we explore the typical path that every writing unit follows, regardless of the curriculum. We highlight teaching strategies that work in different settings. We discuss immersion, its importance, and how to make it more beneficial for writers. We also discuss how co-creating anchor and process charts can support students, focusing on what authors do and how they do it. You'll hear tips on helping students think about their purpose and audience, guiding them through planning, drafting, and revising, and building a strong classroom community through partnerships, sharing, and feedback. We wrap up with ideas for celebrating writing and encouraging meaningful reflection.

GO DEEPER:

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]]> In this episode, we explore the typical path that every writing unit follows, regardless of the curriculum. We highlight teaching strategies that work in different settings. We discuss immersion, its importance, and how to make it more beneficial for writers. We also discuss how co-creating anchor and process charts can support students, focusing on what authors do and how they do it. You'll hear tips on helping students think about their purpose and audience, guiding them through planning, drafting, and revising, and building a strong classroom community through partnerships, sharing, and feedback. We wrap up with ideas for celebrating writing and encouraging meaningful reflection.

GO DEEPER:

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-18149681 Sun, 23 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0500 1765 full false Build Strong Writers with Executive Function Tools: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Build Strong Writers with Executive Function Tools: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey This episode explores practical executive functioning tools that support students’ writing and goal-setting success. Inspired by Valerie Bolling's book, Goal Setting in the Writing Classroom: Building Student Agency, Independence, and Success (Stenhouse Publishers, 2025), Stacey highlights seven strategies—such as making timelines, using timers, and tracking progress—that help improve organization, focus, and motivation. These tools build essential skills for writing and lifelong executive functioning. Drawing on personal experience, the episode shows how goal-setting applies both in and out of the classroom. Tune in to learn how to help students develop confidence and independence with their writing goals.

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]]> This episode explores practical executive functioning tools that support students’ writing and goal-setting success. Inspired by Valerie Bolling's book, Goal Setting in the Writing Classroom: Building Student Agency, Independence, and Success (Stenhouse Publishers, 2025), Stacey highlights seven strategies—such as making timelines, using timers, and tracking progress—that help improve organization, focus, and motivation. These tools build essential skills for writing and lifelong executive functioning. Drawing on personal experience, the episode shows how goal-setting applies both in and out of the classroom. Tune in to learn how to help students develop confidence and independence with their writing goals.

GO DEEPER!

Send us Fan Mail

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-18171523 Sun, 16 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0500 342 full false Inspiring Writers Beyond the Classroom: A Conversation with Colleagues Inspiring Writers Beyond the Classroom: A Conversation with Colleagues In this episode, Melanie talks with TWTBlog co-authors Sarah Valter and Leah Thomas about ways to infuse writing experiences in students' lives beyond classroom instruction. 

GO DEEPER:

Finding Wider Audiences for Student Work

This or That: Inspiring Writers to Learn About Themselves

Extracurricular Writing Clubs

Classroom Slice of Life Story Challenge

*****

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]]> In this episode, Melanie talks with TWTBlog co-authors Sarah Valter and Leah Thomas about ways to infuse writing experiences in students' lives beyond classroom instruction. 

GO DEEPER:

Finding Wider Audiences for Student Work

This or That: Inspiring Writers to Learn About Themselves

Extracurricular Writing Clubs

Classroom Slice of Life Story Challenge

*****

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-18123775 Sun, 09 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0500 2508 full false Prepping for Conferences: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Prepping for Conferences: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie GIven that many teachers are getting ready for parent/caregiver conferences, Melanie suggests five ideas for making good writing conferences even better! 

GO DEEPER:

Genre-based Progressions

Summer Writing Motivation

Ways for Caregivers to Support Writers

Making the Most of Conferences

Finding Wider Audiences for Student Work

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]]> GIven that many teachers are getting ready for parent/caregiver conferences, Melanie suggests five ideas for making good writing conferences even better! 

GO DEEPER:

Genre-based Progressions

Summer Writing Motivation

Ways for Caregivers to Support Writers

Making the Most of Conferences

Finding Wider Audiences for Student Work

Send us Fan Mail

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-18104342 Sun, 02 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0500 426 full false Explore the Power of Cognitive Writing: The Writing Roundtable Explore the Power of Cognitive Writing: The Writing Roundtable My Kids Can't Write: How to Advance Achievement Through Cross-Curricular Writing, by Paul Emerich France, provides K-5 teachers with practical guidance on helping students write effectively across all subjects. It explains how to incorporate simple routines and journal-based activities to make writing a regular and manageable part of classroom life. In today's episode, we talk with Paul about how to prioritize writing throughout the school day.

Paul Emerich France is a National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and the author of six books on teaching. Recently, he has published My Kids Can’t Write with Corwin Press. He currently works as a consultant and coach, supporting teachers with implementing cognitive writing across all subject areas.

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]]> My Kids Can't Write: How to Advance Achievement Through Cross-Curricular Writing, by Paul Emerich France, provides K-5 teachers with practical guidance on helping students write effectively across all subjects. It explains how to incorporate simple routines and journal-based activities to make writing a regular and manageable part of classroom life. In today's episode, we talk with Paul about how to prioritize writing throughout the school day.

Paul Emerich France is a National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and the author of six books on teaching. Recently, he has published My Kids Can’t Write with Corwin Press. He currently works as a consultant and coach, supporting teachers with implementing cognitive writing across all subject areas.

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-18051668 Sun, 26 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0400 2604 full false Consider Different Assessment Lenses: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Consider Different Assessment Lenses: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie There are many different questions to consider when assessing students' writing. This episode suggests various lenses for deciding on next instructional steps. 

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]]> There are many different questions to consider when assessing students' writing. This episode suggests various lenses for deciding on next instructional steps. 

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-18032790 Sun, 19 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0400 401 full false Not Your Granny's Grammar: The Writing Roundtable Not Your Granny's Grammar: The Writing Roundtable In this Writing Roundtable episode, Stacey and Melanie talk with Patty McGee and Tim Donohue, co-authors of Not Your Granny’s Grammar. Patty and Tim explain their research-based approaches to making grammar and writing instruction engaging and meaningful for both teachers and students. They explore the history of grammar, the power of grammar notebooks and partnerships, and how to effectively integrate grammar instruction into the school day. Patty and Tim also break down the scope and sequence of their book, emphasizing teacher choice and instructional principles that nurture lifelong learners. Additionally, they highlight the invaluable grammar guide included in their book. Whether you’re a teacher looking to refresh your grammar toolkit or you’re eager to find a new approach to grammar instruction, this episode offers valuable takeaways to inspire your teaching practice.

You can check out more about this book on Melanie's post on the TWT blog. 


Tim Donohue is a former high school English teacher who currently serves as an Assistant Superintendent in New Jersey.  He can be reached at tdonohue2022@gmail.com

Patty McGee is a literacy consultant, author, educator, and advocate for delightful literacy practices. Learn more about Patty and her work at www.pattymcgee.org.


THANKS TO OUR AFFILIATE!

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]]> In this Writing Roundtable episode, Stacey and Melanie talk with Patty McGee and Tim Donohue, co-authors of Not Your Granny’s Grammar. Patty and Tim explain their research-based approaches to making grammar and writing instruction engaging and meaningful for both teachers and students. They explore the history of grammar, the power of grammar notebooks and partnerships, and how to effectively integrate grammar instruction into the school day. Patty and Tim also break down the scope and sequence of their book, emphasizing teacher choice and instructional principles that nurture lifelong learners. Additionally, they highlight the invaluable grammar guide included in their book. Whether you’re a teacher looking to refresh your grammar toolkit or you’re eager to find a new approach to grammar instruction, this episode offers valuable takeaways to inspire your teaching practice.

You can check out more about this book on Melanie's post on the TWT blog. 


Tim Donohue is a former high school English teacher who currently serves as an Assistant Superintendent in New Jersey.  He can be reached at tdonohue2022@gmail.com

Patty McGee is a literacy consultant, author, educator, and advocate for delightful literacy practices. Learn more about Patty and her work at www.pattymcgee.org.


THANKS TO OUR AFFILIATE!

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-17662733 Sun, 12 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0400 2103 full false Bring Choice Into Writers' Lives: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Bring Choice Into Writers' Lives: A Digging Deeper Dialogue In this first episode of our fourth season, we talk about the importance of choice in the lives of writers. Why does choice matter, and what are some ways to bring choice into the classroom?

GO DEEPER:

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> In this first episode of our fourth season, we talk about the importance of choice in the lives of writers. Why does choice matter, and what are some ways to bring choice into the classroom?

GO DEEPER:

Thanks to our affiliate, Zencastr! 

Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. 

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-17917412 Sun, 05 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0400 1780 full false Beliefs Drive Successful Writing Practices: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Beliefs Drive Successful Writing Practices: A Digging Deeper Dialogue In the final episode of our third season, we dive into the foundational beliefs that shape effective writing instruction. From emphasizing explicit teaching to fostering a community led by a teacher who writes to foundational skills like handwriting and spelling, we explore key elements that support student success. This episode will inspire educators to reflect on their teaching philosophies and empower students within any curriculum framework.

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]]> In the final episode of our third season, we dive into the foundational beliefs that shape effective writing instruction. From emphasizing explicit teaching to fostering a community led by a teacher who writes to foundational skills like handwriting and spelling, we explore key elements that support student success. This episode will inspire educators to reflect on their teaching philosophies and empower students within any curriculum framework.

GO DEEPER:

Send us Fan Mail

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-16934398 Sun, 25 May 2025 04:00:00 -0400 2276 full false The Salad Bowl Game: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie The Salad Bowl Game: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie The Salad Bowl Game is one of our family's favorite games to play when we're all together, and it's also a great game for building students' vocabulary in writing, as well as any other content area. Give it a try with friends when you have some time, and have some great laughs and learning in classrooms with students. 

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]]> The Salad Bowl Game is one of our family's favorite games to play when we're all together, and it's also a great game for building students' vocabulary in writing, as well as any other content area. Give it a try with friends when you have some time, and have some great laughs and learning in classrooms with students. 

Send us Fan Mail

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You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-17136139 Sun, 18 May 2025 03:00:00 -0400 445 full false Meet the Featured Writers in This Year's Author Spotlight Series: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Meet the Featured Writers in This Year's Author Spotlight Series: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Introducing the 10th Annual Author Spotlight Series on the Two Writing Teachers blog, featuring daily interviews with children’s authors and illustrators who share their creative journeys and writing processes. Listeners get a preview of the week’s lineup, including stories of resilience, identity, and collaboration from Tim Donohue, Tyler Gordon, Maham Khwaja, Rebecca Gardyn Levington, Patty McGee, and Padma Venkatraman. The episode also highlights exciting book giveaways and virtual author visit opportunities for those who leave a comment on the guest authors’ posts. 

Get ready to be inspired by the featured authors’ experiences!

Click here to read posts from the Author Spotlight Series on Two Writing Teachers!

Thanks to our affiliate, Zencastr. Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. 

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]]> Introducing the 10th Annual Author Spotlight Series on the Two Writing Teachers blog, featuring daily interviews with children’s authors and illustrators who share their creative journeys and writing processes. Listeners get a preview of the week’s lineup, including stories of resilience, identity, and collaboration from Tim Donohue, Tyler Gordon, Maham Khwaja, Rebecca Gardyn Levington, Patty McGee, and Padma Venkatraman. The episode also highlights exciting book giveaways and virtual author visit opportunities for those who leave a comment on the guest authors’ posts. 

Get ready to be inspired by the featured authors’ experiences!

Click here to read posts from the Author Spotlight Series on Two Writing Teachers!

Thanks to our affiliate, Zencastr. Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. 

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-16985628 Sun, 11 May 2025 03:00:00 -0400 310 full false Support Family Advocacy and Empowerment: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Support Family Advocacy and Empowerment: A Digging Deeper Dialogue In this special episode, Melanie turns the tables as she interviews Stacey about her forthcoming book, which helps parents understand how to make the school system work for their child with disabilities. Hear about the personal passion that fueled this project, get an overview of the book’s three-part structure, and demystify the language of special education. The episode concludes with a discussion on the vital role of self-care, agency, and advocacy for parents, underscoring the book’s unique focus on caregiver well-being and empowerment.

Go Deeper:

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]]> In this special episode, Melanie turns the tables as she interviews Stacey about her forthcoming book, which helps parents understand how to make the school system work for their child with disabilities. Hear about the personal passion that fueled this project, get an overview of the book’s three-part structure, and demystify the language of special education. The episode concludes with a discussion on the vital role of self-care, agency, and advocacy for parents, underscoring the book’s unique focus on caregiver well-being and empowerment.

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-16933776 Sun, 04 May 2025 04:00:00 -0400 2045 full false Three Ways to Differentiate: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Three Ways to Differentiate: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie In this Tip for Tomorrow, Melanie provides three ideas for differentiating that can work across grade levels and across genres. 

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]]> In this Tip for Tomorrow, Melanie provides three ideas for differentiating that can work across grade levels and across genres. 

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-16983851 Sun, 27 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0400 293 full false Maintain & Nurture Writing Skills During Summer Break: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Maintain & Nurture Writing Skills During Summer Break: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Let’s revisit the Spring 2017 blog series "Keep Learning Going Throughout the Summer," which explored various strategies to maintain children's writing skills during the summer break. Stacey highlights key ideas from the 2017 co-author team, including creating personalized writing spaces, gamifying the writing process, and using books to inspire writing projects. The episode emphasizes the importance of making summer writing fun, engaging, and tailored to each child's interests and needs. Listeners are encouraged to share these strategies with colleagues and students’ families to prevent summer writing loss. 

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]]> Let’s revisit the Spring 2017 blog series "Keep Learning Going Throughout the Summer," which explored various strategies to maintain children's writing skills during the summer break. Stacey highlights key ideas from the 2017 co-author team, including creating personalized writing spaces, gamifying the writing process, and using books to inspire writing projects. The episode emphasizes the importance of making summer writing fun, engaging, and tailored to each child's interests and needs. Listeners are encouraged to share these strategies with colleagues and students’ families to prevent summer writing loss. 

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-16900473 Sun, 20 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0400 499 full false The Evolving Landscape of Writing Instruction: The Writing Roundtable The Evolving Landscape of Writing Instruction: The Writing Roundtable In our second Writing Roundtable episode, renowned literacy expert Lester L. Laminack joins us to discuss his Ferris wheel of education concept, providing a fresh perspective on educational trends. Lester examines the current state of writing instruction, investigating how recent developments influence students' writing experiences and skills. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of writing pedagogy as Lester addresses the promising advancements and potential challenges facing educators. 

GO DEEPER:

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Lester Laminack, Professor Emeritus, Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina is a full-time writer and consultant working with schools throughout the United States and abroad. He is the author of over 25 books for teachers and children. His academic publications include Climb Inside a Poem (Heinemann) Cracking Open the Author’s Craft (Scholastic), Bullying Hurts: Teaching Kindness Through Read Aloud and Guided Conversations (Heinemann), The Writing Teacher’s Troubleshooting Guide(Heinemann), Writers ARE Readers: Flipping Reading Strategies into Writing Instruction (Heinemann), Reading to Make a Difference(Heinemann), The Ultimate Read Aloud Guide 2nd Edition (Scholastic) and The Ultimate Read Aloud Collection Fiction and Nonfiction (Scholastic), Critical Comprehension: Lessons for Guiding Students to Deeper Meaning (Corwin). 

Lester is also the author of several children’s books including: The Sunsets of Miss Olivia Wiggins, Trevor’s Wiggly-Wobbly Tooth, Saturdays and Teacakes, Jake’s 100th Day of School, Snow Day!, Three Hens and a Peacock  (2012 Children’s Choice K-2 Book of the Year Award), and The King of Bees all published by Peachtree Publishers. His most recent book for children is Three Hens, a Peacock, and the Enormous Egg.  His most recent book, A Cat Like That was released in January 2025.

Lester is available for professional development and school author visits. You can contact him via his website, and follow him on Facebook.

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]]> In our second Writing Roundtable episode, renowned literacy expert Lester L. Laminack joins us to discuss his Ferris wheel of education concept, providing a fresh perspective on educational trends. Lester examines the current state of writing instruction, investigating how recent developments influence students' writing experiences and skills. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of writing pedagogy as Lester addresses the promising advancements and potential challenges facing educators. 

GO DEEPER:

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Lester Laminack, Professor Emeritus, Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina is a full-time writer and consultant working with schools throughout the United States and abroad. He is the author of over 25 books for teachers and children. His academic publications include Climb Inside a Poem (Heinemann) Cracking Open the Author’s Craft (Scholastic), Bullying Hurts: Teaching Kindness Through Read Aloud and Guided Conversations (Heinemann), The Writing Teacher’s Troubleshooting Guide(Heinemann), Writers ARE Readers: Flipping Reading Strategies into Writing Instruction (Heinemann), Reading to Make a Difference(Heinemann), The Ultimate Read Aloud Guide 2nd Edition (Scholastic) and The Ultimate Read Aloud Collection Fiction and Nonfiction (Scholastic), Critical Comprehension: Lessons for Guiding Students to Deeper Meaning (Corwin). 

Lester is also the author of several children’s books including: The Sunsets of Miss Olivia Wiggins, Trevor’s Wiggly-Wobbly Tooth, Saturdays and Teacakes, Jake’s 100th Day of School, Snow Day!, Three Hens and a Peacock  (2012 Children’s Choice K-2 Book of the Year Award), and The King of Bees all published by Peachtree Publishers. His most recent book for children is Three Hens, a Peacock, and the Enormous Egg.  His most recent book, A Cat Like That was released in January 2025.

Lester is available for professional development and school author visits. You can contact him via his website, and follow him on Facebook.

Thanks to our affiliate, Zencastr! Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. 


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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-16574965 Sun, 13 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0400 2744 full false Three Ideas for Writing Test Prep: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Three Ideas for Writing Test Prep: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Fun test prep may seem like an oxymoron, but in this tip for tomorrow, Melanie shares a few ways you can bring movement, collaboration, and agency into getting students ready to take assessments. 

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]]> Fun test prep may seem like an oxymoron, but in this tip for tomorrow, Melanie shares a few ways you can bring movement, collaboration, and agency into getting students ready to take assessments. 

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-16590685 Sun, 06 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0400 384 full false Foundations of Written Expression: Digging Deeper Dialogue Foundations of Written Expression: Digging Deeper Dialogue In this episode, Stacey interviews Melanie about her upcoming book (co-authored with Maggie Beattie Roberts), tentatively titled THE WRITING BRAIN: FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS OF WRITTEN EXPRESSION. The book emphasizes developing foundational writing skills through research- and evidence-based instructional methods. We discuss the five guiding principles featured in the book: Cognitive Load Theory, Neurological Response to Learning, The Zone of Proximal Development, Universal Design for Learning, and the Gradual Release Model. Melanie explains how their book helps teachers identify and address individual students' writing challenges. She also shares insights about the collaborative writing process with Maggie. 

