Ditch the Test Prep Boredom: Using Scoots for Low-Stakes Writing Practice
Unplugged and On the Move: What is a Scoot Activity? So, what exactly is a Scoot activity? If you’ve never […]
Power Up With Power Writing
Power Writing is a quick, low-stakes classroom routine that helps reluctant writers build fluency, stamina, and confidence. In just 3–7 minutes, students draft fast, track word counts, and engage in friendly competition. Learn how to implement this simple writing warm-up to energize your writing block and boost productivity.
4 Common Narrative Writing Mistakes Kids Make (And How to Fix Them!)
Narrative Writing Mistake #1: Boring Beginnings This is probably one of my favorite narrative writing mistakes to solve. I love
As the Plot Thickens: 5 Narrative Writing Lessons that Go Beyond Basic
Take your middle school narrative writing lessons beyond the basic beginning, middle, and end with 5 key elements of storytelling: The Active Main Character, The Plot: A Series of Bad Decisions (Action, Reaction, Decision), The Immersive Setting (Sensory Details), Dialogue & Character Thoughts, and The Satisfying Ending.
The Power of Low-Stakes Writing Activities
Rather than focusing on right versus wrong and a polished end product, low-stakes writing activities encourage risk-taking and skill-building practice opportunities. It allows students to fail forward as they learn from their mistakes and grow as writers.
From Reluctant to Riveted: 3 Steps to Writing Engagement
Tip #1: Create low-stakes, skill-building activities When I speak to teachers, both those at my own school site and
The Truth About My Unbelievable Summer: A Mentor Text Lesson
I love books, don’t you?
I mean, I’m a teacher and a writer, so yeah. Of course I love books.
But more specifically, I love buying and sharing a good mentor text with my students. Because I’ve found that some of my best lessons start as a mentor text lesson.
If you don’t know what a mentor text is, it’s a text that can be used as a model of good writing.
Combo Class 101: 3 Must-Know Tips
Need to teach a combo class this year? Teaching a split-grade level can be tricky but it doesn’t have to be. Here are three must-know tips for successfully teaching a combination class.
Poetry Month Glow-Up: 7 Powerful Ideas
As a teenager, I loved writing poetry, albeit admittedly badly. Each poem was like a verbal puzzle to dwell upon
Grammar Key #3: Relevance, Not Routine
In today’s blog post we’ll delve into the last of the 3 Keys to Grammar Success . . . Relevance,