Inspire your students to write with purpose and creativity!
Halloween writing activities are a fun, engaging way to practice writing skills in October! One of my favorite times of the year is Halloween. Why? It’s a return to boots and sweater weather. Singing along to “Thriller” on my car radio while driving home from work. Binging my favorite haunted house episodes of old TV […]
Student journals are a powerful way to incorporate personalized and flexible writing practice into your literacy routines. When we use journals like customized collections of stories and ideas rather than rigid assignments, we open up space for students to explore, reflect, and take ownership of their writing. In this post, I’m sharing five ideas for […]
A practical guide to creating a writing area that builds independence, nurtures voice, and organizes every pencil, paper, and “frindle.” Why Your Classroom Writing Center Setup Matters Whether you’re planning your classroom setup design or rethinking certain areas, it’s a great opportunity to think about a dedicated space for a writing center. A thoughtful […]
In grades 3–5, setting up a writer’s notebook is more than just labeling school supplies—it’s a fun, expressive ritual in personalization and customization. After all, students will use their writer’s notebooks almost daily, for all sorts of personal and academic writing tasks. So why not make the setup feel like an invitation into creative possibility? […]
What I Did on My Summer Vacation Rethinking the First Writing Assignment Pencil? Check. Paper? Check. What I Did on My Summer Vacation? Eh… not so fast. During my early years in teaching, I’d enter my classroom full of ideas for my back-to-school writing lessons. The first writing piece, of course, was “What I Did […]
Ever wish you had a clear, authentic window into how your students think, write, and express themselves before the curriculum kicks into full gear? That’s exactly what freewriting offers. Moreover, freewriting fosters classroom community, enhances writing stamina over time, and uncovers the hidden stories your students are carrying. In the early weeks of school, I […]