GO DEEPER:

  • Cognitive Load Theory: Sweller, J. Cognitive Load During Problem Solving: Effects on Learning. Cogn. Sci. 1988, 12, 257–285. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  • Zone of Proximal Development - Vygotsky, L.S. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press
  • Gradual Release Theory- Pearson, P. D., & Gallagher, M. C. (1983). The instruction of reading comprehension. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 8(3), 317-344.

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]]> In this episode, Stacey interviews Melanie about her upcoming book (co-authored with Maggie Beattie Roberts), tentatively titled THE WRITING BRAIN: FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS OF WRITTEN EXPRESSION. The book emphasizes developing foundational writing skills through research- and evidence-based instructional methods. We discuss the five guiding principles featured in the book: Cognitive Load Theory, Neurological Response to Learning, The Zone of Proximal Development, Universal Design for Learning, and the Gradual Release Model. Melanie explains how their book helps teachers identify and address individual students' writing challenges. She also shares insights about the collaborative writing process with Maggie. 

GO DEEPER:

  • Cognitive Load Theory: Sweller, J. Cognitive Load During Problem Solving: Effects on Learning. Cogn. Sci. 1988, 12, 257–285. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  • Zone of Proximal Development - Vygotsky, L.S. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press
  • Gradual Release Theory- Pearson, P. D., & Gallagher, M. C. (1983). The instruction of reading comprehension. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 8(3), 317-344.

Thanks to our affiliate, Zencastr! Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. 

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-16576613 Sun, 30 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0400 1979 full false Some Spelling Shifts: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Some Spelling Shifts: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie There is a lot of research about spelling and how students learn to spell words, and there are important connections between how students spell and how they learn to read. In this episode, Melanie shares a few changes she's made as she works with students who ask how to spell words. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

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]]> There is a lot of research about spelling and how students learn to spell words, and there are important connections between how students spell and how they learn to read. In this episode, Melanie shares a few changes she's made as she works with students who ask how to spell words. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-16590591 Sun, 23 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0400 415 full false Igniting a Passion for Poetry: The Writing Roundtable Igniting a Passion for Poetry: The Writing Roundtable Welcome to The Writing Roundtable, where we explore writing topics with guest authors. In this inaugural episode, Stacey discusses poetry’s significance in elementary education with poet Amy Ludwig VanDerwater, who describes poetry as "offerings of beautiful words by beautiful people that I don't know." Amy shares the benefits of poetry and strategies for educators, including daily readings, group writing activities, and showcasing student work. She also reflects on her journey as a children's poet, offering tips for those interested in publication. This discussion provides insights for teachers looking to enhance learning through poetry. 

ABOUT THIS WEEK'S GUEST:

Amy Ludwig VanDerwater is a children's author, poet, and writing teacher celebrated for her contributions to children's literature and poetry education. She has contributed to many anthologies and authored several children's books, including Forest Has a Song, The Sound of Kindness, With My Hands: Poems About Making Things, and Read! Read! Read! Additionally, she teaches teachers about writing and is the author of Poems Are Teachers: How Studying Poetry Strengthens Writing in All Genres. 

Find Amy online at The Poem Farm and Sharing Our Notebooks.

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]]> Welcome to The Writing Roundtable, where we explore writing topics with guest authors. In this inaugural episode, Stacey discusses poetry’s significance in elementary education with poet Amy Ludwig VanDerwater, who describes poetry as "offerings of beautiful words by beautiful people that I don't know." Amy shares the benefits of poetry and strategies for educators, including daily readings, group writing activities, and showcasing student work. She also reflects on her journey as a children's poet, offering tips for those interested in publication. This discussion provides insights for teachers looking to enhance learning through poetry. 

ABOUT THIS WEEK'S GUEST:

Amy Ludwig VanDerwater is a children's author, poet, and writing teacher celebrated for her contributions to children's literature and poetry education. She has contributed to many anthologies and authored several children's books, including Forest Has a Song, The Sound of Kindness, With My Hands: Poems About Making Things, and Read! Read! Read! Additionally, she teaches teachers about writing and is the author of Poems Are Teachers: How Studying Poetry Strengthens Writing in All Genres. 

Find Amy online at The Poem Farm and Sharing Our Notebooks.

GO DEEPER:

Thanks to our affiliate, Zencastr! Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. 

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-16574714 Sun, 16 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0400 2916 full false Master the Art of Reflection with Process Logs: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Master the Art of Reflection with Process Logs: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Explore the transformative power of process logs in writing instruction. Stacey reveals how process logs provide accountability, track progress, and offer authentic glimpses into the writing process. Discover how sharing these logs can make writing instruction more transparent and supportive for students. Whether you're a writer or educator, this episode offers practical strategies for using process logs to deepen your understanding of the writing craft.

GO DEEPER: Explore Two Writing Teachers' blog posts about process logs.

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]]> Explore the transformative power of process logs in writing instruction. Stacey reveals how process logs provide accountability, track progress, and offer authentic glimpses into the writing process. Discover how sharing these logs can make writing instruction more transparent and supportive for students. Whether you're a writer or educator, this episode offers practical strategies for using process logs to deepen your understanding of the writing craft.

GO DEEPER: Explore Two Writing Teachers' blog posts about process logs.

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-16492742 Sun, 09 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0400 502 full false The Importance of Oracy in Language Development: A Conversation With a Colleague The Importance of Oracy in Language Development: A Conversation With a Colleague Shawnda Fukano, a literacy coach and contributing writer to TWTBlog, chats with Stacey to expand on her blog post about oracy and its importance for multilingual learners. The discussion covers various aspects of oracy development, including success stories, challenges, and practical classroom implementation strategies. Shawnda shares her experiences balancing vocabulary and language structure instruction, using mentor texts, and incorporating active listening skills. The episode also delves into hands-on strategies for integrating oracy into daily classroom activities and effective methods for assessing students' oracy skills.

Shawnda Fukano is a primary literacy coach at a dual-language school in the Highline School District in Seattle, Washington. She supports teachers and students in developing biliteracy in both English and Spanish. With a passion for educating multilingual learners since 2004, Shawnda has taught 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade newcomers and served as the Dual Language Coordinator. She has also taught English to adult refugees from Burma. Shawnda is a National Board Certified Teacher in English as a New Language and OCDE Project GLAD® Trainer. She lives in Seattle with her husband, son, and twin daughters. She writes slices of her life as a mom and teacher at ShawndaStories.

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]]> Shawnda Fukano, a literacy coach and contributing writer to TWTBlog, chats with Stacey to expand on her blog post about oracy and its importance for multilingual learners. The discussion covers various aspects of oracy development, including success stories, challenges, and practical classroom implementation strategies. Shawnda shares her experiences balancing vocabulary and language structure instruction, using mentor texts, and incorporating active listening skills. The episode also delves into hands-on strategies for integrating oracy into daily classroom activities and effective methods for assessing students' oracy skills.

Shawnda Fukano is a primary literacy coach at a dual-language school in the Highline School District in Seattle, Washington. She supports teachers and students in developing biliteracy in both English and Spanish. With a passion for educating multilingual learners since 2004, Shawnda has taught 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade newcomers and served as the Dual Language Coordinator. She has also taught English to adult refugees from Burma. Shawnda is a National Board Certified Teacher in English as a New Language and OCDE Project GLAD® Trainer. She lives in Seattle with her husband, son, and twin daughters. She writes slices of her life as a mom and teacher at ShawndaStories.

Go Deeper:

Thanks to our affiliate, Zencastr! Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. 

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-16492670 Sun, 02 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0500 1998 full false Motor Skills in Written Expression: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Motor Skills in Written Expression: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Motor skills are fundamental for written expression. In this Tip for Tomorrow, Melanie shares some strategies for building and leveraging large and small motor skills. 

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]]> Motor skills are fundamental for written expression. In this Tip for Tomorrow, Melanie shares some strategies for building and leveraging large and small motor skills. 

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-16465005 Sun, 23 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0500 366 full false Research Around Writing Instruction: A Conversation with Colleagues Research Around Writing Instruction: A Conversation with Colleagues In this episode, Melanie talks with Two Writing Teachers co-authors, Leah Thomas and Lainie Levin, about their presentation from NCTE 2025. The presentation and discussion focus on important research supporting fundamental writing instruction practices.

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Check out the Build Your Expertise Blog Series on TWTBlog.

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]]> In this episode, Melanie talks with Two Writing Teachers co-authors, Leah Thomas and Lainie Levin, about their presentation from NCTE 2025. The presentation and discussion focus on important research supporting fundamental writing instruction practices.

Go Deeper:
Check out the Build Your Expertise Blog Series on TWTBlog.

Thanks to our affiliate, Zencastr! Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. 

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-16477566 Sun, 16 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0500 2052 full false Using Sticky Notes in Writing Workshop: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Using Sticky Notes in Writing Workshop: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Stacey explores how sticky notes enhance writing workshops through three key uses: spelling assistance, sentence revisions, and personalized mini-charts. These practical ways promote student independence and offer non-intrusive feedback for customized learning, positively impacting writing skills. With these easy-to-implement ideas, you can make a positive difference in your students' writing!

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]]> Stacey explores how sticky notes enhance writing workshops through three key uses: spelling assistance, sentence revisions, and personalized mini-charts. These practical ways promote student independence and offer non-intrusive feedback for customized learning, positively impacting writing skills. With these easy-to-implement ideas, you can make a positive difference in your students' writing!

GO DEEPER:

Send us Fan Mail

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-16461506 Sun, 09 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0500 364 full false Modernizing Mentor Texts Blog Series Recap: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Modernizing Mentor Texts Blog Series Recap: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie The Two Writing Teachers co-authors shared ideas for modernizing mentor texts in the most recent blog series. Melanie summarizes some of the ideas she has already implemented with children and teachers within her work. 

Go Deeper:
Click here to read through all of the posts in the series.

Thanks to our affiliate, Zencastr! Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. 

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]]> The Two Writing Teachers co-authors shared ideas for modernizing mentor texts in the most recent blog series. Melanie summarizes some of the ideas she has already implemented with children and teachers within her work. 

Go Deeper:
Click here to read through all of the posts in the series.

Thanks to our affiliate, Zencastr! Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. 

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-16464991 Sun, 02 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0500 322 full false Unpacking and Implementing Insights from the 2024 NCTE Convention: A Conversation With Colleagues Unpacking and Implementing Insights from the 2024 NCTE Convention: A Conversation With Colleagues Jess Carey and Sarah Valter, Two Writing Teachers Co-Authors, join Stacey to unpack the transformative insights from the 2024 National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Annual Convention, diving deep into the conference's "Heart, Hope and Humanity" theme. The conversation explores reimagining scripted curriculum into student-centered teaching approaches. Jess and Sarah share compelling perspectives on integrating AI as a collaborative writing partner, highlighting innovative strategies that empower students rather than replace their creativity. The episode provides a candid look at some of the convention’s most inspiring sessions about the evolving landscape of literacy education. Listeners will gain insider tips for navigating future conferences, selecting sessions, and revitalizing their conference learnings in the classroom. Whether you're a seasoned conference-goer or a curious newcomer to NCTE, this episode provides a vibrant and reflective journey through the latest thinking in literacy education.

Go Deeper:

You can find Jess Carey at wherethereisjoy.blog and @jlcarey.bsky.social.

You can find Sarah Valter at Read. Reflect. Teach. and @litcoachvalter.bsky.social.

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]]> Jess Carey and Sarah Valter, Two Writing Teachers Co-Authors, join Stacey to unpack the transformative insights from the 2024 National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Annual Convention, diving deep into the conference's "Heart, Hope and Humanity" theme. The conversation explores reimagining scripted curriculum into student-centered teaching approaches. Jess and Sarah share compelling perspectives on integrating AI as a collaborative writing partner, highlighting innovative strategies that empower students rather than replace their creativity. The episode provides a candid look at some of the convention’s most inspiring sessions about the evolving landscape of literacy education. Listeners will gain insider tips for navigating future conferences, selecting sessions, and revitalizing their conference learnings in the classroom. Whether you're a seasoned conference-goer or a curious newcomer to NCTE, this episode provides a vibrant and reflective journey through the latest thinking in literacy education.

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You can find Jess Carey at wherethereisjoy.blog and @jlcarey.bsky.social.

You can find Sarah Valter at Read. Reflect. Teach. and @litcoachvalter.bsky.social.

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-16328524 Sun, 26 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0500 1980 full false The Power of Pens and Pencils: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie The Power of Pens and Pencils: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Writing tools are deeply personal, with each individual having a preferred instrument that feels comfortable and enables smooth writing. For children, selecting the right pen or pencil can significantly impact their writing experience and learning, with options like flair or gel pens offering easier grip and more enjoyable writing. While pens provide clear, lasting marks, pencils offer unique graphomotor benefits that help children learn letter formation with greater automaticity. The critical goal is supporting kids in discovering writing utensils that make them feel powerful and confident as emerging writers. Ultimately, what matters most is finding a writing tool that feels good and supports each child's writing journey.

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]]> Writing tools are deeply personal, with each individual having a preferred instrument that feels comfortable and enables smooth writing. For children, selecting the right pen or pencil can significantly impact their writing experience and learning, with options like flair or gel pens offering easier grip and more enjoyable writing. While pens provide clear, lasting marks, pencils offer unique graphomotor benefits that help children learn letter formation with greater automaticity. The critical goal is supporting kids in discovering writing utensils that make them feel powerful and confident as emerging writers. Ultimately, what matters most is finding a writing tool that feels good and supports each child's writing journey.

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-16386180 Sun, 19 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0500 421 full false Transfer Writing Skills Across Genres: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Transfer Writing Skills Across Genres: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey This week, Stacey explores the concept of planning and implementing a series of small group lessons to enhance students' writing skills across different genres. Drawing from her books Craft Moves and Welcome to Writing Workshop, the episode provides practical examples of teaching points that can be applied to various writing types to emphasize the importance of cross-genre application, demonstrating how skills such as establishing focus in leads and elaboration techniques can be taught and reinforced across different writing styles. Key implementation strategies, including scheduling independent practice time and maintaining flexibility in group composition, are also shared to help educators effectively implement a series of small group lessons.

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]]> This week, Stacey explores the concept of planning and implementing a series of small group lessons to enhance students' writing skills across different genres. Drawing from her books Craft Moves and Welcome to Writing Workshop, the episode provides practical examples of teaching points that can be applied to various writing types to emphasize the importance of cross-genre application, demonstrating how skills such as establishing focus in leads and elaboration techniques can be taught and reinforced across different writing styles. Key implementation strategies, including scheduling independent practice time and maintaining flexibility in group composition, are also shared to help educators effectively implement a series of small group lessons.

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-16328138 Sun, 12 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0500 432 full false Alternatives to Marking Up Student Work: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Alternatives to Marking Up Student Work: A Digging Deeper Dialogue We explore the reasons against writing directly on children's work in progress, including potential negative impacts on learning and agency. The episode discusses why educators might feel compelled to write on student work and offer alternative approaches. We delve into considerations for digital writing and introduce new thinking about orthographic mapping and the neurological connectivity of reading and writing. Finally, we provide practical strategies for supporting young writers without directly writing on their work, emphasizing the importance of fostering independence and focusing on the writing process rather than just the final product.

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]]> We explore the reasons against writing directly on children's work in progress, including potential negative impacts on learning and agency. The episode discusses why educators might feel compelled to write on student work and offer alternative approaches. We delve into considerations for digital writing and introduce new thinking about orthographic mapping and the neurological connectivity of reading and writing. Finally, we provide practical strategies for supporting young writers without directly writing on their work, emphasizing the importance of fostering independence and focusing on the writing process rather than just the final product.

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-16334614 Sun, 05 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0500 2359 full false Using Google Forms: A Tip for Tomorrow From Melanie Using Google Forms: A Tip for Tomorrow From Melanie In our final episode of 2024, Melanie shares three ways to streamline your record-keeping using Google Forms. She explains how to use Google Forms to have students share something specific, reflect on conferences, and sign up for small group instruction. You'll learn to collect helpful information about, from, and alongside students. Plus, links to forms you can customize for use in your classroom follow below.
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]]> In our final episode of 2024, Melanie shares three ways to streamline your record-keeping using Google Forms. She explains how to use Google Forms to have students share something specific, reflect on conferences, and sign up for small group instruction. You'll learn to collect helpful information about, from, and alongside students. Plus, links to forms you can customize for use in your classroom follow below.
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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-16237787 Sun, 15 Dec 2024 03:00:00 -0500 534 full false Your Small Group Instruction, Your Records: A Tip for Tomorrow From Stacey Your Small Group Instruction, Your Records: A Tip for Tomorrow From Stacey This week, Stacey chats about the critical role of record-keeping in small-group instruction within the writing workshop. The episode highlights five key reasons why educators should prioritize record keeping. We’ll explore effective record-keeping methods, emphasizing the importance of real-time note-taking during conferences and discussing physical and digital tools for maintaining records. A particular focus is placed on using Google Forms as an efficient and organized method for record-keeping, briefly mentioning Google Apps Script for automating data organization. 

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]]> This week, Stacey chats about the critical role of record-keeping in small-group instruction within the writing workshop. The episode highlights five key reasons why educators should prioritize record keeping. We’ll explore effective record-keeping methods, emphasizing the importance of real-time note-taking during conferences and discussing physical and digital tools for maintaining records. A particular focus is placed on using Google Forms as an efficient and organized method for record-keeping, briefly mentioning Google Apps Script for automating data organization. 

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-16200574 Sun, 08 Dec 2024 03:00:00 -0500 746 full false Celebrating Student Writers: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Celebrating Student Writers: A Digging Deeper Dialogue This week, we explore the transformative power of writing celebrations in elementary classrooms. Discover how these joyful events showcase student work, nurture young writers' identities, strengthen classroom communities, and foster a sense of pride and accomplishment. From minor celebrations that acknowledge daily progress to grander events involving families and special guests, we share practical tips and creative ideas to make these moments memorable. Whether you're an educator looking to celebrate your students or a caregiver eager to support your child's writing development, this episode offers valuable insights into creating a culture of celebration that will ignite a greater passion for writing.

