How to Teach Writing: 5 Simple Shifts to Transform Your Writing Block
Most of the teachers I work with, both at my elementary school site and those I interact with through my […]
Quill.org: How to Simplify Differentiated Grammar Lessons
Quill.org: Easy Class Set Up As a busy teacher, I’m all for any tool that makes my life easier. Since
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.
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
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
Teaching Grammar Through Revision
If you’re looking for a better, faster, and more engaging way to teach writing, revision, and grammar skills all at once, then you need to pick up the book, Revision Decisions by Jeff Anderson and Deborah Dean.
Assessing Writing Through a Generous Lens
I don’t know about you, but nothing gives me more anxiety as a teacher than a huge pile of papers waiting to be graded. Well, that and field trips, but I digress.
Don’t get me wrong, I love to assign writing pieces to my 5th graders: short poems, long narratives, quick summaries, or detailed research reports. I love them all.
But I absolutely, positively HATE grading papers, so in this post, I’m going to explain how to assess writing through a generous lens and I promise, it will make your life so much easier.