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These are great!! Thanks to everyone who shared something!

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These are great!! Thanks to everyone who shared something!

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This site allows students to write letters to themselves that will be emailed back to them on a specific date. They can also read through public letters too (fair warning). Please make sure you follow COPPA with students under 13.

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FutureMe: Write a Letter to your Future Self

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Write a letter to the future and read the public (but anonymous) letters from others. FutureMe has been delivering letters to the future for millions of people since 2002.

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I have my  culminating fifth grade students write a poem about each year in elementary school. Ex: couplets for 2nd grade, cinquain for 5th. It is such a nostalgic time!

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I have my  culminating fifth grade students write a poem about each year in elementary school. Ex: couplets for 2nd grade, cinquain for 5th. It is such a nostalgic time!

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Boloney (Henry P.) by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith

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Boloney (Henry P.) by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith

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This is a fabulous book for kids of all ages to work on context clues, and then use as a model to include their own language in their own hyperbolic story.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1U9_K9tC4WJAhb9-7gXt68d8AQ0QCrW3XX6Fcw77z3l0/edit?usp=sharing

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Dave Maleckar's 100 word rants make a wonderful quick write with possibilities for editing lessons, too! 

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Dave Maleckar's 100 word rants make a wonderful quick write with possibilities for editing lessons, too! 

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Dave Maleckar

New Orleans

I know you have your choice of blogs; thank you for choosing 100 word rant. I believe that any idea that needs more than 100 words isn't worth expressing in the first place. So I've dedicated myself to these rants: One hundred words, no more, no less, each and every week. I want to reach out, share some of my insights and, yes, a little of the wisdom I've picked up in my journey through this funny thing we call life. Plus, I don't get paid for this, and even a hundred free words is more than I can afford.

View my complete profile

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Dave Maleckar New Orleans I know you have your choice of blogs; thank you for choosing 100 word rant. I believe that any idea that needs more than 100 words isn't worth expressing in the first place. So I've dedicated myself to these rants: One hundred words, no more, no less, each and every week.

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This is a wonderful way to engage students (and teachers) in place based writing!

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A Writing Marathon is the realization of writing as a "moveable feast," blending writing, a community of writers, and a journey through "place." In the summer of 2020, eight local Writing Project sites invited anyone interested on a writers' road trip through the NWP network's Virtual Writing Marathon. Participants traveled the USA, all from home, writing all the way.

For Educators

The Summer 2020 marathon has concluded, but the resources are still here, if you would like to take your students on a Virtual Writing Marathon this school year. It is a great opportunity for students to practice writing, travel virtually, and build classroom community through "traveling" together and sharing writing. Here is a guide to support you.

If you do lead your students on a #WriteAcrossAmerica, we would like to hear about it! Register your Virtual Writing Marathon itinerary.

For Writing Project Sites

For Writing Project sites who want to host a Virtual Writing Marathon for the NWP Network in Summer 2021 (or at other times), please register for this informational meeting on August 26th at 7:00 p.m. CT.

Summer 2020 #WriteAcrossAmerica

The #WriteAcrossAmerica Virtual Writing Marathon is open to anyone. Each stop on the itinerary will last 75 minutes and include an orientation by the local site to a place in their region or, perhaps, to a new conception of virtual space. Each stop on the itinerary will provide inspiration, time to write, time to share, and a sense of community. Local stops will be facilitated by local teacher-leaders and welcome all kinds of writing and writers. We will be sharing our work with the hashtag #WriteAcrossAmerica.

Over the summer we hope to

1. Connect the NWP network and our wider set of colleagues through the simple act of writing together in community.

2. Provide an opportunity for participants to "travel" in the time of Coronavirus and participate in a community of writers.

3. Learn about different places through writing.

4. Raise the collective visibility of the NWP network and our commitment to writing.

5. Collect shareable resources for teachers to take their students on a virtual writing marathon in the fall.

Summer Itinerary

Next stops on the marathon will take you North/South/East and West. Participation is free, but registering in advance helps the host site plan.

All visits are scheduled at 2:00-3:15pm PT / 3:00-4:15pm MT / 4:00-5:15pm CT / 5:00-6:15 ET

Learn more about Writing Marathons

The summer's Virtual Marathon grows out of a long tradition of writing marathons at local sites and through the NWP network. The model was developed most richly in New Orleans at the Southeast Louisiana Writing Project. See their website for the New Orleans Writing Marathon. This website has the latest information about the New Orleans Writing Marathon Retreat as well as links to essays, books, radio programs, and more.

You can find resources here at WLL for planning your own 'in-person marathon" (safety permitting, of course). See:

And two selections for sale at Lulu:

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A Writing Marathon is the realization of writing as a "moveable feast," blending writing, a community of writers, and a journey through "place." In the summer of 2020, eight local Writing Project sites invited anyone interested on a writers' road trip through the NWP network's Virtual Writing Marathon.