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]]> This week, we explore the transformative power of writing celebrations in elementary classrooms. Discover how these joyful events showcase student work, nurture young writers' identities, strengthen classroom communities, and foster a sense of pride and accomplishment. From minor celebrations that acknowledge daily progress to grander events involving families and special guests, we share practical tips and creative ideas to make these moments memorable. Whether you're an educator looking to celebrate your students or a caregiver eager to support your child's writing development, this episode offers valuable insights into creating a culture of celebration that will ignite a greater passion for writing.

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-16167325 Sun, 01 Dec 2024 03:00:00 -0500 2053 full false Leverage Instructional Minutes: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Leverage Instructional Minutes: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Melanie shares three practical strategies for maximizing classroom time. She emphasizes managing transition times to maintain student engagement and minimize downtime. In addition, she suggests creating a collection of valuable and doable activities that students can choose from, fostering independence and motivation. Finally, she suggests training students to deliver minilessons or lead small groups, which empowers them to take ownership of their learning. These practical approaches enhance instructional efficiency and create a more dynamic writing workshop.
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]]> Melanie shares three practical strategies for maximizing classroom time. She emphasizes managing transition times to maintain student engagement and minimize downtime. In addition, she suggests creating a collection of valuable and doable activities that students can choose from, fostering independence and motivation. Finally, she suggests training students to deliver minilessons or lead small groups, which empowers them to take ownership of their learning. These practical approaches enhance instructional efficiency and create a more dynamic writing workshop.
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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-16137828 Sun, 24 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0500 416 full false Build Executive Functioning with Time Management Techniques: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Build Executive Functioning with Time Management Techniques: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Stacey explores the vital executive functioning skill of time management as it applies to the writing workshop. She identifies common challenges students face, from grasping time concepts to meeting deadlines, and offers practical strategies to enhance their skills. Listeners will learn about tools such as visual aids, organizational checklists, and digital planners that can help young writers stay on track. Stacey also discusses establishing routines and breaking down larger projects into manageable tasks. This episode is packed with actionable tips to foster confidence and efficiency in students as they navigate the writing process. Join Stacey to discover how to equip young writers with the time management skills they need for success both in and out of the classroom!

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]]> Stacey explores the vital executive functioning skill of time management as it applies to the writing workshop. She identifies common challenges students face, from grasping time concepts to meeting deadlines, and offers practical strategies to enhance their skills. Listeners will learn about tools such as visual aids, organizational checklists, and digital planners that can help young writers stay on track. Stacey also discusses establishing routines and breaking down larger projects into manageable tasks. This episode is packed with actionable tips to foster confidence and efficiency in students as they navigate the writing process. Join Stacey to discover how to equip young writers with the time management skills they need for success both in and out of the classroom!

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-16035419 Sun, 17 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0500 393 full false Tackling Tricky Topics: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Tackling Tricky Topics: A Digging Deeper Dialogue We delve into the challenging subjects that often arise in elementary school writing workshops, ranging from bodily functions and violence to mental health issues. We explore the non-negotiable aspects of topic choice and discuss establishing clear boundaries in the classroom, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe space for young writers. This conversation unpacks the various reasons why people write, highlighting the benefits of self-expression and examining audience awareness's crucial role in navigating sensitive topics. Drawing inspiration from Ralph Fletcher’s book Boys Writers: Reclaiming Their Voices, we offer insights on encouraging passionate writing while addressing concerns about violence, humor, and other potentially controversial themes in student work.

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]]> We delve into the challenging subjects that often arise in elementary school writing workshops, ranging from bodily functions and violence to mental health issues. We explore the non-negotiable aspects of topic choice and discuss establishing clear boundaries in the classroom, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe space for young writers. This conversation unpacks the various reasons why people write, highlighting the benefits of self-expression and examining audience awareness's crucial role in navigating sensitive topics. Drawing inspiration from Ralph Fletcher’s book Boys Writers: Reclaiming Their Voices, we offer insights on encouraging passionate writing while addressing concerns about violence, humor, and other potentially controversial themes in student work.

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-16035390 Sun, 10 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0500 2240 full false Sentence Structure for Young Writers: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Sentence Structure for Young Writers: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Writing complete sentences is tricky for most elementary school students. This week's Tip for Tomorrow provides concrete ways to make sentence construction sticky for students. From a visible, tactile teaching method to progressions of examples, Melanie shares various strategies to help kids gain a more concrete understanding of sentence structure playfully and effectively.
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]]> Writing complete sentences is tricky for most elementary school students. This week's Tip for Tomorrow provides concrete ways to make sentence construction sticky for students. From a visible, tactile teaching method to progressions of examples, Melanie shares various strategies to help kids gain a more concrete understanding of sentence structure playfully and effectively.
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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-15953930 Sun, 03 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0500 446 full false Prepping for Fall Conferences: A Conversation with a Colleague Prepping for Fall Conferences: A Conversation with a Colleague Leah Thomas, a co-author of the Two Writing Teachers Blog, chats with Melanie to reflect on her recent experiences with parent-teacher conferences, discussing the challenges and rewards of connecting with families. She shares effective note-taking strategies, what assessments to present, and the impact of showcasing student writing samples. Leah also explains her writing workshop philosophy and offers guidance for teachers who are apprehensive about these meetings. By addressing common parental concerns and emphasizing the importance of building rapport, she provides practical advice for fostering strong partnerships with families. Tune in to discover how to celebrate student growth and support young writers!

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More About Leah:
Leah Thomas is a 2nd-grade teacher in St. Louis, MO. Leah has taught for seven years in the primary grades and loves sharing thoughts about writing workshop on the Two Writing Teachers blog. Outside of teaching, Leah loves to read, run, and write.

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]]> Leah Thomas, a co-author of the Two Writing Teachers Blog, chats with Melanie to reflect on her recent experiences with parent-teacher conferences, discussing the challenges and rewards of connecting with families. She shares effective note-taking strategies, what assessments to present, and the impact of showcasing student writing samples. Leah also explains her writing workshop philosophy and offers guidance for teachers who are apprehensive about these meetings. By addressing common parental concerns and emphasizing the importance of building rapport, she provides practical advice for fostering strong partnerships with families. Tune in to discover how to celebrate student growth and support young writers!

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Leah Thomas is a 2nd-grade teacher in St. Louis, MO. Leah has taught for seven years in the primary grades and loves sharing thoughts about writing workshop on the Two Writing Teachers blog. Outside of teaching, Leah loves to read, run, and write.

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]]> Buzzsprout-15824230 Sun, 27 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0400 2174 full false Energizing Editing: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Energizing Editing: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie In this podcast episode, Melanie will share creative strategies to make the editing process engaging for students. Discover how to infuse fun into editing by using gamification techniques and various tools. You will also learn how to integrate editing into the drafting process and support students with scaffolds, checklists, and reminders to strengthen their editing skills.

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]]> In this podcast episode, Melanie will share creative strategies to make the editing process engaging for students. Discover how to infuse fun into editing by using gamification techniques and various tools. You will also learn how to integrate editing into the drafting process and support students with scaffolds, checklists, and reminders to strengthen their editing skills.

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-15824220 Sun, 20 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0400 441 full false Refine Your Writing Conferences: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Refine Your Writing Conferences: A Digging Deeper Dialogue
Discover the art of building meaningful writer-to-writer relationships and managing time effectively in brief, impactful sessions. The discussion delves into the importance of individualized focus, highlighting how concentrating on a single aspect of writing per conference can lead to more manageable and absorbing lessons for students. Additionally, the episode explores the critical skills of deep listening and intentional questioning, offering insights into how these practices can transform writing conferences and enhance student engagement.

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]]>
Discover the art of building meaningful writer-to-writer relationships and managing time effectively in brief, impactful sessions. The discussion delves into the importance of individualized focus, highlighting how concentrating on a single aspect of writing per conference can lead to more manageable and absorbing lessons for students. Additionally, the episode explores the critical skills of deep listening and intentional questioning, offering insights into how these practices can transform writing conferences and enhance student engagement.

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-15818606 Sun, 13 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0400 2156 full false Five Tangible Tools to Transform Writers: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Five Tangible Tools to Transform Writers: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey
In our 100th episode, Stacey explores the power of tangible artifacts in writing conferences. She discusses five essential tools to enhance the writer-to-writer relationship: mentor texts, demonstration texts, mini-charts, personalized word walls, and individualized checklists. Learn how to introduce and utilize these artifacts to support student writing effectively. Stacey also shares strategies for helping students leverage these tools independently. This episode will help you discover practical insights to make your writing instruction more impactful and foster deeper connections with your students.

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]]>
In our 100th episode, Stacey explores the power of tangible artifacts in writing conferences. She discusses five essential tools to enhance the writer-to-writer relationship: mentor texts, demonstration texts, mini-charts, personalized word walls, and individualized checklists. Learn how to introduce and utilize these artifacts to support student writing effectively. Stacey also shares strategies for helping students leverage these tools independently. This episode will help you discover practical insights to make your writing instruction more impactful and foster deeper connections with your students.

*****

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-15818586 Sun, 06 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0400 502 full false Energizing a Writing Unit: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Energizing a Writing Unit: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie
Melanie shares four ways to reenergize student writers whose enthusiasm and stamina dwindle during more extended writing units. Her ideas are sure to reinvigorate students in engaging and meaningful ways.

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]]>
Melanie shares four ways to reenergize student writers whose enthusiasm and stamina dwindle during more extended writing units. Her ideas are sure to reinvigorate students in engaging and meaningful ways.

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-15818500 Sun, 29 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0400 574 full false Help K-8 Students with Executive Functioning Needs: A Conversation with a Colleague Help K-8 Students with Executive Functioning Needs: A Conversation with a Colleague This episode features Betsy Hubbard, an experienced educator and co-author at Two Writing Teachers. The discussion explores the critical role of executive functioning skills in writing and how deficits in these areas can impact students' performance. Betsy shares practical strategies for teachers to support executive functioning in writing workshops, including techniques for breaking tasks into manageable chunks and providing organizational templates. The episode also covers the importance of incorporating executive functioning activities into the classroom environment. It offers examples of self-regulation techniques to help students overcome challenges in the writing process.

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]]> This episode features Betsy Hubbard, an experienced educator and co-author at Two Writing Teachers. The discussion explores the critical role of executive functioning skills in writing and how deficits in these areas can impact students' performance. Betsy shares practical strategies for teachers to support executive functioning in writing workshops, including techniques for breaking tasks into manageable chunks and providing organizational templates. The episode also covers the importance of incorporating executive functioning activities into the classroom environment. It offers examples of self-regulation techniques to help students overcome challenges in the writing process.

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-15543742 Sun, 22 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0400 2252 full false The Power of Oral Language: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie The Power of Oral Language: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie In this week's episode, Melanie shares six innovative strategies for using verbal rehearsal to empower young writers. She discusses techniques such as purposeful storytelling, visual cue cards, and fostering student collaborative partnerships. Enhancing oral language skills aims to strengthen writing abilities, demonstrating the powerful connection between speaking and writing. Discover how these approaches can help students recognize and harness their writing potential.

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]]> In this week's episode, Melanie shares six innovative strategies for using verbal rehearsal to empower young writers. She discusses techniques such as purposeful storytelling, visual cue cards, and fostering student collaborative partnerships. Enhancing oral language skills aims to strengthen writing abilities, demonstrating the powerful connection between speaking and writing. Discover how these approaches can help students recognize and harness their writing potential.

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-15682938 Sun, 15 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0400 525 full false Build Writing Confidence with the "Ready, Do, Done" Model: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Build Writing Confidence with the "Ready, Do, Done" Model: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey In this episode, Stacey explores the "Ready, Do, Done" model by Sarah Ward and Kristen Jacobsen to help students with executive functioning challenges become confident writers. She discusses the importance of setting clear intentions and gathering necessary materials ("Ready"), breaking down tasks and using visual aids ("Do"), and celebrating accomplishments to boost confidence ("Done"). Practical tips for teachers are provided to support students in the writing workshop. The model's flexibility and potential to empower learners in all areas are highlighted. 

This episode builds on a previous discussion about task initiation and is part of a series on executive functioning in writing instruction.

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]]> In this episode, Stacey explores the "Ready, Do, Done" model by Sarah Ward and Kristen Jacobsen to help students with executive functioning challenges become confident writers. She discusses the importance of setting clear intentions and gathering necessary materials ("Ready"), breaking down tasks and using visual aids ("Do"), and celebrating accomplishments to boost confidence ("Done"). Practical tips for teachers are provided to support students in the writing workshop. The model's flexibility and potential to empower learners in all areas are highlighted. 

This episode builds on a previous discussion about task initiation and is part of a series on executive functioning in writing instruction.

*****
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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-15538618 Sun, 08 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0400 453 full false Get to Know Writers: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Get to Know Writers: A Digging Deeper Dialogue This episode delves into the importance of understanding students as writers and its benefits to educators and learners. We explore how this knowledge fosters a stronger classroom community and informs more tailored instruction. Tried-and-true methods such as kid-watching, utilizing writer's notebooks, and conducting effective one-on-one conferences during the initial weeks of school are discussed. We also highlight the value of listening to students, reviewing previous portfolios, and using digital tools like audio or video recordings for self-introductions. Finally, we examine various ways to assess writing styles and preferences, including surveys and analyzing students' writing processes, to identify their strengths and areas for growth.

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]]> This episode delves into the importance of understanding students as writers and its benefits to educators and learners. We explore how this knowledge fosters a stronger classroom community and informs more tailored instruction. Tried-and-true methods such as kid-watching, utilizing writer's notebooks, and conducting effective one-on-one conferences during the initial weeks of school are discussed. We also highlight the value of listening to students, reviewing previous portfolios, and using digital tools like audio or video recordings for self-introductions. Finally, we examine various ways to assess writing styles and preferences, including surveys and analyzing students' writing processes, to identify their strengths and areas for growth.

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-15538607 Sun, 01 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0400 2662 full false Exploring Best Practices and Research in Writing Instruction: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Exploring Best Practices and Research in Writing Instruction: A Digging Deeper Dialogue It's the final episode of season two, so we're discussing some of the best practices for writing instruction. We cover the importance of a thriving writing community and the writing process, and we explore the role of oral language in boosting writing stamina. We also discuss the importance of dedicated and intentional writing time, the reciprocity between reading and writing, and the thrill of writing for an authentic audience. This episode will tee you up for the next school year!

***

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]]> It's the final episode of season two, so we're discussing some of the best practices for writing instruction. We cover the importance of a thriving writing community and the writing process, and we explore the role of oral language in boosting writing stamina. We also discuss the importance of dedicated and intentional writing time, the reciprocity between reading and writing, and the thrill of writing for an authentic audience. This episode will tee you up for the next school year!

***

Many thanks to this episode’s sponsor, Texthelp! 

Visit text.help/cowriter to learn more about Co:Writer prediction in Read&Write because everyone deserves the power to read, write, and understand.

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***

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-15160296 Sun, 02 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0400 2342 full false Plan Your Summer Learning: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Plan Your Summer Learning: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Melanie explores critical strategies to help you plan for your summer learning. Discover practical tips for organizing your classroom, finding or forming a study group, curating mentor texts, and engaging in personal writing. You'll leave this episode invigorated to try one or more ways to enhance your teaching skills for the upcoming academic year.

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]]> Melanie explores critical strategies to help you plan for your summer learning. Discover practical tips for organizing your classroom, finding or forming a study group, curating mentor texts, and engaging in personal writing. You'll leave this episode invigorated to try one or more ways to enhance your teaching skills for the upcoming academic year.

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-15105295 Sun, 26 May 2024 03:00:00 -0400 494 full false Co-create Writing Goals: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Co-create Writing Goals: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Stacey explores the importance of co-creating goals with students to help them grow as writers. She discusses how collaboration during goal-setting enhances students' ownership, motivation, and personalized learning. It also allows for individualized growth and fosters collaboration and communication with the teacher. If you haven't tried co-creating goals with your students before, this Tip for Tomorrow will inspire you to do so with future groups of students.

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]]> Stacey explores the importance of co-creating goals with students to help them grow as writers. She discusses how collaboration during goal-setting enhances students' ownership, motivation, and personalized learning. It also allows for individualized growth and fosters collaboration and communication with the teacher. If you haven't tried co-creating goals with your students before, this Tip for Tomorrow will inspire you to do so with future groups of students.

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-15044702 Sun, 19 May 2024 03:00:00 -0400 369 full false Developing Paragraph Structure: A Tip For Tomorrow from Melanie Developing Paragraph Structure: A Tip For Tomorrow from Melanie In this episode, Melanie guides you through the art of crafting concise and well-structured paragraphs that are easy to follow and understand. With her expert tips on oral rehearsal and the use of sentence frames, she empowers young writers to hone their writing skills and develop a unique voice. Tune in to learn how to help students move from writing formulaic paragraphs to composing authentic pieces that truly showcase their writing talents.

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]]> In this episode, Melanie guides you through the art of crafting concise and well-structured paragraphs that are easy to follow and understand. With her expert tips on oral rehearsal and the use of sentence frames, she empowers young writers to hone their writing skills and develop a unique voice. Tune in to learn how to help students move from writing formulaic paragraphs to composing authentic pieces that truly showcase their writing talents.

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-15011502 Sun, 12 May 2024 03:00:00 -0400 561 full false Unlock Strategies for Task Initiation: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Unlock Strategies for Task Initiation: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Task initiation is one key to student success, particularly in the context of writing instruction. The episode highlights some students' challenges with executive functioning skills and how they struggle to begin tasks efficiently. The host provides nine effective strategies to help students overcome task initiation challenges, such as normalizing task-avoidant behavior, emphasizing work quality, preparing materials, using visual aids and organizers, breaking tasks into smaller steps, employing backwards planning, facilitating getting started, limiting distractions, and incorporating planned breaks. The episode also references Admiral William H. McRaven's "Make Your Bed" speech, emphasizing the significance of small tasks and their impact on productivity and motivation.

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]]> Task initiation is one key to student success, particularly in the context of writing instruction. The episode highlights some students' challenges with executive functioning skills and how they struggle to begin tasks efficiently. The host provides nine effective strategies to help students overcome task initiation challenges, such as normalizing task-avoidant behavior, emphasizing work quality, preparing materials, using visual aids and organizers, breaking tasks into smaller steps, employing backwards planning, facilitating getting started, limiting distractions, and incorporating planned breaks. The episode also references Admiral William H. McRaven's "Make Your Bed" speech, emphasizing the significance of small tasks and their impact on productivity and motivation.

