Do you practice handwriting with your students? Sometimes it seems like an archaic practice, but I think kids learn so much more than just handwriting skills when we practice handwriting. Attention to detail, print directionality, and fine motor development all come to mind when I think of ... read more
How to Create a More Motivating Writers Workshop Experience
Are your students motivated during Writers Workshop, or do they lack the drive to get started with writing? I know that when I started teaching Writers Workshop earlier this year (following Lucy Caulkins), I very quickly learned that my children this year just were not motivated to write. When I ... read more
3 Amazing Center Activities That Are Easy and Cheap
If you're anything like me, you are always looking for new ways to revitalize your centers or new ideas to try during Daily 5, Readers Workshop, Guided Math, etc. In the spirit of trying new things, today I'd love to share 3 center ideas that you can make. And hey, it doesn't hurt if they're easy ... read more
How to Plan a Publishing Party That Will Actually Wow Students
Lucy and I have a love-hate relationship. Lucy Caulkins that is. While I adore her theory and many of her ideas for structuring Writers Workshop, I often feel it can become a bit monotonous, especially for Kindergarten students. This feeling often grows during those few lessons leading up to ... read more
It Can Start With a Single Dot
Do you have students who think they aren't artists? I know that I do. What about children who are so scared of making mistakes that they have trouble getting started? I know that I have these types of children in my class, too. What are we doing to help them? Are we giving them scaffolded ... read more