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Spoken Word poets - Sarah Kay, Clint Smith...so many on youtube to enter your classroom.

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Spoken Word poets - Sarah Kay, Clint Smith...so many on youtube to enter your classroom.

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Story Walks...visit them, make them in classroom or for school campus

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Story Walks...visit them, make them in classroom or for school campus

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As libraries and librarians continue to struggle with setbacks and obstacles related to the Covid-19 pandemic, one of the largest challenges has been finding ways to engage with the community's youngest learners in order to ensure that they have access to and encouragement to develop life-long literacy skills. Many librarians have turned to YouTube, Facebook Live, and other services in order to create virtual programming. However, many libraries across the country and around the world are bringing story-time outside in a way that is safe, fun for the whole family, and encourages a healthy lifestyle through StoryWalks®.

First created in 2007 by Anne Ferguson, StoryWalks® are set up in a public community space and along a path. Storywalks® have been installed in all fifty states, as well as several other countries around the world. At the beginning of the path is an indicator of the starting point and the cover of the picture book that is used for the StoryWalk®, usually accompanied with information about the library, sponsors, and how to proceed. At a designated distance, the walkers will find a page or two of the book to read before proceeding on to the next posting, a pattern that is repeated until the book is complete. StoryWalks® may just contain book pages, but some include activities, information, or critical-thinking questions that are posted with the story pages.

There are many ways and places to set up a StoryWalk®. If a StoryWalk® is placed in a public park, for example, it may be along a pre-existing path. However, StoryWalks® can go through neighborhoods, library grounds, and other places. StoryWalks® can even be set up indoors as part of special events or during seasons with extended periods of inhospitable weather.

Similarly, there are different ways to display the book. Some StoryWalks® may display the book pages on permanent wooden outdoor signage similar to that found in State and National Parks, such as the StoryWalks® installed at the Golden Gate National Parks. The company Barking Dog Exhibits creates outdoor signage of this nature, and has a special StoryWalk® Solutions line. Local Scouting Troops have also taken part in building StoryWalk® signage as community service projects, and may extend that service to provide maintenance work.

There are also ways to set up a temporary installment. For example, this past summer the Henderson County Public Library in Kentucky used custom-designed yard signs for their StoryWalk®. Another option is to pin laminated book pages to trees or attached to stakes in the ground. When creating StoryWalks®, Ferguson used Velcro to attach the laminated pages to stakes, which she says can deter vandals, as the StoryWalk® pages could be put up in the morning and taken down in the evening. One "poet technologist" from Britain, Christopher Jelley, has created a digital version of the StoryWalk®; Jelley's versions rely on a device such as a tablet or smartphone being in a specific geographic location to unlock the next part of the story.

There are also several ways to obtain book pages for StoryWalks®. One option is the DIY method, using picture books specifically bought for the project. If utilizing this route, it is recommended to have at least two copies of the book in question (so that both the front and back of the page can be displayed) and in paperback, which are usually easier to dismantle. However, it is imperative that-in order to avoid copyright infringement-the art and text is not altered in any way; the pages cannot be scanned or be made larger or smaller. Any additional information that would accompany the pages would need to be placed in a way that is obvious that it is supplemental and not part of the original work.

There are other means and methods for finding books to display. One of those means is Curious City, a company that can custom-make files of book pages that are ready-to-print by a local print-shop. These files not only contain the book pages, but professional graphic design additions that explain StoryWalk®, list questions and activities, and contain information specific to the area-such as the library's information, sponsors, and more. Curious City also has a selection of free books available, though these are unavailable for customization. By only creating and generating the files, Curiosity City and similar StoryWalk® sign makers provide a perfect opportunity for the library to partner with local print shops.

No matter the form they take, StoryWalks® are a fun way to connect with the community, encourage reading and being active together as a family, and show the world that the library is not limited to four walls-especially when the library may be inaccessible. Interested in learning more? Wondering what it takes to get started? Or want some inspiration? We highly recommend these resources:
StoryWalk® Official Website Let's Move in Libraries Valley Storytime Programming Librarian Webinar

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As libraries and librarians continue to struggle with setbacks and obstacles related to the Covid-19 pandemic, one of the largest challenges has been finding ways to engage with the community's youngest learners in order to ensure that they have access to and encouragement to develop life-long literacy skills.

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Story Walk: O'Neil Park, Orange County CA

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Story Walk: O'Neil Park, Orange County CA

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https://funorangecountyparks.com/storywalk-mesa-trail-oneill-regional-park.html

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The StoryWalk and Mesa Trail area of O'Neill Regional Park is quite a ways from the entrance of the park which is off Live Oak Canyon Road.