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-14939931 Sun, 05 May 2024 03:00:00 -0400 768 full false Addressing Perfectionism in Writing Instruction: A Conversation with a Colleague Addressing Perfectionism in Writing Instruction: A Conversation with a Colleague In today’s Conversation with a Colleague, Stacey chats with Lainie Levin, a gifted interventionist and coach, about helping learners conquer perfectionism. Lainie unveils the manifestations of perfectionism in students, particularly during writing instruction, highlighting key signs to watch for. She shares an innovative work quality continuum she co-created with her students, as a powerful tool to address perfectionist tendencies. Practical strategies are discussed for reframing perfectionist behaviors, fostering a growth mindset, and embracing mistakes as opportunities for growth. Stacey and Lainie also explore the impact of perfectionism on partnerships and group work. Finally, they discuss where perfectionism is most prevalent during the writing process while discussing effective methods for addressing it.

ABOUT LAINIE LEVIN:

Lainie is a dedicated educator with 28 years of teaching experience and a strong advocate for children and public education. She is a gifted interventionist and coach in language arts and math, specializing in meeting the needs of gifted/talented elementary school students. Since 2021, she has been a valued colleague at Two Writing Teachers.

Check out Lainie’s personal blog, Soapbox: The Way I See Things, follow her on X @mrslevin11, or read her Two Writing Teachers blog posts. 

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]]> In today’s Conversation with a Colleague, Stacey chats with Lainie Levin, a gifted interventionist and coach, about helping learners conquer perfectionism. Lainie unveils the manifestations of perfectionism in students, particularly during writing instruction, highlighting key signs to watch for. She shares an innovative work quality continuum she co-created with her students, as a powerful tool to address perfectionist tendencies. Practical strategies are discussed for reframing perfectionist behaviors, fostering a growth mindset, and embracing mistakes as opportunities for growth. Stacey and Lainie also explore the impact of perfectionism on partnerships and group work. Finally, they discuss where perfectionism is most prevalent during the writing process while discussing effective methods for addressing it.

ABOUT LAINIE LEVIN:

Lainie is a dedicated educator with 28 years of teaching experience and a strong advocate for children and public education. She is a gifted interventionist and coach in language arts and math, specializing in meeting the needs of gifted/talented elementary school students. Since 2021, she has been a valued colleague at Two Writing Teachers.

Check out Lainie’s personal blog, Soapbox: The Way I See Things, follow her on X @mrslevin11, or read her Two Writing Teachers blog posts. 

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-14873136 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0400 2639 full false Building Awareness of Sentence Structure: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Building Awareness of Sentence Structure: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Make sentence structure more straightforward for students with Melanie's intentional activities in this episode. Melanie shares ways she helps students understand the definition of sentences, create sentences with phrases and pictures, and combine sentences. You'll help students recognize and create simple and increasingly complex sentences with Melanie's playful and purposeful ideas.

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]]> Make sentence structure more straightforward for students with Melanie's intentional activities in this episode. Melanie shares ways she helps students understand the definition of sentences, create sentences with phrases and pictures, and combine sentences. You'll help students recognize and create simple and increasingly complex sentences with Melanie's playful and purposeful ideas.

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Thanks to our affiliate, Marley Spoon! $235 off through 5 boxes -- The first box portion price starts at $4.99. Click here or copy and paste this link into your browser: http://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?mid=6988&id=1261005. 

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-14872670 Sun, 21 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0400 441 full false Capture Students' Progress with End-of-Year Letters: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Capture Students' Progress with End-of-Year Letters: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Explore the origin and significance of end-of-year reflection letters in this week’s episode. Stacey highlights the unique nature of these letters, which go beyond self-evaluations of academics and instead focus on students reflecting on their growth as learners and individuals. Practical guidelines for structuring the letters are shared, emphasizing flexibility in paragraph structure to suit individual needs. The episode also features touching excerpts from actual student letters, showcasing their accomplishments, thoughts on cooperative group work, and advice for the teacher. The power of these reflection letters as tools for student self-awareness and goal-setting is celebrated, emphasizing the importance of taking a step back to recognize personal growth.


Looking for what you can do after you receive these letters from your students? Check out “My Hope and Dream for You,” which explains how you can respond to your students as they exit your classroom door for the final time.


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]]> Explore the origin and significance of end-of-year reflection letters in this week’s episode. Stacey highlights the unique nature of these letters, which go beyond self-evaluations of academics and instead focus on students reflecting on their growth as learners and individuals. Practical guidelines for structuring the letters are shared, emphasizing flexibility in paragraph structure to suit individual needs. The episode also features touching excerpts from actual student letters, showcasing their accomplishments, thoughts on cooperative group work, and advice for the teacher. The power of these reflection letters as tools for student self-awareness and goal-setting is celebrated, emphasizing the importance of taking a step back to recognize personal growth.


Looking for what you can do after you receive these letters from your students? Check out “My Hope and Dream for You,” which explains how you can respond to your students as they exit your classroom door for the final time.


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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-14823726 Sun, 14 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0400 614 full false Explore the Potential of Student-Facing AI Tools: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Explore the Potential of Student-Facing AI Tools: A Digging Deeper Dialogue We explore the vast potential of student-facing AI tools. Join us as we delve into the benefits of tools like Co:Writer Universal, EverWrite, Grammarly, Read&Write, and Speechify. Discover how these cutting-edge tools revolutionize students' learning, writing, and communication and empower students to reach new heights of academic excellence.

Check out the Los Angeles Unified School District’s AI policies. 

Listen to our previous episode: Boost Writing Instruction with AI.

Related TWTBlog Posts:

AI Tools We Mentioned:

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]]> We explore the vast potential of student-facing AI tools. Join us as we delve into the benefits of tools like Co:Writer Universal, EverWrite, Grammarly, Read&Write, and Speechify. Discover how these cutting-edge tools revolutionize students' learning, writing, and communication and empower students to reach new heights of academic excellence.

Check out the Los Angeles Unified School District’s AI policies. 

Listen to our previous episode: Boost Writing Instruction with AI.

Related TWTBlog Posts:

AI Tools We Mentioned:

Thanks to our affiliates!


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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-14823602 Sun, 07 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400 2456 full false Bring Checklists to Life: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Bring Checklists to Life: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie It is helpful to create checklists that are accessible to students so they are manageable, digestible, and possible for students to utilize. In this tip, Melanie shares ways to help students chunk checklists, think with intention, and digitize checklists. In addition, she plants the seeds to help you think about ways to help students self-create checklists that will allow them to grow as writers.

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]]> It is helpful to create checklists that are accessible to students so they are manageable, digestible, and possible for students to utilize. In this tip, Melanie shares ways to help students chunk checklists, think with intention, and digitize checklists. In addition, she plants the seeds to help you think about ways to help students self-create checklists that will allow them to grow as writers.

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-14531777 Sun, 31 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0400 502 full false Boost Writing Instruction with AI: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Boost Writing Instruction with AI: A Digging Deeper Dialogue In this episode, we talk about content creation, personalized learning, accessibility, efficiency & productivity with artificial intelligence. We share various teacher-facing AI tools and discuss how you can incorporate them into your writing instruction.

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]]> In this episode, we talk about content creation, personalized learning, accessibility, efficiency & productivity with artificial intelligence. We share various teacher-facing AI tools and discuss how you can incorporate them into your writing instruction.

Go Deeper:

Previous TWTPod Episodes:

AI Tools We Mentioned:

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-14532712 Sun, 24 Mar 2024 02:00:00 -0400 2311 full false Create Personal and Living Poetry Anthologies: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Create Personal and Living Poetry Anthologies: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Learn about two engaging ideas for National Poetry Month, which begins on April 1. Stacey shares a bit about creating a collaborative "Living Poetry Anthology" where students curate poems to display throughout the school. Next, she discusses developing personal poetry collections featuring their work, inspirational poems, and reflections on poems they admired. Make poetry come alive for your students – listen now! 

TWTBlog Posts

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]]> Learn about two engaging ideas for National Poetry Month, which begins on April 1. Stacey shares a bit about creating a collaborative "Living Poetry Anthology" where students curate poems to display throughout the school. Next, she discusses developing personal poetry collections featuring their work, inspirational poems, and reflections on poems they admired. Make poetry come alive for your students – listen now! 

TWTBlog Posts

Resource List

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-14654465 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0400 484 full false Sentence Frames and Vocabulary Words: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Sentence Frames and Vocabulary Words: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie There's a lot of brain work involved in written expression. This week, Melanie shares a tip to help students reduce their cognitive load, which will help them express their ideas more easily. In this tip, Melanie shares how providing students with sentence frames and a bank of vocabulary words can aid students with difficulty with word retrieval. Plus, she shares ways to shift the agency to students so they are not dependent on their teacher to do this work.
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]]> There's a lot of brain work involved in written expression. This week, Melanie shares a tip to help students reduce their cognitive load, which will help them express their ideas more easily. In this tip, Melanie shares how providing students with sentence frames and a bank of vocabulary words can aid students with difficulty with word retrieval. Plus, she shares ways to shift the agency to students so they are not dependent on their teacher to do this work.
*****
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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-14531714 Sun, 10 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0400 385 full false Accommodations for Access to Writing Instruction: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Accommodations for Access to Writing Instruction: A Digging Deeper Dialogue In this episode, we explore accommodations for student writers. The episode has five categories: organization, materials/tools, time, response, and seating. This episode will equip you with ways to create an inclusive, accessible learning environment.

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PODCASTS MENTIONED:

RESOURCES FOR WRITING ACCOMMODATIONS:

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]]> In this episode, we explore accommodations for student writers. The episode has five categories: organization, materials/tools, time, response, and seating. This episode will equip you with ways to create an inclusive, accessible learning environment.

PAST TWT BLOG POSTS

PODCASTS MENTIONED:

RESOURCES FOR WRITING ACCOMMODATIONS:

BOOKS MENTIONED:

*****
Thanks to our sponsor!
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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-14303781 Sun, 03 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0500 3261 full false Navigate a Digital World by Seeing, Hearing, and Reading: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Navigate a Digital World by Seeing, Hearing, and Reading: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Stacey explores the power of pairing written explanations with oral directions to enhance understanding in the context of writing workshop. She provides an overview of Driveway, a Chrome Extension that allows educators to create step-by-step process guides with written descriptions, highlighted screenshots, and optional voiceovers. Learn how to create interactive walkthroughs to help students become more independent with the technology they use in writing workshop. 

Here are some videos of Stacey’s sample guides created with Driveway (and then exported to YouTube):

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]]> Stacey explores the power of pairing written explanations with oral directions to enhance understanding in the context of writing workshop. She provides an overview of Driveway, a Chrome Extension that allows educators to create step-by-step process guides with written descriptions, highlighted screenshots, and optional voiceovers. Learn how to create interactive walkthroughs to help students become more independent with the technology they use in writing workshop. 

Here are some videos of Stacey’s sample guides created with Driveway (and then exported to YouTube):

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-14526400 Sun, 25 Feb 2024 02:00:00 -0500 382 full false Digital Texts as Mentors: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Digital Texts as Mentors: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie In this Tip for Tomorrow, Melanie provides three ways to use digital mentor texts. She provides insight on using videos as part of your whole-class instruction, inquiry lessons, and as a goal-setting tool. Take advantage of this episode if you need more ways to integrate digital mentor texts into your writing instruction.

Read Leah Koch's Two Writing Teachers post, Energize Opinion Writing with Surprising Mentor Texts: Ready-to-Go Tip, which inspired this episode.

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]]> In this Tip for Tomorrow, Melanie provides three ways to use digital mentor texts. She provides insight on using videos as part of your whole-class instruction, inquiry lessons, and as a goal-setting tool. Take advantage of this episode if you need more ways to integrate digital mentor texts into your writing instruction.

Read Leah Koch's Two Writing Teachers post, Energize Opinion Writing with Surprising Mentor Texts: Ready-to-Go Tip, which inspired this episode.

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-14392332 Sun, 18 Feb 2024 04:00:00 -0500 394 full false Exploring the Power of Oral Language: A Conversation with a Colleague Exploring the Power of Oral Language: A Conversation with a Colleague Discover the untapped potential of oral language in the writing process and gain valuable insights from Lainie Levin, one of our TWTBlog co-authors. Lainie and Stacey discuss the importance of oral language beyond the primary years of elementary school and how storytelling and oral language support kids in developing a sense of story and composing writing in a low-risk way. Lainie shares strategies for making oral rehearsal engaging for children.

ABOUT LAINIE LEVIN:

Lainie is a dedicated educator with 28 years of teaching experience and a strong advocate for children and public education. She is a gifted interventionist and coach in language arts and math, specializing in meeting the needs of gifted/talented elementary school students. Since 2021, she has been a valued colleague at Two Writing Teachers.

Check out Lainie’s personal blog, Soapbox: The Way I See Things, follow her on X @mrslevin11, or read her Two Writing Teachers blog posts. 

GO DEEPER: 

***

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]]> Discover the untapped potential of oral language in the writing process and gain valuable insights from Lainie Levin, one of our TWTBlog co-authors. Lainie and Stacey discuss the importance of oral language beyond the primary years of elementary school and how storytelling and oral language support kids in developing a sense of story and composing writing in a low-risk way. Lainie shares strategies for making oral rehearsal engaging for children.

ABOUT LAINIE LEVIN:

Lainie is a dedicated educator with 28 years of teaching experience and a strong advocate for children and public education. She is a gifted interventionist and coach in language arts and math, specializing in meeting the needs of gifted/talented elementary school students. Since 2021, she has been a valued colleague at Two Writing Teachers.

Check out Lainie’s personal blog, Soapbox: The Way I See Things, follow her on X @mrslevin11, or read her Two Writing Teachers blog posts. 

GO DEEPER: 

***

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-14394303 Sun, 11 Feb 2024 03:00:00 -0500 2402 full false Research and Writing Instruction: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Research and Writing Instruction: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Research can be instrumental in supporting instructional decision-making for teachers. In this Tip for Tomorrow, Melanie gives an overview of some of the most critical research surrounding writing instruction. She will cover what the research says about:

  • Teaching kids about different aspects of the writing process.
  • Studying strong examples of writing to lift the level of student writing.
  • Teaching students to become fluent with handwriting, spelling, and typing so the cognitive focus is on content, not construction and transcription.
  • Providing daily time for students to write in and outside the writing workshop (e.g., content area writing, writing about reading).
  • Creating an engaged community of writers where writers confer, collaborate, and think about their audience.


Links to the research mentioned in the episode:
Steve Graham: 

Constance Weaver: 

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]]> Research can be instrumental in supporting instructional decision-making for teachers. In this Tip for Tomorrow, Melanie gives an overview of some of the most critical research surrounding writing instruction. She will cover what the research says about:

  • Teaching kids about different aspects of the writing process.
  • Studying strong examples of writing to lift the level of student writing.
  • Teaching students to become fluent with handwriting, spelling, and typing so the cognitive focus is on content, not construction and transcription.
  • Providing daily time for students to write in and outside the writing workshop (e.g., content area writing, writing about reading).
  • Creating an engaged community of writers where writers confer, collaborate, and think about their audience.


Links to the research mentioned in the episode:
Steve Graham: 

Constance Weaver: 

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-14392317 Sun, 04 Feb 2024 04:00:00 -0500 487 full false Propel Writers Forward With Reflection Shares: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Propel Writers Forward With Reflection Shares: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Join Stacey as she delves into the power of reflection shares to promote growth and development in student writing. She discusses how whole-group reflection allows students to share insights, experiences, and strategies, and fosters a sense of community and accountability. She emphasizes the importance of students feeling valued and included in the larger writing community, which increases confidence and engagement in the writing process. Near the end of the episode, Stacey shares a few prompts to help you get started with reflection shares in your classroom as soon as tomorrow.

The reflection prompts mentioned towards the end of the episode:

  • I still need help with…
  • Something I will try again…
  • A question I still have…
  • I could teach others to…

You can find these and some additional reflection prompts in chapter nine of Welcome to Writing Workshop: Engaging Today’s Students with a Model That Works by Stacey Shubitz and Lynne R. Dorfman.

Two Writing Teachers contains excellent information about reflection and sharing. You may click on these category links to explore blog posts on these topics:

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]]> Join Stacey as she delves into the power of reflection shares to promote growth and development in student writing. She discusses how whole-group reflection allows students to share insights, experiences, and strategies, and fosters a sense of community and accountability. She emphasizes the importance of students feeling valued and included in the larger writing community, which increases confidence and engagement in the writing process. Near the end of the episode, Stacey shares a few prompts to help you get started with reflection shares in your classroom as soon as tomorrow.

The reflection prompts mentioned towards the end of the episode:

  • I still need help with…
  • Something I will try again…
  • A question I still have…
  • I could teach others to…

You can find these and some additional reflection prompts in chapter nine of Welcome to Writing Workshop: Engaging Today’s Students with a Model That Works by Stacey Shubitz and Lynne R. Dorfman.

Two Writing Teachers contains excellent information about reflection and sharing. You may click on these category links to explore blog posts on these topics:

*****
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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-14364228 Sun, 28 Jan 2024 04:00:00 -0500 325 full false Developing as a Writer in the Slice of Life Community: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Developing as a Writer in the Slice of Life Community: A Digging Deeper Dialogue We explore the profound benefits of participating in the month-long writing challenge. Listeners will discover the power of making connections and gaining a true understanding of being a writer while cultivating a writing practice. The episode briefly overviews the Slice of Life Story Challenge's origins and purpose, pointing listeners to last year's Digging Deeper Dialogue for a more in-depth understanding. Whether new or returning, challenge participants will find a supportive global writing community filled with educators at all stages of their careers who want to connect and grow themselves as writers.

Click here for an overview of the 17th Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted by the co-authors of Two Writing Teachers.

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]]> We explore the profound benefits of participating in the month-long writing challenge. Listeners will discover the power of making connections and gaining a true understanding of being a writer while cultivating a writing practice. The episode briefly overviews the Slice of Life Story Challenge's origins and purpose, pointing listeners to last year's Digging Deeper Dialogue for a more in-depth understanding. Whether new or returning, challenge participants will find a supportive global writing community filled with educators at all stages of their careers who want to connect and grow themselves as writers.

Click here for an overview of the 17th Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted by the co-authors of Two Writing Teachers.

*****

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-14244530 Sun, 21 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0500 2002 full false A Quick Game for Convention Practice: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie A Quick Game for Convention Practice: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Bring the power of play into your writing instruction. Melanie explains how to teach kids to play PROVE IT in an effort for them to show evidence of the skills you're teaching in their writing. 

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]]> Bring the power of play into your writing instruction. Melanie explains how to teach kids to play PROVE IT in an effort for them to show evidence of the skills you're teaching in their writing. 

Check out these posts on TWTBlog for more ideas:

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-14282347 Sun, 14 Jan 2024 04:00:00 -0500 420 full false Energizing Writing Lives: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Energizing Writing Lives: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Let's explore ways to energize your writing workshop! In this episode, we discuss strategies for revving up individual minilessons and units of study by opening up options, changing perspectives, bringing in magic, promoting collaboration, and creating authentic purposes for students to think about their audience. 

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]]> Let's explore ways to energize your writing workshop! In this episode, we discuss strategies for revving up individual minilessons and units of study by opening up options, changing perspectives, bringing in magic, promoting collaboration, and creating authentic purposes for students to think about their audience. 

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]]> Buzzsprout-13952143 Sun, 07 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0500 2120 full false Refresh and Renew with Choices for Every Writer: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Refresh and Renew with Choices for Every Writer: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey In the final episode of 2023, Stacey discusses the importance of shedding anything that isn't serving us and applies this idea to the classroom, specifically focusing on providing students with a diversity of writing supplies. She offers three suggestions for obtaining different types of notebooks at a lower cost or for free. Stacey also emphasizes the significance of paper choice as an accommodation for students, highlighting the developmental needs of young writers and providing resources for different paper formats. This episode will leave you ready to embrace changes and create an environment that empowers students to express themselves more fully in the year to come.

SHOW NOTES

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]]> In the final episode of 2023, Stacey discusses the importance of shedding anything that isn't serving us and applies this idea to the classroom, specifically focusing on providing students with a diversity of writing supplies. She offers three suggestions for obtaining different types of notebooks at a lower cost or for free. Stacey also emphasizes the significance of paper choice as an accommodation for students, highlighting the developmental needs of young writers and providing resources for different paper formats. This episode will leave you ready to embrace changes and create an environment that empowers students to express themselves more fully in the year to come.

SHOW NOTES

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-14074988 Sun, 31 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0500 559 full false The Beauty of Nonfiction Writing: A Digging Deeper Dialogue The Beauty of Nonfiction Writing: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Let's explore the importance of information writing and address common problems writers face in this genre. The episode delves into the need for explicit instruction in note-taking, emphasizing the purpose of notes as a tool for critical thinking rather than mere proof or text transfer. It also offers various approaches to enhance information writing by incorporating lists, exploring different text features, and integrating tricks like twin sentences and transitional phrases. 

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]]> Let's explore the importance of information writing and address common problems writers face in this genre. The episode delves into the need for explicit instruction in note-taking, emphasizing the purpose of notes as a tool for critical thinking rather than mere proof or text transfer. It also offers various approaches to enhance information writing by incorporating lists, exploring different text features, and integrating tricks like twin sentences and transitional phrases. 

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-13922650 Sun, 10 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0500 1756 full false Infusing Stories Into Essays: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Infusing Stories Into Essays: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey This Tip for Tomorrow explores the art of essay writing beyond the traditional structure and formula. Stacey delves into "writing to think" and how students can infuse microstories into their essays to enhance their ideas. From choosing relevant stories to crafting concise microstories, she provides practical guidance on engaging the reader and connecting these stories to the central message of the essay. By balancing storytelling with other writing techniques, students can create impactful essays that take their readers on a journey of thought.

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]]> This Tip for Tomorrow explores the art of essay writing beyond the traditional structure and formula. Stacey delves into "writing to think" and how students can infuse microstories into their essays to enhance their ideas. From choosing relevant stories to crafting concise microstories, she provides practical guidance on engaging the reader and connecting these stories to the central message of the essay. By balancing storytelling with other writing techniques, students can create impactful essays that take their readers on a journey of thought.

Go Deeper:

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-13950954 Sun, 03 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0500 406 full false Maximizing Writing Time: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Maximizing Writing Time: A Digging Deeper Dialogue In this episode, we address the challenge of finding enough time to teach writing workshop daily in elementary school. We discuss the importance of writing instruction for students' literacy development and provide practical strategies for teachers to maximize their writing instruction time. This episode covers topics such as establishing efficient writing routines, ways to prioritize writing instruction, integrating writing across the curriculum, utilizing technology for writing instruction, and offering practical examples and activities to promote writing in various subject areas. 

Research mentioned in this episode:

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]]> In this episode, we address the challenge of finding enough time to teach writing workshop daily in elementary school. We discuss the importance of writing instruction for students' literacy development and provide practical strategies for teachers to maximize their writing instruction time. This episode covers topics such as establishing efficient writing routines, ways to prioritize writing instruction, integrating writing across the curriculum, utilizing technology for writing instruction, and offering practical examples and activities to promote writing in various subject areas. 

Research mentioned in this episode:

Go Deeper:

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-13917030 Sun, 26 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0500 2062 full false Starting Off Strong With Information Writing: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Starting Off Strong With Information Writing: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Send us Fan Mail

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]]> Send us Fan Mail

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-13691754 Sun, 19 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0500 396 full false Ten Ways to Keep Minilessons Mini: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Ten Ways to Keep Minilessons Mini: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey This Tip for Tomorrow episode explores ten practical tips for keeping minilessons brief and effective. Stacey discusses the importance of preparedness, including having all teaching materials ready and communicating clearly with students about what they should bring to the meeting area. She highlights the benefits of assigning "talking partners" and minimizing interruptions during the lesson. In addition, she delves into using checklists, teaching management skills, recording lessons for self-reflection, and time management. Listen now for essential tips to optimize your minilessons and enhance student engagement.

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]]> This Tip for Tomorrow episode explores ten practical tips for keeping minilessons brief and effective. Stacey discusses the importance of preparedness, including having all teaching materials ready and communicating clearly with students about what they should bring to the meeting area. She highlights the benefits of assigning "talking partners" and minimizing interruptions during the lesson. In addition, she delves into using checklists, teaching management skills, recording lessons for self-reflection, and time management. Listen now for essential tips to optimize your minilessons and enhance student engagement.

More on Minilessons:

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-13691411 Sun, 12 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0500 406 full false Help Kids Move from Ideas to Words: A Conversation With a Colleague Help Kids Move from Ideas to Words: A Conversation With a Colleague Sarah Valter, one of our TWTBlog co-authors, joins Melanie this week to discuss ways to inspire word explorers, the children in our classrooms who, for various reasons, need additional support or scaffolding to commit words to the page.

For more inspiration, check out these books, podcast episodes, and blog posts:

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]]> Sarah Valter, one of our TWTBlog co-authors, joins Melanie this week to discuss ways to inspire word explorers, the children in our classrooms who, for various reasons, need additional support or scaffolding to commit words to the page.

For more inspiration, check out these books, podcast episodes, and blog posts:

*****

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-13691274 Sun, 05 Nov 2023 01:00:00 -0500 2033 full false Increasing Narrative Writing Energy: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Increasing Narrative Writing Energy: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Give the kids the freedom to tell many kinds of stories during a narrative writing unit. Melanie shares three ideas you can use to help students have a surge of writing during a narrative writing unit.

Go deeper with these posts from the TWTBlog archives:

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]]> Give the kids the freedom to tell many kinds of stories during a narrative writing unit. Melanie shares three ideas you can use to help students have a surge of writing during a narrative writing unit.

Go deeper with these posts from the TWTBlog archives:

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-13691749 Sun, 29 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0400 310 full false Structure & Deliver a Powerful Minilesson: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Structure & Deliver a Powerful Minilesson: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Join us to explore the potential of minilessons as a forum for whole-class instruction. Peeling back the layers, we delve into the art of teaching writing behaviors, behaviors, strategies, and more in ten minutes or less. We thoroughly examine the four essential parts of a minilesson: connection, teach, active engagement, and link, shedding light on how each part impacts young writers. 

Past #TWTBlog Posts and #TWTPod Episodes:

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]]> Join us to explore the potential of minilessons as a forum for whole-class instruction. Peeling back the layers, we delve into the art of teaching writing behaviors, behaviors, strategies, and more in ten minutes or less. We thoroughly examine the four essential parts of a minilesson: connection, teach, active engagement, and link, shedding light on how each part impacts young writers. 

Past #TWTBlog Posts and #TWTPod Episodes:

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-13688592 Sun, 22 Oct 2023 02:00:00 -0400 2004 full false Prepare Student Teachers to Teach Writing: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Prepare Student Teachers to Teach Writing: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey In this episode, Stacey shares five valuable steps for cooperating teachers who are hosting with student teachers in leading a writing workshop for elementary school students. Stacey begins by sharing her personal experience and the challenges she faced when initially handing over the reins to student teachers. The five steps for empowering student teachers are: establishing clear expectations, modeling effective teaching practices, gradually increasing responsibility, providing constructive feedback, and engaging in reflective discussions. Stacey emphasizes the importance of communication, collaboration, and support in helping student teachers succeed in leading a writing workshop.

Click here to read past #TWTBlog posts about working with student teachers

Some Book Suggestions:

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]]> In this episode, Stacey shares five valuable steps for cooperating teachers who are hosting with student teachers in leading a writing workshop for elementary school students. Stacey begins by sharing her personal experience and the challenges she faced when initially handing over the reins to student teachers. The five steps for empowering student teachers are: establishing clear expectations, modeling effective teaching practices, gradually increasing responsibility, providing constructive feedback, and engaging in reflective discussions. Stacey emphasizes the importance of communication, collaboration, and support in helping student teachers succeed in leading a writing workshop.

Click here to read past #TWTBlog posts about working with student teachers

Some Book Suggestions:

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-13515704 Sun, 15 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0400 565 full false Mastering the Art of a Successful Writing Workshop: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Mastering the Art of a Successful Writing Workshop: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Unlock the secrets of a successful writing workshop! Dive into the dynamic framework that increases student growth. Every workshop begins with an engaging minilesson and ends with intentional sharing time. Discover the power of independent writing time with conferring, small group work, and the short, but mighty mid-workshop interruption. Listen until the end for several tips for maximizing your writing block and fitting it all in. 

Read more about the fundamentals of the writing workshop:


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]]> Unlock the secrets of a successful writing workshop! Dive into the dynamic framework that increases student growth. Every workshop begins with an engaging minilesson and ends with intentional sharing time. Discover the power of independent writing time with conferring, small group work, and the short, but mighty mid-workshop interruption. Listen until the end for several tips for maximizing your writing block and fitting it all in. 

Read more about the fundamentals of the writing workshop:


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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-13682848 Sun, 08 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0400 2380 full false Getting a Writing Toolkit Started: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Getting a Writing Toolkit Started: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Delve into the essential elements of building your conferring toolkit! Melanie explores the valuable tools, demonstration writing, and paper choices you'll want to stock in your toolkit. She'll even share a suggestion about the surprising impact of mints! Unlock the key to effective conferring by equipping yourself with everything you need to confidently engage and support your students. 

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]]> Delve into the essential elements of building your conferring toolkit! Melanie explores the valuable tools, demonstration writing, and paper choices you'll want to stock in your toolkit. She'll even share a suggestion about the surprising impact of mints! Unlock the key to effective conferring by equipping yourself with everything you need to confidently engage and support your students. 

Go Deeper

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-13632861 Sun, 01 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0400 368 full false Building Toolkits for Writing Instruction: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Building Toolkits for Writing Instruction: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Discover what a conferring toolkit is, why it's essential, and how to create one that suits your needs. This episode will share must-have items, tips for organizing, and the benefits of incorporating digital setups. Get valuable advice on updating your toolkit, embracing change, and capturing photographs of your resources. Remember, tools don't teach—people do. So let us help you get started building your conferring toolkit today!
*****

Items We Mentioned in the Podcast:

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]]> Discover what a conferring toolkit is, why it's essential, and how to create one that suits your needs. This episode will share must-have items, tips for organizing, and the benefits of incorporating digital setups. Get valuable advice on updating your toolkit, embracing change, and capturing photographs of your resources. Remember, tools don't teach—people do. So let us help you get started building your conferring toolkit today!
*****

Items We Mentioned in the Podcast:

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-13570169 Sun, 24 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0400 2473 full false Use Conference Cards for Record Keeping and More: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Use Conference Cards for Record Keeping and More: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Join us as we explore how filling out conference cards alongside students makes them more responsible for their learning journey.   Also, conference cards are an excellent way to check what's been taught, and what's been accomplished between writing conferences and plan the next steps for student success! 

Some useful links:

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]]> Join us as we explore how filling out conference cards alongside students makes them more responsible for their learning journey.   Also, conference cards are an excellent way to check what's been taught, and what's been accomplished between writing conferences and plan the next steps for student success! 

Some useful links:

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-13442951 Sun, 17 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0400 346 full false Unleash Greenbelt Writing's Potential: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Unleash Greenbelt Writing's Potential: A Digging Deeper Dialogue In this episode, we explore the concept of greenbelt writing and its profound impact on young writers. We discuss why children must be free to play with words without grading pressure. We discuss how allowing kids to choose their preferred genres empowers creativity and fosters a genuine love for writing. Through discussion, we share the true essence of greenbelt writing—an unmanicured and imperfect form of expression that prioritizes the growth and well-being of the writer. We explore how this approach can unlock hidden talents, build confidence, and ignite a lifelong passion for writing.

Whether you're a classroom teacher, literacy coach, or curriculum director, this episode will inspire you to rethink traditional approaches to writing instruction. Tune in to this enlightening episode and celebrate the beauty of ungraded writing, encourage creative exploration, and unlock the full potential of every young writer.


Some resources we mentioned in this episode:

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]]> In this episode, we explore the concept of greenbelt writing and its profound impact on young writers. We discuss why children must be free to play with words without grading pressure. We discuss how allowing kids to choose their preferred genres empowers creativity and fosters a genuine love for writing. Through discussion, we share the true essence of greenbelt writing—an unmanicured and imperfect form of expression that prioritizes the growth and well-being of the writer. We explore how this approach can unlock hidden talents, build confidence, and ignite a lifelong passion for writing.

Whether you're a classroom teacher, literacy coach, or curriculum director, this episode will inspire you to rethink traditional approaches to writing instruction. Tune in to this enlightening episode and celebrate the beauty of ungraded writing, encourage creative exploration, and unlock the full potential of every young writer.


Some resources we mentioned in this episode:

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-13241376 Sun, 10 Sep 2023 02:00:00 -0400 2121 full false The Power of Spelling Rings: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie The Power of Spelling Rings: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie
This week, we're diving into a game-changing strategy to help students struggling with spelling. Not only will it provide immediate assistance to kids when they need it, but it will also become a strategy for monitoring student progress. You won't want to miss this episode that will empower you and your students on the spelling journey!

Link to the keyrings mentioned in the episode.

Check out more Two Writing Teachers blog posts about spelling.

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]]>
This week, we're diving into a game-changing strategy to help students struggling with spelling. Not only will it provide immediate assistance to kids when they need it, but it will also become a strategy for monitoring student progress. You won't want to miss this episode that will empower you and your students on the spelling journey!

Link to the keyrings mentioned in the episode.

Check out more Two Writing Teachers blog posts about spelling.

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-13442925 Sun, 03 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0400 317 full false Joyful Writing Partnerships: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Joyful Writing Partnerships: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Learn how to kick off the school year with successful writing partnerships. Discover the benefits of pairing young writers together. Get tips on how to pair students effectively, teach effective communication, and make writing partnerships joyful. Take advantage of this valuable information to help your students grow as writers.

Elevate your writing partnerships with our top #TWTBlog posts. Whether you’re just starting or looking to strengthen your skills, we’ve got you covered with our expert advice. 

  1. Building Stronger Writing Partners
  2. Intentional Talk with Writing Partners
  3. Making Space for Partnerships
  4. Partners in the Process
  5. Play Up Partner Time! 3 Quick Games That Yield Joy, Ownership, & Success
  6. Seven Ways to Help Students Catch Up After a School Absence
  7. Strengthening Writing Partnerships
    1. Part 1
    2. Part 2
  8. Three Keys to Writing Partnership Success
  9. Top Five Lessons to Teach to Writing Partners of All Ages Right Now
  10. Writing Partnerships to Establish Community

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]]> Learn how to kick off the school year with successful writing partnerships. Discover the benefits of pairing young writers together. Get tips on how to pair students effectively, teach effective communication, and make writing partnerships joyful. Take advantage of this valuable information to help your students grow as writers.

Elevate your writing partnerships with our top #TWTBlog posts. Whether you’re just starting or looking to strengthen your skills, we’ve got you covered with our expert advice. 

  1. Building Stronger Writing Partners
  2. Intentional Talk with Writing Partners
  3. Making Space for Partnerships
  4. Partners in the Process
  5. Play Up Partner Time! 3 Quick Games That Yield Joy, Ownership, & Success
  6. Seven Ways to Help Students Catch Up After a School Absence
  7. Strengthening Writing Partnerships
    1. Part 1
    2. Part 2
  8. Three Keys to Writing Partnership Success
  9. Top Five Lessons to Teach to Writing Partners of All Ages Right Now
  10. Writing Partnerships to Establish Community

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You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-13236499 Sun, 27 Aug 2023 02:00:00 -0400 488 full false Remember the Compliment: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Remember the Compliment: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Are you a teacher who sometimes forgets to compliment your students during writing conferences? Don't worry. You're not alone! But compliments are an essential part of building confident and competent young writers. In this episode, Stacey explores ways to make space for compliments during those limited conference times. Learn how to start your conference with research and build on a student's strengths. Discover sentence stems to help you give sincere and impactful compliments that will leave your students feeling inspired and confident. Plus, Stacey shares tips on making your compliments long enough to feel good. Let's make a student's day with a thoughtful compliment at every writing conference we hold!

Click here to read past TWTBlog posts about complimenting students in writing conferences.

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Are you a teacher who sometimes forgets to compliment your students during writing conferences? Don't worry. You're not alone! But compliments are an essential part of building confident and competent young writers. In this episode, Stacey explores ways to make space for compliments during those limited conference times. Learn how to start your conference with research and build on a student's strengths. Discover sentence stems to help you give sincere and impactful compliments that will leave your students feeling inspired and confident. Plus, Stacey shares tips on making your compliments long enough to feel good. Let's make a student's day with a thoughtful compliment at every writing conference we hold!

Click here to read past TWTBlog posts about complimenting students in writing conferences.

THANKS TO OUR AFFILIATE, BRAINPOP! Use TWTPOD15 for 15% off your first BrainPOP Family or BrainPOP Homeschool payment.




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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-12752464 Sun, 20 Aug 2023 03:00:00 -0400 398 full false Embrace an Asset-Based Approach: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Embrace an Asset-Based Approach: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Teachers' expectations of their students can significantly impact their outcomes, so it's vital to have an asset-based approach. Using an asset-based lens, we look for the positive things students can do rather than focusing on their deficits. This shift can occur in teacher-teacher and teacher-student interactions, such as examining student work with a positive lens and emphasizing the importance of compliments and positive feedback.