You would normally enter O'Neill Park from Trabuco Canyon, but you actually approach O'Neill from Rancho Santa Margarita to get to this part of the park.

Directions to StoryWalk and Mesa Trail at O'Neill Regional Park

I've included detailed directions on how to get to O'Neill's main entrance in my big post about this park and playground.

I always advocate for paying fees to enter the parks, but in the case of StoryWalk the official OCParks.com also directs visitors to free street parking off El Camino Montana in Rancho Santa Margarita.

There is a chain link fence that separates El Camino Montana from the park along Live Oak Trail. The fence closes off the park all along the street except for a one-person wide opening for access near the cross street of Danta. The gate into the park is open near the intersection of El Camino Montana and Danta.

The map on my phone had a hard time with this one. You may want to click over to my custom playground map to see exactly where this is before attempting to use your Google Map or Apple Maps. MAP TO STORYWALK AND MESA TRAIL AT O'NEILL REGIONAL PARK

Highlights

The trail is shaded in the morning hours. We arrived right around 8am for our adventure.

Go through the gate and start walking to your right. You will be greeted by a StoryWalk sign pointing the way.

Then, along the trail on your left, you'll start to see the displays welcoming you to the story of the month.

Many thanks to the National Charity League Canyon Chapter and OC Parks for this special experience outdoors in our parks.

Now you are on the path and I don't want to give too much away! Half the fun is not knowing what's coming.

I'll just say that the story starts with display #1 and ends at #20.

Don't forget to be aware of your surroundings. It's a great location for spotting wildlife and birds.

There are also joggers and people walking their dogs on the trail. You'll notice views all around you as you get a different perspective. For instance, looking back on the trail the RSM bridge looked a bit different to me from this angle.

Be Aware

This is inland and can get H-O-T so come early and bring plenty of water

As always, in these types of wild areas in Orange County, keep your eye out for rattlesnakes (but it is a wide trail and you can see very far ahead of you)

Stay on the trail to avoid disturbing off-trail habitat

If you enter from the main park entrance kiosk off Trabuco Canyon, you will have to drive around the entire lower area of the park, across the creek (normally dry during summer months), through the Featherly Day Use picnic area, and up a steep hill to the Mesa Trail and StoryWalk on your left. There are parking areas all along the road where you can keep your car and set up a picnic at one of the many picnic areas.

The walk only took me about 15 minutes. But I can see spending MUCH longer here if you embellish the story, read aloud, and if the kids are captivated by the illustrations.

Checklist

Fee for parking inside the park

Free street parking at El Camino Montana along Live Oak Trail

Wide dirt trail to experience StoryWalk

Restroom buildings along the trail

Some shade along the trail, but I recommend coming early to avoid the heat of the day

The trail is stroller-friendly if you are okay with your stroller on dirt. It's wide and mostly flat since you are on a mesa over the rest of the park.

There are also picnic tables and picnic areas along the trail (if you park INSIDE the regional park) for a nice break with a view and then you don't have to lug your food very far

Check hours and alerts from the Official OC Parks page for O'Neill Regional Park

For OCParks locations, you should get in the habit of checking the park brochure and map that is attached to every park page on their website. This map for O'Neill shows hiking trails and difficulty levels.

Originally published in August 2020.

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StoryWalk and Mesa Trail at O'Neill Regional Park - Fun Orange County Parks

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The StoryWalk and Mesa Trail area of O'Neill Regional Park is quite a ways from the entrance of the park which is off Live Oak Canyon Road. You would normally enter O'Neill Park from Trabuco Canyon, but you actually approach O'Neill from Rancho Santa Margarita to get to this part of the park.

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If we can't get to the museum mentioned...

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If we can't get to the museum mentioned...

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The Carle is the international champion for picture books. We collect, preserve, and present picture books and picture-book illustrations for audiences passionate about children's literature.

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A museum devoted to collecting, preserving, and presenting picture books and picture-book illustrations for audiences passionate about children's literature.

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Heartmaps by Georgia Heard inspires much writing about self and reading - Linda Rief's reading/writing/poetry/heart writing book is on my to-read pile.

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Heartmaps by Georgia Heard inspires much writing about self and reading - Linda Rief's reading/writing/poetry/heart writing book is on my to-read pile.

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In Whispering in the Wind, Linda Rief provides a cure for poetry agony. She introduces “Heart Books,” a project inspired by the Heart Maps of Georgia Heard. Linda has used Heart Books throughout her career to help students read more poetry, connect with it, and see how they, too, could write poetica…

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New York Times Education Network prompts, contests inspire me and my students. Many student samples provided.

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New York Times Education Network prompts, contests inspire me and my students. Many student samples provided.