In this podcast, we'll explore how these shifts in practice can lead to greater efficacy, with teachers believing in their power to make a difference. Join us on this journey towards an asset-based approach in writing workshop, which recognizes the worth and capability of all students.

Some of the resources we mentioned in the episode:

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]]> Teachers' expectations of their students can significantly impact their outcomes, so it's vital to have an asset-based approach. Using an asset-based lens, we look for the positive things students can do rather than focusing on their deficits. This shift can occur in teacher-teacher and teacher-student interactions, such as examining student work with a positive lens and emphasizing the importance of compliments and positive feedback.

In this podcast, we'll explore how these shifts in practice can lead to greater efficacy, with teachers believing in their power to make a difference. Join us on this journey towards an asset-based approach in writing workshop, which recognizes the worth and capability of all students.

Some of the resources we mentioned in the episode:

THANKS TO OUR AFFILIATES!

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-12708147 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 02:00:00 -0400 2023 full false Create a Dynamic Writing Workshop in Your Classroom: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Create a Dynamic Writing Workshop in Your Classroom: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Ready to create a thriving writing workshop in your classroom? Our latest podcast episode has got you covered! We discuss the components of a successful writing workshop approach, including ample writing time, building a strong community, mentor texts, & more. Plus, we explore how to infuse joy into the workshop so it's fun for students. Tune in to learn how to nurture your students' love of writing and help them find their own writing process. Grab a coffee, hit play, and remember to subscribe & leave us a review!

Articles Mentioned:

Podcasts Mentioned:

THANKS TO OUR AFFILIATES!

Send us Fan Mail

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]]> Ready to create a thriving writing workshop in your classroom? Our latest podcast episode has got you covered! We discuss the components of a successful writing workshop approach, including ample writing time, building a strong community, mentor texts, & more. Plus, we explore how to infuse joy into the workshop so it's fun for students. Tune in to learn how to nurture your students' love of writing and help them find their own writing process. Grab a coffee, hit play, and remember to subscribe & leave us a review!

Articles Mentioned:

Podcasts Mentioned:

THANKS TO OUR AFFILIATES!

Send us Fan Mail

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-12708140 Sun, 06 Aug 2023 02:00:00 -0400 2411 full false Make the Most of Professional Development: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Make the Most of Professional Development: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Are you a literacy coach looking to take your professional development to the next level, or are you a classroom teacher who wants more out of the PD you receive? Our latest episode has got you covered! Tune in for various ideas, from incorporating dedicated writing time into PD sessions to searching for mentor texts as a faculty member. More nuanced options, like video studies and lab sites, are discussed. This episode has inspiring ideas to help you take your PD to the next level. 

What's Next:
We are experienced in leading professional development for school districts and are happy to discuss potential opportunities with you.

Go Deeper:

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Are you a literacy coach looking to take your professional development to the next level, or are you a classroom teacher who wants more out of the PD you receive? Our latest episode has got you covered! Tune in for various ideas, from incorporating dedicated writing time into PD sessions to searching for mentor texts as a faculty member. More nuanced options, like video studies and lab sites, are discussed. This episode has inspiring ideas to help you take your PD to the next level. 

What's Next:
We are experienced in leading professional development for school districts and are happy to discuss potential opportunities with you.

Go Deeper:

THANKS TO OUR AFFILIATES!
BrainPOP: Use TWTPOD15 to receive 15% off your first BrainPOP Family or BrainPOP Homeschool payment.

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Send us Fan Mail

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You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-12609221 Sun, 28 May 2023 02:00:00 -0400 2326 full false Find Inspiration for Summer Writing: A Conversation With a Colleague Find Inspiration for Summer Writing: A Conversation With a Colleague Summer vacation can be when children's writing lives take a backseat to other activities. What if we could help our students pursue writing that interests them during the summer break? Kathleen Neagle Sokolowski, a former #TWTBlog co-author, joins us to discuss how to keep students writing during the summer months.

Join Kathleen and Stacey as they explore practical strategies for encouraging and supporting our students' writing lives during the summer months. From journaling to blogging to creating digital stories, there are many ideas to help keep your students engaged and motivated to write all summer long.

You can find Kathleen Neagle Sokolowski online at Courage Doesn’t Always Roar or on Twitter, @MrsSokolowski

#TWTBlog posts related to this episode:

Other helpful resources:

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Summer vacation can be when children's writing lives take a backseat to other activities. What if we could help our students pursue writing that interests them during the summer break? Kathleen Neagle Sokolowski, a former #TWTBlog co-author, joins us to discuss how to keep students writing during the summer months.

Join Kathleen and Stacey as they explore practical strategies for encouraging and supporting our students' writing lives during the summer months. From journaling to blogging to creating digital stories, there are many ideas to help keep your students engaged and motivated to write all summer long.

You can find Kathleen Neagle Sokolowski online at Courage Doesn’t Always Roar or on Twitter, @MrsSokolowski

#TWTBlog posts related to this episode:

Other helpful resources:

Send us Fan Mail

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-12215525 Sun, 21 May 2023 03:00:00 -0400 2190 full false Three Possibilities for Using Chat GPT: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Three Possibilities for Using Chat GPT: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie
There are many ways teachers of writing can use A.I.! From exemplar and demonstration texts to feedback on your in-process writing, to providing starting points for curriculum documents, this episode will provide you with some ideas for using A.I. to maximize your preparation time.

Where to access Chat GPT: https://chat.openai.com/chat
This requires you to set up an account, but you can also access many of the features at poe.com.

Books, blog posts, and other resources mentioned in this episode:
Three Ways to Use Chat GPT
Can A.I. Write a Good Speech?


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]]>
There are many ways teachers of writing can use A.I.! From exemplar and demonstration texts to feedback on your in-process writing, to providing starting points for curriculum documents, this episode will provide you with some ideas for using A.I. to maximize your preparation time.

Where to access Chat GPT: https://chat.openai.com/chat
This requires you to set up an account, but you can also access many of the features at poe.com.

Books, blog posts, and other resources mentioned in this episode:
Three Ways to Use Chat GPT
Can A.I. Write a Good Speech?


Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-12639813 Sun, 14 May 2023 03:00:00 -0400 528 full false Make Mentor Texts Endure: A Tip For Tomorrow From Stacey Make Mentor Texts Endure: A Tip For Tomorrow From Stacey It's essential to keep mentor texts meaningful for students so they can learn how to use them effectively and independently. In this episode, Stacey shares four practical strategies to encourage children to return to mentor texts repeatedly. These include whole-class text studies, the "return and reflect" process, using craft move charts in picture books, and encouraging students to "read like a writer" when they're reading for pleasure. By implementing these techniques, teachers can help their students become more independent writers in and out of the classroom.

Books, blog posts, and other resources mentioned in this episode:

Send us Fan Mail

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> It's essential to keep mentor texts meaningful for students so they can learn how to use them effectively and independently. In this episode, Stacey shares four practical strategies to encourage children to return to mentor texts repeatedly. These include whole-class text studies, the "return and reflect" process, using craft move charts in picture books, and encouraging students to "read like a writer" when they're reading for pleasure. By implementing these techniques, teachers can help their students become more independent writers in and out of the classroom.

Books, blog posts, and other resources mentioned in this episode:

Send us Fan Mail

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You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-12652133 Sun, 07 May 2023 03:00:00 -0400 392 full false The Tricky Business of Spelling: A Digging Deeper Dialogue The Tricky Business of Spelling: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Are you ready to help your students take their spelling skills to the next level? We discuss spelling development and the benefits of invented spelling, word sorts, and personalized word walls. We also explore practical strategies that empower kids to become confident spellers and make the most of an "Editing Minute." Whether you're a teacher or a parent, our episode contains valuable tips to help your students succeed. Tune in now!

Go Deeper:


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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Are you ready to help your students take their spelling skills to the next level? We discuss spelling development and the benefits of invented spelling, word sorts, and personalized word walls. We also explore practical strategies that empower kids to become confident spellers and make the most of an "Editing Minute." Whether you're a teacher or a parent, our episode contains valuable tips to help your students succeed. Tune in now!

Go Deeper:


Thanks to Our Affiliate!
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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-12611865 Sun, 30 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400 2033 full false The Importance of Immersion: A Digging Deeper Dialogue The Importance of Immersion: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Libro.fm Offer: Use the TWTPod Code
Receive 2 audiobook credits for $14.99 USD with your first month of membership. Credits can be used on your choice of more than 275,000 audiobooks on Libro.fm.After your first month, you’ll pay $14.99 USD for one audiobook credit per month, and each payment supports local bookstores. Members also receive 30% off when buying audiobooks à la carte. Pause or cancel at anytime and keep your audiobooks.

Engaging with good writing helps students develop a vision when they’re asked to create their own texts. In this episode, we discuss why teachers will want to spend a few days immersing students in the genre they will write at the beginning of a unit. We share strategies and protocols to help your students engage in the work of reading like a writer at the beginning of a unit of study.

Check out these past Two Writing Teachers blog posts for more about immersion.

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]]> Libro.fm Offer: Use the TWTPod Code
Receive 2 audiobook credits for $14.99 USD with your first month of membership. Credits can be used on your choice of more than 275,000 audiobooks on Libro.fm.After your first month, you’ll pay $14.99 USD for one audiobook credit per month, and each payment supports local bookstores. Members also receive 30% off when buying audiobooks à la carte. Pause or cancel at anytime and keep your audiobooks.

Engaging with good writing helps students develop a vision when they’re asked to create their own texts. In this episode, we discuss why teachers will want to spend a few days immersing students in the genre they will write at the beginning of a unit. We share strategies and protocols to help your students engage in the work of reading like a writer at the beginning of a unit of study.

Check out these past Two Writing Teachers blog posts for more about immersion.

Send us Fan Mail

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You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-12350498 Sun, 23 Apr 2023 02:00:00 -0400 2020 full false End the School Year with Independent Writing Projects: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey End the School Year with Independent Writing Projects: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Independent writing projects are among the best ways to infuse joy into your writing workshop. These projects are a blessing for students who love to write, but they’re also a way to hook striving writers. 


A Few #TWTBlog Posts About Independent Writing Projects:


Books Mentioned in This Episode:


THANKS TO OUR AFFILIATE!

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Receive 2 audiobook credits for $14.99 USD with your first month of membership. Credits can be used for more than 275,000 audiobooks on Libro.fm. After your first month, you’ll pay $14.99 USD for one audiobook credit per month, and each payment supports local bookstores. Members also receive 30% off when buying audiobooks à la carte. Pause or cancel at any time and keep your audiobooks.




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]]> Independent writing projects are among the best ways to infuse joy into your writing workshop. These projects are a blessing for students who love to write, but they’re also a way to hook striving writers. 


A Few #TWTBlog Posts About Independent Writing Projects:


Books Mentioned in This Episode:


THANKS TO OUR AFFILIATE!

Libro.fm Offer: Use the TWTPod Code

Receive 2 audiobook credits for $14.99 USD with your first month of membership. Credits can be used for more than 275,000 audiobooks on Libro.fm. After your first month, you’ll pay $14.99 USD for one audiobook credit per month, and each payment supports local bookstores. Members also receive 30% off when buying audiobooks à la carte. Pause or cancel at any time and keep your audiobooks.




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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-12465263 Sun, 16 Apr 2023 02:00:00 -0400 549 full false Joy, Play, and Humor in Writing Workshop: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Joy, Play, and Humor in Writing Workshop: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Joyful classrooms, where play and humor are valued, help make schools feel safer and more welcoming. In today’s episode, we’ll provide ways to increase joy, play, and humor in your writing workshop

Related TWTBlog posts about joy, play, & humor:

Books We Mentioned:

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]]> Joyful classrooms, where play and humor are valued, help make schools feel safer and more welcoming. In today’s episode, we’ll provide ways to increase joy, play, and humor in your writing workshop

Related TWTBlog posts about joy, play, & humor:

Books We Mentioned:

Libro.fm Offer: Use the TWTPod Code

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-12333389 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 03:00:00 -0400 2360 full false Sentence Construction: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Sentence Construction: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Sentence construction can be tricky for many students. In this episode, Melanie shares a few strategies that might help students begin to internalize ways to construct sentences, moving from simple sentences to compound and complex sentences. 


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Receive 2 audiobook credits for $14.99 USD with your first month of membership. Credits can be used for more than 275,000 audiobooks on Libro.fm. After your first month, you’ll pay $14.99 USD for one audiobook credit per month, and each payment supports local bookstores. Members also receive 30% off when buying audiobooks à la carte. Pause or cancel at any time and keep your audiobooks.


A few posts from the Two Writing Teachers Blog that relate to this episode: 



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]]> Sentence construction can be tricky for many students. In this episode, Melanie shares a few strategies that might help students begin to internalize ways to construct sentences, moving from simple sentences to compound and complex sentences. 


THANKS TO OUR AFFILIATE!

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Receive 2 audiobook credits for $14.99 USD with your first month of membership. Credits can be used for more than 275,000 audiobooks on Libro.fm. After your first month, you’ll pay $14.99 USD for one audiobook credit per month, and each payment supports local bookstores. Members also receive 30% off when buying audiobooks à la carte. Pause or cancel at any time and keep your audiobooks.


A few posts from the Two Writing Teachers Blog that relate to this episode: 



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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-12230193 Sun, 02 Apr 2023 02:00:00 -0400 336 full false The Power of Poetry: A Conversation with a Colleague The Power of Poetry: A Conversation with a Colleague THANKS TO OUR AFFILIATES!

  • Head to https://one-sec.app?qu=twt to download the One Sec app to reclaim a large chunk of your waking hours by making distracting apps less appealing.
  • Libro.fm Offer: Use the TWTPod Code
    Receive 2 audiobook credits for $14.99 USD with your first month of membership. Credits can be used on your choice of more than 275,000 audiobooks on Libro.fm.After your first month, you’ll pay $14.99 USD for one audiobook credit per month, and each payment supports local bookstores. Members also receive 30% off when buying audiobooks à la carte. Pause or cancel at anytime and keep your audiobooks.

In today's Conversation with a Colleague episode, Betsy Hubbard joins Melanie to talk about poetry and its power to grow writers. 

Here are several Two Writing Teachers blog posts and past podcast episodes that deal with the topics discussed in this episode:

Additional resources mentioned in the podcast include:


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]]> THANKS TO OUR AFFILIATES!

  • Head to https://one-sec.app?qu=twt to download the One Sec app to reclaim a large chunk of your waking hours by making distracting apps less appealing.
  • Libro.fm Offer: Use the TWTPod Code
    Receive 2 audiobook credits for $14.99 USD with your first month of membership. Credits can be used on your choice of more than 275,000 audiobooks on Libro.fm.After your first month, you’ll pay $14.99 USD for one audiobook credit per month, and each payment supports local bookstores. Members also receive 30% off when buying audiobooks à la carte. Pause or cancel at anytime and keep your audiobooks.

In today's Conversation with a Colleague episode, Betsy Hubbard joins Melanie to talk about poetry and its power to grow writers. 

Here are several Two Writing Teachers blog posts and past podcast episodes that deal with the topics discussed in this episode:

Additional resources mentioned in the podcast include:


Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-12325420 Sun, 26 Mar 2023 01:00:00 -0400 2340 full false Keep Conferences Slim: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Keep Conferences Slim: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Equitably distributing your time among your students matters since every child should receive 1:1 writing instruction. However, it’s challenging to keep writing conferences to five to seven minutes in length. In today’s Tip for Tomorrow, you’ll hear two ideas that require minimum preparation. Both will help you trim down the time you spend with each student so that you can meet with more students during independent writing time.

Thanks to Padlet for sponsoring this episode. Please use this link to explore the features,  products, and possibilities of this amazing resource! 

Listen to a recent #TWTPod Tip for Tomorrow about setting a time to check back after a writing conference. Then, click here for more ideas about how to confer with all students regularly.




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]]> Equitably distributing your time among your students matters since every child should receive 1:1 writing instruction. However, it’s challenging to keep writing conferences to five to seven minutes in length. In today’s Tip for Tomorrow, you’ll hear two ideas that require minimum preparation. Both will help you trim down the time you spend with each student so that you can meet with more students during independent writing time.

Thanks to Padlet for sponsoring this episode. Please use this link to explore the features,  products, and possibilities of this amazing resource! 

Listen to a recent #TWTPod Tip for Tomorrow about setting a time to check back after a writing conference. Then, click here for more ideas about how to confer with all students regularly.




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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-12418677 Sun, 19 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0400 570 full false Collaboration, Play, and Laughter in Test Prep: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Collaboration, Play, and Laughter in Test Prep: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie This podcast is the second of two Tips for Tomorrow about test prep. You can listen to the first one here.

Libro.fm Offer: Use the TWTPod Code
Receive 2 audiobook credits for $14.99 USD with your first month of membership. Credits can be used on your choice of more than 275,000 audiobooks on Libro.fm. After your first month, you’ll pay $14.99 USD for one audiobook credit per month, and each payment supports local bookstores. Members also receive 30% off when buying audiobooks à la carte. Pause or cancel at anytime and keep your audiobooks.


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]]> This podcast is the second of two Tips for Tomorrow about test prep. You can listen to the first one here.

Libro.fm Offer: Use the TWTPod Code
Receive 2 audiobook credits for $14.99 USD with your first month of membership. Credits can be used on your choice of more than 275,000 audiobooks on Libro.fm. After your first month, you’ll pay $14.99 USD for one audiobook credit per month, and each payment supports local bookstores. Members also receive 30% off when buying audiobooks à la carte. Pause or cancel at anytime and keep your audiobooks.


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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-12230151 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500 409 full false Grammar as a Craft Move: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Grammar as a Craft Move: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Teaching grammar doesn’t have to be tedious or painful. In today’s episode, we dive deep into ways to make grammar instruction more meaningful, sticky, and joyful for you and your students.

Browse Two Writing Teachers for in-depth blog posts about grammar, editing, and conventions.

Thank you to our affiliates!

These are the books and online resources mentioned in this episode: 

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]]> Teaching grammar doesn’t have to be tedious or painful. In today’s episode, we dive deep into ways to make grammar instruction more meaningful, sticky, and joyful for you and your students.

Browse Two Writing Teachers for in-depth blog posts about grammar, editing, and conventions.

Thank you to our affiliates!

These are the books and online resources mentioned in this episode: 

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-12215404 Sun, 05 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500 2609 full false Paper Power: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Paper Power: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Paper can be used as an accommodation, a scaffold, and as a tool for innovation in writing workshops. 

Check out these Two Writing Teachers blog posts for more information about the topics we discussed in today’s episode:

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]]> Paper can be used as an accommodation, a scaffold, and as a tool for innovation in writing workshops. 

Check out these Two Writing Teachers blog posts for more information about the topics we discussed in today’s episode:

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11891961 Sun, 26 Feb 2023 04:00:00 -0500 1892 full false Bring Some Joy Into Test Prep: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Bring Some Joy Into Test Prep: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Test prep can be fun! Here are a couple of ways to use media and bring some joy into writing as you prepare students for summative assessments.

The Two Writing Teachers blog post mentioned in this episode is: 

Some Narrative Writing Fun

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]]> Test prep can be fun! Here are a couple of ways to use media and bring some joy into writing as you prepare students for summative assessments.

The Two Writing Teachers blog post mentioned in this episode is: 

Some Narrative Writing Fun

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-12089316 Sun, 19 Feb 2023 04:00:00 -0500 338 full false Interactive Writing With Pam Koutrakos: A Conversation With a Colleague Interactive Writing With Pam Koutrakos: A Conversation With a Colleague In this Conversations with a Colleague episode, Pam Koutrakos joins Melanie to talk about interactive writing and its power to grow writers. 

Here are several Two Writing Teachers blog posts and past podcast episodes that deal with the topics discussed in this episode:


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]]> In this Conversations with a Colleague episode, Pam Koutrakos joins Melanie to talk about interactive writing and its power to grow writers. 

Here are several Two Writing Teachers blog posts and past podcast episodes that deal with the topics discussed in this episode:


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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11591287 Sun, 12 Feb 2023 04:00:00 -0500 1959 full false The Importance of Paper: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey The Importance of Paper: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Just as your classroom library has books that kids can grow into, we can give students paper choices with the knowledge that they’re working to outgrow the paper they’re using. In today's Tip for Tomorrow, find out how paper can be used as an accommodation for students in writing workshop. 

Check out these Two Writing Teachers blog posts for more information about the topics we discussed in today’s episode:

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]]> Just as your classroom library has books that kids can grow into, we can give students paper choices with the knowledge that they’re working to outgrow the paper they’re using. In today's Tip for Tomorrow, find out how paper can be used as an accommodation for students in writing workshop. 

Check out these Two Writing Teachers blog posts for more information about the topics we discussed in today’s episode:

Send us Fan Mail

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11889080 Sun, 05 Feb 2023 04:00:00 -0500 393 full false Mentor Text Charts: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Mentor Text Charts: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Send us Fan Mail

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]]> Send us Fan Mail

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11592734 Sun, 29 Jan 2023 04:00:00 -0500 339 full false Student Seminars and Goal-Setting: A Conversation With a Colleague Student Seminars and Goal-Setting: A Conversation With a Colleague We have a new feature, Conversations with a Colleague, to share today! In this episode, Leah Koch, who is one of our newest Two Writing Teachers co-authors, joins Stacey to talk about student-led small groups, as well as goal setting with primary writers. 

Here are several Two Writing Teachers blog posts and past podcast episodes that deal with the topics discussed in this episode:



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]]> We have a new feature, Conversations with a Colleague, to share today! In this episode, Leah Koch, who is one of our newest Two Writing Teachers co-authors, joins Stacey to talk about student-led small groups, as well as goal setting with primary writers. 

Here are several Two Writing Teachers blog posts and past podcast episodes that deal with the topics discussed in this episode:



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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11740632 Sun, 22 Jan 2023 04:00:00 -0500 1883 full false An Overview of the Slice of Life Story Challenge: A Digging Deeper Dialogue An Overview of the Slice of Life Story Challenge: A Digging Deeper Dialogue The 16th Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge, or SOLSC, will begin on Wednesday, March 1st, 2023 at Two Writing Teachers. Participants, who we call Slicers, chronicle moments by living a wide-awake life for 31 days in March. They publish their writing on their own blog, share a link to their story daily over at Two Writing Teachers, and then provide at least three other Slicers with comments on their blogs. 

In today's pod, you'll learn more about the challenge and how you can join us so that you part of a global community of educators who write and share stories.

LINKS:

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]]> The 16th Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge, or SOLSC, will begin on Wednesday, March 1st, 2023 at Two Writing Teachers. Participants, who we call Slicers, chronicle moments by living a wide-awake life for 31 days in March. They publish their writing on their own blog, share a link to their story daily over at Two Writing Teachers, and then provide at least three other Slicers with comments on their blogs. 

In today's pod, you'll learn more about the challenge and how you can join us so that you part of a global community of educators who write and share stories.

LINKS:

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11731196 Sun, 15 Jan 2023 04:00:00 -0500 1398 full false Personal Editing Checklists: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Personal Editing Checklists: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey In this Tip for Tomorrow, you'll learn how to help students create and use a personal editing checklist that will help them fix up their writing in ways that meet them where they are as writers.

For more on personal editing checklists and the editing minute, check out these posts on Two Writing Teachers:

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]]> In this Tip for Tomorrow, you'll learn how to help students create and use a personal editing checklist that will help them fix up their writing in ways that meet them where they are as writers.

For more on personal editing checklists and the editing minute, check out these posts on Two Writing Teachers:

Send us Fan Mail

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11683269 Sun, 08 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500 395 full false Resetting Routines After Break: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Resetting Routines After Break: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Happy New Year!

Students may have forgotten some of the routines and procedures used in the classroom. Taking the first few days to reteach routines after a school vacation benefits everyone so that writing workshop runs smoothly again.

Book: Welcome to Writing Workshop: Engaging Today's Students with a Model  That Works
Pod Episode: Plan Boxes will Inspire You: Tip for Tomorrow

Check out these Two Writing Teachers blog posts for more information on routines.

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]]> Happy New Year!

Students may have forgotten some of the routines and procedures used in the classroom. Taking the first few days to reteach routines after a school vacation benefits everyone so that writing workshop runs smoothly again.

Book: Welcome to Writing Workshop: Engaging Today's Students with a Model  That Works
Pod Episode: Plan Boxes will Inspire You: Tip for Tomorrow

Check out these Two Writing Teachers blog posts for more information on routines.

Send us Fan Mail

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You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11683268 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 04:00:00 -0500 388 full false Fist to Five Self-Assessment Strategy: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Fist to Five Self-Assessment Strategy: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Are you tired of thumbs-up/thumbs-down as a self-assessment strategy? Here's a suggestion for a self-assessment system you can teach students so you can get a more nuanced view of their understanding.

For more on self-assessment, check out the following posts on Two Writing Teachers:



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]]> Are you tired of thumbs-up/thumbs-down as a self-assessment strategy? Here's a suggestion for a self-assessment system you can teach students so you can get a more nuanced view of their understanding.

For more on self-assessment, check out the following posts on Two Writing Teachers:



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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11592742 Sun, 18 Dec 2022 04:00:00 -0500 252 full false Inspiring Students to Use Conventions: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Inspiring Students to Use Conventions: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Conventions are one of the hardest things to teach kids to do well in an exciting and authentic way. We have some ideas for teaching kids how to write with conventions without resorting to worksheets. 

Resources Mentioned:

Visit the Two Writing Teachers' archive to read past blog posts about conventions. 

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]]> Conventions are one of the hardest things to teach kids to do well in an exciting and authentic way. We have some ideas for teaching kids how to write with conventions without resorting to worksheets. 

Resources Mentioned:

Visit the Two Writing Teachers' archive to read past blog posts about conventions. 

Send us Fan Mail

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11730971 Sun, 11 Dec 2022 04:00:00 -0500 1661 full false Google Forms for Record Keeping: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Google Forms for Record Keeping: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie For more about google forms, check out the following posts on Two Writing Teachers:


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]]> For more about google forms, check out the following posts on Two Writing Teachers:


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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11592743 Sun, 04 Dec 2022 04:00:00 -0500 398 full false The Benefits of Pens: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey The Benefits of Pens: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Do your students write with pens or pencils in your writing workshop? While some people wouldn't consider handing a pen to an elementary student, using them in the writing workshop has many benefits. You can find out more by listening to this Tip for Tomorrow and by reading what some of the TWT co-authors have written about the benefits of having students write with pens.  




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]]> Do your students write with pens or pencils in your writing workshop? While some people wouldn't consider handing a pen to an elementary student, using them in the writing workshop has many benefits. You can find out more by listening to this Tip for Tomorrow and by reading what some of the TWT co-authors have written about the benefits of having students write with pens.  




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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11706433 Sun, 27 Nov 2022 04:00:00 -0500 402 full false Increasing Student Agency as Writers: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Increasing Student Agency as Writers: A Digging Deeper Dialogue You can grow your students’ agency in writing workshop by thinking deeply about the curriculum, growing your instruction, and nudging students toward self-assessment. 

Here are several Two Writing Teachers blog posts that deal with some of the topics discussed in this episode:


Additional Resources Mentioned:




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]]> You can grow your students’ agency in writing workshop by thinking deeply about the curriculum, growing your instruction, and nudging students toward self-assessment. 

Here are several Two Writing Teachers blog posts that deal with some of the topics discussed in this episode:


Additional Resources Mentioned:




Send us Fan Mail

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11560366 Sun, 20 Nov 2022 04:00:00 -0500 1967 full false Inspiring Writers by Gifting Their Pieces: A Tip For Tomorrow from Melanie Inspiring Writers by Gifting Their Pieces: A Tip For Tomorrow from Melanie If you're interested in reading more about  writing as a gift, please read Heather's post about it, Narrative Writing Makes a Beautiful Gift. 

Subscribe to our podcast at https://twtpod.buzzsprout.com. 

For more about the teaching of writing, check out the blog! 

https://twowritingteachers.org 

Follow me on Twitter!

Melanie Meehan: https://twitter.com/MelanieMeehan1


Send us Fan Mail

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]]> If you're interested in reading more about  writing as a gift, please read Heather's post about it, Narrative Writing Makes a Beautiful Gift. 

Subscribe to our podcast at https://twtpod.buzzsprout.com. 

For more about the teaching of writing, check out the blog! 

https://twowritingteachers.org 

Follow me on Twitter!

Melanie Meehan: https://twitter.com/MelanieMeehan1


Send us Fan Mail

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11148289 Sun, 13 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0500 241 full false Non-verbal Cues for Writers: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Non-verbal Cues for Writers: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Conferring time is sacred! No one likes to be interrupted during a writing conference, but some students need a visual reminder that their teacher is off-limits when they're conferring. Today's Tip for Tomorrow will help you implement a visual conferring reminder to eradicate unnecessary distractions and interruptions while holding one-to-one writing conferences.


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]]> Conferring time is sacred! No one likes to be interrupted during a writing conference, but some students need a visual reminder that their teacher is off-limits when they're conferring. Today's Tip for Tomorrow will help you implement a visual conferring reminder to eradicate unnecessary distractions and interruptions while holding one-to-one writing conferences.


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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11081389 Sun, 06 Nov 2022 04:00:00 -0500 251 full false Extending the Power of Mentor Texts: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Extending the Power of Mentor Texts: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Mentor texts are important co-teachers in the writing workshop! This episode provides an in-depth look at mentor texts and is ideal for anyone who wants to extend the power of mentor texts in their classroom. 

Picture Books We Mentioned in the Podcast

  • A Person Can Be… by Kerri Kokias and Carey Sookocheff
  • Bake, Make & Learn to Cook Vegetarian: Healthy and Green Recipes for Young Cooks by David Atherton and Alice Bowsher
  • Copycat: Nature-Inspired Design Around the World by Christy Hale
  • Counting in Dog Years and Other Sassy Math Poems by Betsy Franco and Priscilla Tey
  • Hana’s Hundreds of Hijabs by Rezeena Omar Gutta and Manal Mirza
  • Kiyoshi’s Walk by Mark Karlins and Nicole Wong
  • Little Guides to Great Lives: Frida Kahlo by Isabel Thomas and Marianna Madriz
  • Only the Best: The Exceptional Life and Fashion of Ann Lowe by Kate Messner, Margaret E. Powell, and Erin K. Robinson
  • Puffin by Martin Jenkins and Jenni Desmond
  • What Are You? by Christian Trimmer and Mike Curato
  • What’s Your Name? By Bethanie Deeny Murguia
  • Windows by Julia Denos and E.B. Goodale

Professional Books We Mentioned in the Podcast

Book Censorship Organizations

Individuals you can follow on Twitter to better understand how and where they’re working to fight book banning:

Send us Fan Mail

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]]> Mentor texts are important co-teachers in the writing workshop! This episode provides an in-depth look at mentor texts and is ideal for anyone who wants to extend the power of mentor texts in their classroom. 

Picture Books We Mentioned in the Podcast

  • A Person Can Be… by Kerri Kokias and Carey Sookocheff
  • Bake, Make & Learn to Cook Vegetarian: Healthy and Green Recipes for Young Cooks by David Atherton and Alice Bowsher
  • Copycat: Nature-Inspired Design Around the World by Christy Hale
  • Counting in Dog Years and Other Sassy Math Poems by Betsy Franco and Priscilla Tey
  • Hana’s Hundreds of Hijabs by Rezeena Omar Gutta and Manal Mirza
  • Kiyoshi’s Walk by Mark Karlins and Nicole Wong
  • Little Guides to Great Lives: Frida Kahlo by Isabel Thomas and Marianna Madriz
  • Only the Best: The Exceptional Life and Fashion of Ann Lowe by Kate Messner, Margaret E. Powell, and Erin K. Robinson
  • Puffin by Martin Jenkins and Jenni Desmond
  • What Are You? by Christian Trimmer and Mike Curato
  • What’s Your Name? By Bethanie Deeny Murguia
  • Windows by Julia Denos and E.B. Goodale

Professional Books We Mentioned in the Podcast

Book Censorship Organizations

Individuals you can follow on Twitter to better understand how and where they’re working to fight book banning:

Send us Fan Mail

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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11560358 Thu, 03 Nov 2022 04:00:00 -0400 2260 full false Inviting Students to Sign Up for Small Groups: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Inviting Students to Sign Up for Small Groups: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie If you're interested in reading more about small group instruction, we have many blog posts about them on our website. Here are a few to check out: 

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]]> If you're interested in reading more about small group instruction, we have many blog posts about them on our website. Here are a few to check out: 

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11081400 Sun, 30 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0400 204 full false Plan Boxes Will Inspire You: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Plan Boxes Will Inspire You: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey For more on plan boxes, check out the following posts on Two Writing Teachers:


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]]> For more on plan boxes, check out the following posts on Two Writing Teachers:


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]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11081304 Sun, 23 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0400 374 full false Solving Predictable Workshop Problems - Part 2 of 2: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Solving Predictable Workshop Problems - Part 2 of 2: A Digging Deeper Dialogue In this episode, we tackle several predictable problems we've seen students deal with in a writing workshop. We discuss how to work with students who claim they have nothing to write about, how to deal with stories that go on and on (and on), the "I'm done" syndrome, guiding students with perfectionist tendencies, managing a variety of behavior issues, and helping students who don't use conventions. 

Here are a dozen past #TWTBlog posts for more ideas, strategies, and tips for solving predictable problems in your classroom:

ICYMI: Our co-author team wrote a "Solving Predictable Problems Blog Series" in 2017. You may also check out the series' Twitter Chat Archive on Wakelet for further help solving predictable problems.

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> In this episode, we tackle several predictable problems we've seen students deal with in a writing workshop. We discuss how to work with students who claim they have nothing to write about, how to deal with stories that go on and on (and on), the "I'm done" syndrome, guiding students with perfectionist tendencies, managing a variety of behavior issues, and helping students who don't use conventions. 

Here are a dozen past #TWTBlog posts for more ideas, strategies, and tips for solving predictable problems in your classroom:

ICYMI: Our co-author team wrote a "Solving Predictable Problems Blog Series" in 2017. You may also check out the series' Twitter Chat Archive on Wakelet for further help solving predictable problems.

Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11335331 Thu, 20 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0400 1999 full false Teaching Students About Partnerships and the Writing Process: Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Teaching Students About Partnerships and the Writing Process: Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie In this episode, we announce the winners of our Corwin book giveaway. Thank you to everyone who has left reviews or ratings on their listening platforms, and an especially big thank you to Corwin Press for sponsoring this giveaway by donating five professional books. The winners are:

  • Jenn Burke
  • Patty Saentz
  • Rikki Kwas
  • Meredith Schaefer
  • Linda Szakmary

____________________________________

To read more about partnerships and processes, check out some of the blog posts about them, including:

Subscribe to our podcast at https://twtpod.buzzsprout.com. 

For more about the teaching of writing, check out the blog! 

https://twowritingteachers.org 

Follow me on Twitter!

Melanie Meehan: https://twitter.com/MelanieMeehan1

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands 

Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> In this episode, we announce the winners of our Corwin book giveaway. Thank you to everyone who has left reviews or ratings on their listening platforms, and an especially big thank you to Corwin Press for sponsoring this giveaway by donating five professional books. The winners are:

  • Jenn Burke
  • Patty Saentz
  • Rikki Kwas
  • Meredith Schaefer
  • Linda Szakmary

____________________________________

To read more about partnerships and processes, check out some of the blog posts about them, including:

Subscribe to our podcast at https://twtpod.buzzsprout.com. 

For more about the teaching of writing, check out the blog! 

https://twowritingteachers.org 

Follow me on Twitter!

Melanie Meehan: https://twitter.com/MelanieMeehan1

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands 

Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11081415 Sun, 16 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0400 272 full false Set a Time to Check Back After a Conference: A Tip For Tomorrow from Stacey Set a Time to Check Back After a Conference: A Tip For Tomorrow from Stacey This Tip for Tomorrow will inspire you to set a time to follow up with your students after a writing conference. 

RATINGS/REVIEWS

  • We are excited to share the Two Writing Teachers Podcast with you. If you've provided a rating or review on any of the listening platforms, then please fill out this form to be entered into a giveaway for a free professional book from Corwin. 
    • All entries must be received by October 14th, 2022. 
    • You must have a U.S. mailing address to enter the giveaway.

*****

For more about the teaching of writing, check out the blog! 

https://twowritingteachers.org 


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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> This Tip for Tomorrow will inspire you to set a time to follow up with your students after a writing conference. 

RATINGS/REVIEWS

  • We are excited to share the Two Writing Teachers Podcast with you. If you've provided a rating or review on any of the listening platforms, then please fill out this form to be entered into a giveaway for a free professional book from Corwin. 
    • All entries must be received by October 14th, 2022. 
    • You must have a U.S. mailing address to enter the giveaway.