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I do an "open mic" in my class after we write poetry. Many of my students who never thought they would share are encouraged when more and more of their peers get up to share, and I'm always amazed at their vulnerability and authenticity. My students have seen me cry several times in response to their poetry reading.

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At the beginning of the year I have we talk about worth and I have them choose 3 things that give them worth. Students who can't think of 3 I tell them that one can be "Mrs. DeMartini says so"

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At the beginning of the year I have we talk about worth and I have them choose 3 things that give them worth. Students who can't think of 3 I tell them that one can be "Mrs. DeMartini says so"

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Odes and Anti Odes to express feelings.

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prepare written statements to share with group presenter for day of debate. Written statements will be formed based on researching done on the topic.

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Paint chip poetry - describe colors vividly!

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Paint chip poetry - describe colors vividly!

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I have found that my 11th grade students and I find clarity and joy in processing news articles (ie. the Ukranian war, Jan 6th riots, etc.) to turn them into our own found poems. This means that each student finds an articles from any credible source they wish, accumulate a list of words and phrases, and then create them into a found poem!

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My students wrote "When I was young in ..." pieces based on the picture book "When I Was Young in the Mountains."

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So many resources on movingwriters.org. This personification prompt can go in many directions.

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So many resources on movingwriters.org. This personification prompt can go in many directions.

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Conservation International 2016

I stumbled across an amazing mentor text this last week that I couldn't wait to share with you. The day I found it I had to show my students and engage with it. I hope it sparks something for you as well.

Conservational International 6 years ago started a campaign using famous actors' voices personifying elements of nature- with the tagline "nature doesn't need us, we need nature." They recruited people like Liam Niessan, Julia Roberts and Reece Witherspoon to narrate- and can I just say it's GOLD. It's a strong and engaging mentor that I HOPE you can use in many different ways. Below I will walk you through how my students used this mentor to dive deeper into voice, persuasion, personification and ecology.
Prewrite

Justlife Blog
We begin our lesson by pulling out our notebook and making a list. I asked students to talk about how their partner's words are synonymous with earth- I gave them 2 minutes to come up with a list. (I offered the idea of Mother being one word that is synonymous.)

After a timer We came up with a master list words like

Home

Mother

Nature

Land

Sphere

Planet

Etc

Then I asked students to put the word EARTH in the middle of a web in their writer's notebooks. This time for our writing sprint students were going to come up with words that are associated with earth but not specifically synonymous. I told them to think about how grass is associated with earth but isn't the same thing as earth it's an attribute. Then have the kids for 2 minutes we've all the words that associate to earth (these are ecosystem words from the beginning of the year in science).

Volcanos

Rivers

Oceans

Soil

Mountains

Tundra

Sky

Living things

Etc

We made a big web on the board together after they brainstormed alone. We chatted about how all those things are vital to our earth because they are a part of it. They aren't synonymous but our earth is nothing without them.
Engaging the Mentor

I then introduced them to the Conservation International campaign.

I showed them 3 videos. After each of these videos
Mother Earth
After each video we talked about two things: voice and author's purpose . Surprisingly, each one of the videos my kids thought that the tone was angry. We talked about how voice can be more complex than happy, sad or angry but can also convey feelings like strength and determination. We compared all three videos together and talked about the similarities and differences. We also made a list of things we noticed they said.

We have done personification poems before in my science and math classes, so the forma wasn't new. If you haven't check out my writing from the fall. We decided to create a personification poem being one of the attributes of Earth. I printed off the "mountains" lines. Using this mentor we talked through how the author wrote like he was the mountain. We also talked about the Conservationist International tagline, "nature doesn't need you, you need nature."
Composing
I gave them a 10 minute timer to become a quick expert and answer some questions about their attribute:

Who are they

Where can you find them

Why are they important

What do they do for earth

Why would I be bad to lose them

Any other facts

Then we composed.

Students used Adobe Spark. I showed them how to use some of the new features (we use adobe frequently and let them play around with it). Below are some of my students' compositions. Some students also chose to turn their poem into a video narrating over it as well.

It was a great mentor and I hope it can give your students great moments of a'ha and multimodal composition.

See student examples below

Please reach out with questions, reflections, and connections in the comments below or on Twitter . Check out my other articles writing out of the ELA classroom.
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Conservation International 2016 I stumbled across an amazing mentor text this last week that I couldn't wait to share with you. The day I found it I had to show my students and engage with it. I hope it sparks something for you as well.

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Every year, we do a "Best Part of Me" writing activity. Students pick their favorite part of themselves and write a poem about it and we pair it with a black and white photo of that part! Students have written about their eyes, feet, legs, eyebrows etc

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Blackout poems! Did them with my class once and they created some beautiful compositions!

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Blackout poems! Did them with my class once and they created some beautiful compositions!