*****

For more about the teaching of writing, check out the blog! 

https://twowritingteachers.org 


Send us Fan Mail

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11081294 Sun, 09 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0400 330 full false Solving Predictable Workshop Problems - Part 1 of 2: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Solving Predictable Workshop Problems - Part 1 of 2: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Amy, Melanie, and Stacey talk about ways to solve five predictable problems teachers face as teachers of writing. 

  1. There isn't enough time in my writing block.
  2. My writing units go on forever.
  3. I don't know what to confer about.
  4. I need help explaining writing workshop to parents and caregivers.
  5. I'm always interrupted when I teach writing.

Check out the Solving Predictable Problems Blog Series our co-authors wrote in 2017. You may also check out the series' Twitter Chat Archive on Wakelet for further help solving predictable problems.

Plus, here are additional TWT blog posts that will help you with the problems we talked about in today's podcast.

RATINGS/REVIEWS

  • We are excited to share the Two Writing Teachers Podcast with you. If you've provided a rating or review on any of the listening platforms, then please

Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Amy, Melanie, and Stacey talk about ways to solve five predictable problems teachers face as teachers of writing. 

  1. There isn't enough time in my writing block.
  2. My writing units go on forever.
  3. I don't know what to confer about.
  4. I need help explaining writing workshop to parents and caregivers.
  5. I'm always interrupted when I teach writing.

Check out the Solving Predictable Problems Blog Series our co-authors wrote in 2017. You may also check out the series' Twitter Chat Archive on Wakelet for further help solving predictable problems.

Plus, here are additional TWT blog posts that will help you with the problems we talked about in today's podcast.

RATINGS/REVIEWS

  • We are excited to share the Two Writing Teachers Podcast with you. If you've provided a rating or review on any of the listening platforms, then please

Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11308075 Thu, 06 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0400 1693 full false Scaffolding Language in a Writing Workshop: A Tip for Tomorrow from Amy Scaffolding Language in a Writing Workshop: A Tip for Tomorrow from Amy To read more about supporting young writers in raising the level of their talk in a workshop, check out some of our blog posts including: 

*****

For more about the teaching of writing, check out the blog!
https://twowritingteachers.org. 

*****

Send us Fan Mail

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> To read more about supporting young writers in raising the level of their talk in a workshop, check out some of our blog posts including: 

*****

For more about the teaching of writing, check out the blog!
https://twowritingteachers.org. 

*****

Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11279138 Sun, 02 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0400 353 full false Strategies for Working with Multilingual Learners: A Bonus Episode with Shawnda Fukano (TWT Contributing Writer) Strategies for Working with Multilingual Learners: A Bonus Episode with Shawnda Fukano (TWT Contributing Writer) RATINGS/REVIEWS

  • We are excited to share the Two Writing Teachers Podcast with you. If you've provided a rating or review on any of the listening platforms, then please fill out this form to be entered into a giveaway for a free professional book from Corwin. 
    • All entries must be received by October 14th, 2022. 
    • You must have a U.S. mailing address to enter the giveaway.


MORE INFORMATION

ABOUT SHAWNDA

Shawnda Fukano is a primary literacy coach at Mount View Elementary, a dual-language school in the Highline School District in Seattle, Washington. She supports teachers and students in both English and Spanish classrooms as they develop biliteracy. Shawnda has had a passion for educating multilingual learners since she began teaching in 2004. She spent many years as a classroom teacher for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade newcomers, and was then the Dual Language Coordinator when her school first transitioned to the dual-language program. She also taught English to adult refugees from Burma for several years.

Shawnda is a National Board Certified Teacher in English as a New Language and is an OCDE Project GLAD® Trainer. She lives in Seattle with her husband, son, and twin daughters and writes slices of her life as a mom and teacher at ShawndaStories or follow her on Twitter @ShawndaFukano.

*****



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You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> RATINGS/REVIEWS

  • We are excited to share the Two Writing Teachers Podcast with you. If you've provided a rating or review on any of the listening platforms, then please fill out this form to be entered into a giveaway for a free professional book from Corwin. 
    • All entries must be received by October 14th, 2022. 
    • You must have a U.S. mailing address to enter the giveaway.


MORE INFORMATION

ABOUT SHAWNDA

Shawnda Fukano is a primary literacy coach at Mount View Elementary, a dual-language school in the Highline School District in Seattle, Washington. She supports teachers and students in both English and Spanish classrooms as they develop biliteracy. Shawnda has had a passion for educating multilingual learners since she began teaching in 2004. She spent many years as a classroom teacher for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade newcomers, and was then the Dual Language Coordinator when her school first transitioned to the dual-language program. She also taught English to adult refugees from Burma for several years.

Shawnda is a National Board Certified Teacher in English as a New Language and is an OCDE Project GLAD® Trainer. She lives in Seattle with her husband, son, and twin daughters and writes slices of her life as a mom and teacher at ShawndaStories or follow her on Twitter @ShawndaFukano.

*****



Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11337433 Thu, 29 Sep 2022 05:00:00 -0400 1594 full false Ways to Practice Conventions: A Tip For Tomorrow from Melanie Ways to Practice Conventions: A Tip For Tomorrow from Melanie If you're interested in reading more about conventions, some blog posts include:

Subscribe to our podcast at https://twtpod.buzzsprout.com.  If you subscribe and leave us a review, please fill out this form! You'll be entered in a drawing for professional books from Corwin Press. 

For more about the teaching of writing, check out the blog! 

https://twowritingteachers.org 


Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> If you're interested in reading more about conventions, some blog posts include:

Subscribe to our podcast at https://twtpod.buzzsprout.com.  If you subscribe and leave us a review, please fill out this form! You'll be entered in a drawing for professional books from Corwin Press. 

For more about the teaching of writing, check out the blog! 

https://twowritingteachers.org 


Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11081393 Sun, 25 Sep 2022 05:00:00 -0400 262 full false Our Go-to Writing Conferences: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Our Go-to Writing Conferences: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Conferring is the heart of writing workshop, which is why we are talking about four types of writing conferences we adore having with students. In this episode, we discussed on-the-spot writing conferences, complement-only conferences, table conferences, and inquiry conferences. As usual, we tuck in some conferring tips as well!

MORE ABOUT CONFERRING
We have written a lot of content about conferring over at Two Writing Teachers so it's hard to pick just a few pieces to share in today's show notes. Here are ten must-read blog posts about conferring: 

  1. Conferring: Writing Workshop Fundamentals
  2. Don't Skimp on the Compliment
  3. Get REALLY Good at Conferring
  4. How to Name a Transferrable Teaching Point in a Writing Conference
  5. Let's Talk About Methods for Conferring
  6. Listening Closely
  7. Table Conferences: An Important Coaching Move at the Start of the School Year
  8. Three Ways to Make Your Conferring More Effective
  9. Top Three Predictable, Beginning of Year Conferences
  10. What To Do When a Writer Doesn't Say Much

ICYMI: Be sure to check out our previous podcast on record-keeping!

RATINGS/REVIEWS

  • We are excited to share the Two Writing Teachers Podcast with you. If you've provided a rating or review on any of the listening platforms, then please fill out this form to be entered into a giveaway for a free professional book from Corwin.
    • All entries must be received by October 14th, 2022.
    • You must have a U.S. mailing address to enter the giveaway.


This episode was recorded in September 2022.


*****


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You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Conferring is the heart of writing workshop, which is why we are talking about four types of writing conferences we adore having with students. In this episode, we discussed on-the-spot writing conferences, complement-only conferences, table conferences, and inquiry conferences. As usual, we tuck in some conferring tips as well!

MORE ABOUT CONFERRING
We have written a lot of content about conferring over at Two Writing Teachers so it's hard to pick just a few pieces to share in today's show notes. Here are ten must-read blog posts about conferring: 

  1. Conferring: Writing Workshop Fundamentals
  2. Don't Skimp on the Compliment
  3. Get REALLY Good at Conferring
  4. How to Name a Transferrable Teaching Point in a Writing Conference
  5. Let's Talk About Methods for Conferring
  6. Listening Closely
  7. Table Conferences: An Important Coaching Move at the Start of the School Year
  8. Three Ways to Make Your Conferring More Effective
  9. Top Three Predictable, Beginning of Year Conferences
  10. What To Do When a Writer Doesn't Say Much

ICYMI: Be sure to check out our previous podcast on record-keeping!

RATINGS/REVIEWS

  • We are excited to share the Two Writing Teachers Podcast with you. If you've provided a rating or review on any of the listening platforms, then please fill out this form to be entered into a giveaway for a free professional book from Corwin.
    • All entries must be received by October 14th, 2022.
    • You must have a U.S. mailing address to enter the giveaway.


This episode was recorded in September 2022.


*****


Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11307956 Thu, 22 Sep 2022 01:00:00 -0400 1690 full false A Special Idea About Your Mid-Workshop Interruption: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey A Special Idea About Your Mid-Workshop Interruption: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Maximize the power of your mid-workshop interruptions by having a precise location where students can easily find you.

To read more about mid-workshop interruptions, head over to our blog and read:

For more about the teaching of writing, check out the blog! 

https://twowritingteachers.org 

*****

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Maximize the power of your mid-workshop interruptions by having a precise location where students can easily find you.

To read more about mid-workshop interruptions, head over to our blog and read:

For more about the teaching of writing, check out the blog! 

https://twowritingteachers.org 

*****

Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11081454 Sun, 18 Sep 2022 10:00:00 -0400 239 full false Keeping Writers Organized: A Tip for Tomorrow from Amy Keeping Writers Organized: A Tip for Tomorrow from Amy To read more about the organization of materials in the workshop, check out some of our blog posts, including: 

For more about the teaching of writing, check out the blog!
http://twowritingteachers.org

*****

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> To read more about the organization of materials in the workshop, check out some of our blog posts, including: 

For more about the teaching of writing, check out the blog!
http://twowritingteachers.org

*****

Send us Fan Mail

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You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11279147 Sun, 11 Sep 2022 05:00:00 -0400 337 full false Thinking About Charts: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Thinking About Charts: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Some of our past blog posts that correspond to today's conversation are:

For more on the teaching of writing, out our blog at https://twowritingteachers.org.


This episode was recorded on August 21, 2022.

*****

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Some of our past blog posts that correspond to today's conversation are:

For more on the teaching of writing, out our blog at https://twowritingteachers.org.


This episode was recorded on August 21, 2022.

*****

Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11176036 Thu, 08 Sep 2022 04:00:00 -0400 1603 full false Building Independent Writing Time Stamina: A Tip For Tomorrow from Stacey Building Independent Writing Time Stamina: A Tip For Tomorrow from Stacey To read more about building writers' stamina, check out some of our blog posts including:

For more about the teaching of writing, check out the blog! 

https://twowritingteachers.org 

*****

Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> To read more about building writers' stamina, check out some of our blog posts including:

For more about the teaching of writing, check out the blog! 

https://twowritingteachers.org 

*****

Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11081465 Sun, 04 Sep 2022 05:00:00 -0400 289 full false Record Keeping: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Record Keeping: A Digging Deeper Dialogue For more on record keeping, check out some of these posts from Two Writing Teachers:

Melanie's posts about Google Forms are available through the following posts:

Follow us on Twitter!

Amy Ellerman: https://twitter.com/sanderling12 

Melanie Meehan: https://twitter.com/MelanieMeehan1 

Stacey Shubitz: https://twitter.com/sshubitz 



Subscribe to our podcast at https://twtpod.buzzsprout.com. 


For more about the teaching of writing, check out the blog! 

https://twowritingteachers.org 


Advertising Inquiries: Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org. 

Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> For more on record keeping, check out some of these posts from Two Writing Teachers:

Melanie's posts about Google Forms are available through the following posts:

Follow us on Twitter!

Amy Ellerman: https://twitter.com/sanderling12 

Melanie Meehan: https://twitter.com/MelanieMeehan1 

Stacey Shubitz: https://twitter.com/sshubitz 



Subscribe to our podcast at https://twtpod.buzzsprout.com. 


For more about the teaching of writing, check out the blog! 

https://twowritingteachers.org 


Advertising Inquiries: Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org. 

Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11187819 Thu, 01 Sep 2022 04:00:00 -0400 1598 full false Building Confidence in Writers: A Tip for Tomorrow from Amy Building Confidence in Writers: A Tip for Tomorrow from Amy To read more about building writers' agency, check out some of our blog posts including:

Subscribe to our podcast at https://twtpod.buzzsprout.com. 

For more about the teaching of writing, check out the blog! 

https://twowritingteachers.org 

Follow me on Twitter!

Amy Ellerman: https://twitter.com/sanderling12

Advertising Inquiries: Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org. 

Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> To read more about building writers' agency, check out some of our blog posts including:

Subscribe to our podcast at https://twtpod.buzzsprout.com. 

For more about the teaching of writing, check out the blog! 

https://twowritingteachers.org 

Follow me on Twitter!

Amy Ellerman: https://twitter.com/sanderling12

Advertising Inquiries: Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org. 

Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11153327 Thu, 01 Sep 2022 03:00:00 -0400 248 full false The Importance of Volume: A Digging Deeper Dialogue The Importance of Volume: A Digging Deeper Dialogue For more on the importance of volume, check out some of these posts on the Two Writing Teachers blog:

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Melanie Meehan: https://twitter.com/MelanieMeehan1 

Stacey Shubitz: https://twitter.com/sshubitz 



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Send us Fan Mail

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You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> For more on the importance of volume, check out some of these posts on the Two Writing Teachers blog:

Follow us on Twitter!

Amy Ellerman: https://twitter.com/sanderling12 

Melanie Meehan: https://twitter.com/MelanieMeehan1 

Stacey Shubitz: https://twitter.com/sshubitz 



Subscribe to our podcast at https://twtpod.buzzsprout.com. 

Advertising Inquiries: Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org. 


Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11226249 Thu, 01 Sep 2022 02:00:00 -0400 1358 full false Thinking About Transitions: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie Thinking About Transitions: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie To read more about transitions, check out some of our blog posts including:


Subscribe to our podcast at https://twtpod.buzzsprout.com. 

For more about the teaching of writing, check out the blog! 

https://twowritingteachers.org 

Follow me on Twitter!

Melanie Meehan:https://twitter.com/MelanieMeehan1

Advertising Inquiries: Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org. 

Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> To read more about transitions, check out some of our blog posts including:


Subscribe to our podcast at https://twtpod.buzzsprout.com. 

For more about the teaching of writing, check out the blog! 

https://twowritingteachers.org 

Follow me on Twitter!

Melanie Meehan:https://twitter.com/MelanieMeehan1

Advertising Inquiries: Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org. 

Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11142472 Thu, 01 Sep 2022 02:00:00 -0400 212 full false Opportunities for Instruction During a Writing Block: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Opportunities for Instruction During a Writing Block: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey Some useful links on teaching shares and mid-workshop interruptions:


Subscribe to our podcast at https://twtpod.buzzsprout.com. 

For more about the teaching of writing, check out the blog! 

https://twowritingteachers.org 

Follow me on Twitter!

Stacey Shubitz: https://twitter.com/sshubitz 

Advertising Inquiries: Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org. 

Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Some useful links on teaching shares and mid-workshop interruptions:


Subscribe to our podcast at https://twtpod.buzzsprout.com. 

For more about the teaching of writing, check out the blog! 

https://twowritingteachers.org 

Follow me on Twitter!

Stacey Shubitz: https://twitter.com/sshubitz 

Advertising Inquiries: Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org. 

Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11081339 Thu, 01 Sep 2022 02:00:00 -0400 209 full false Thinking About Extended Time for Writers: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Thinking About Extended Time for Writers: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Some of our past blog posts that correspond to today's conversation are:


Subscribe to our podcast at https://twtpod.buzzsprout.com. 

For more on the teaching of writing, check out our blog at https://twowritingteachers.org.


Follow us on Twitter!

This episode was recorded in July 2022.

Advertising Inquiries: Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org. 

Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Some of our past blog posts that correspond to today's conversation are:


Subscribe to our podcast at https://twtpod.buzzsprout.com. 

For more on the teaching of writing, check out our blog at https://twowritingteachers.org.


Follow us on Twitter!

This episode was recorded in July 2022.

Advertising Inquiries: Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org. 

Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11081372 Thu, 01 Sep 2022 01:00:00 -0400 1839 full false Why Teachers Should Write: A Digging Deeper Dialogue Why Teachers Should Write: A Digging Deeper Dialogue
For more on being a teacher-writer check out It's Not Magic (but it IS): The Power of Being a Teacher Who Writes, and The Power of Writing Timelines,  You may also check our archives at https://twowritingteachers.org/category/teacher-of-writing/.  


Follow us on Twitter!

Amy Ellerman: https://twitter.com/sanderling12 

Melanie Meehan: https://twitter.com/MelanieMeehan1 

Stacey Shubitz: https://twitter.com/sshubitz 



Subscribe to our podcast at https://twtpod.buzzsprout.com. 


For more about the teaching of writing, check out the blog! 

https://twowritingteachers.org 

Advertising Inquiries: Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org. 

This episode was recorded in July 2022.

Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]>
For more on being a teacher-writer check out It's Not Magic (but it IS): The Power of Being a Teacher Who Writes, and The Power of Writing Timelines,  You may also check our archives at https://twowritingteachers.org/category/teacher-of-writing/.  


Follow us on Twitter!

Amy Ellerman: https://twitter.com/sanderling12 

Melanie Meehan: https://twitter.com/MelanieMeehan1 

Stacey Shubitz: https://twitter.com/sshubitz 



Subscribe to our podcast at https://twtpod.buzzsprout.com. 


For more about the teaching of writing, check out the blog! 

https://twowritingteachers.org 

Advertising Inquiries: Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org. 

This episode was recorded in July 2022.

Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Two Writing Teachers Buzzsprout-11081358 Thu, 01 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400 1183 full false TRAILER: Introducing the Two Writing Teachers Podcast TRAILER: Introducing the Two Writing Teachers Podcast Welcome! We are glad you are here.

We are excited to talk about the ways to create, lead, and sustain joyful and productive writing workshops. This trailer will provide you with an overview of where we are headed with this project.

In addition to finding us here on the Podcast, connect with us on our blog, Two Writing Teachers. 

Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Welcome! We are glad you are here.

We are excited to talk about the ways to create, lead, and sustain joyful and productive writing workshops. This trailer will provide you with an overview of where we are headed with this project.

In addition to finding us here on the Podcast, connect with us on our blog, Two Writing Teachers. 

Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

]]> Melanie Meehan 5fe7e8bd76c6db05319f536e:62e130fbce56cc6343abd44a:62e1358cce56cc6343ac5521 Wed, 27 Jul 2022 18:57:13 -0400 394 full false