Classroom Writing Resources by Rose Tomishima https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020 What writing resources have you utilized in your classroom? Please provide a link to the resource, a brief description of this resource, and how you used it in your instruction. en-us 2020-01-24 15:43:57 UTC 2025-10-02 22:47:25 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/270d.png TWR rtomishima https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/435683680 TWR's curriculum focuses on sentence-level writing activities for students in K-12. 

Developing questions using pictures is one of my favorites to use in all subject areas! ]]> 2020-01-24 15:48:52 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/435683680 Writing Resource-No Red Ink ascheer3 https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/439184913 I have used NoRedInk in the past.  It is a great resource for extra grammar/writing practice and quick writes.  The only problem is that if you are not a paying customer, the resources are limited. I have used this during my Argumentative Writing Unit--it is also great for sentence practice, parts of speech, etc. 
Other resources I have used include:
Storybird
Grammarly
Quill
Scholastic (Scope)
ReadWriteThink]]> 2020-02-01 20:21:25 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/439184913 TWR carrt9 https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/439194654 I have used the App. Prezi where students have created presentations for the class in a report form. Most of the time for writing activities I use writing through Google Classroom. While students are typing I get on and give each child corrective and positive feedback. I can talk to the students as they are writing if I see a pattern of items that they need improvement on. Frequently, I do a 5-day instruction on writing activities and then give a quiz on it. When we write essays, they are required to apply the strategies and change each one they have used in a different color. Another item online I like that I do not currently have access to, but it you have a Pearson textbook; they have an online scorer (http://essayscorer.com/cgi-bin/phes/teacher/login.cgi) which is really great to push the students to correct and expand on the topics that they are writing on. 


]]> 2020-02-01 21:42:37 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/439194654 Smekens! ldomingo https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/439291353 The Smekens resources online have really helped me teach the writing traits better. When I watch Christina Smekens teaching a middle school class, I see great strategies at work.
Here is info on helping students paraphrase:
https://www.smekenseducation.com/Paraphrase-Author-Ideas.html



]]> 2020-02-02 14:19:43 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/439291353 Rachel Horsmon https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/439363928 Being a long term sub, who doesn't work consistently, I really do not have a go to resource for writing resources.  In my past teaching experiences, I have done a writer's workshop model, using picture books as mentor texts.  I love doing writing this way and exposing students to many different authors, illustrators, and genres.

]]> 2020-02-02 21:18:08 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/439363928 One resource that many of my teachers have liked to utilize to help students organize their thinking are the Engage NY Writing Graphic Organizers. These provide different formats for student writing. https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/439584571 -Marian Walsh]]> 2020-02-03 12:55:25 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/439584571 Darla M https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/439860404 One resource that I like is Patterns of Power by Jeff Anderson and Whitney LaRocca.  It uses an invitation process to explore and notice conventions writers use.
I really like the way you focus on authentic literature and the correct use of a technique vs looking at something incorrect and having students try to fix it. This technique can be used in reading and writing workshop. ]]> 2020-02-03 18:57:45 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/439860404 Jaclyn Wehmeier https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/440024891 I have completed the SIOP training twice in the last six years. The strategies that are provided in the book can apply to all students. SIOP helps build students' reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. ]]> 2020-02-04 01:05:01 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/440024891 Kayla Kuepper https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/440045862 Previously as a third grade teacher, I utilized Michael Clay Thompson's Grammar Island. As the website below states, "Grammar Island introduces, in a simple fashion, the full four-level grammar analysis of (1) parts of speech, (2) parts of sentences, (3) phrases, and (4) clauses." The students would have to break apart sentences and discuss the various parts. I utilized this in the "learning to write" process instead of "writing to learn" process.
https://www.rfwp.com/series/mct-english-language-arts-curriculum-level-1-the-island-level#book-grammar-island-1

]]> 2020-02-04 02:13:33 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/440045862 Writing Resource- Schmoop grostefonc https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/440568081 Website
https://www.shmoop.com/
or YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/user/shmoopdotcom
I love showing Schmoop videos that explain grammar, writing, or research topics. They address gobs of other things as well. Their website and YouTube channel are amazing and I've only used the free version. Here's one on semicolons as an example:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMKufGCs1Ec&list=PLPS8GkIUM8Ud7nenmHaqrYoo2Eg8U2bIT&index=57]]> 2020-02-04 20:11:38 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/440568081 Cody Cotner https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/440640360 At our school we instruct/encourage students to use the RACE method when they are responding to a writing prompt or reading passage. R stands for Restating the question, A stands for answering that question, C stands for citing evidence they gather from the text, and E stands for explaining the evidence. We have them answer questions from reading passages using this method on a daily basis. The class is also currently working on a persuasive writing piece about whether or not we should invest in space exploration, and they are using the RACE method to support the claims they are making. This method helps our students in both reading and writing as it helps them utilize the text to strengthen their arguments/statements as well as answering questions in a more efficient manner. Here is the link for an example of a RACE visual that teachers can display in their classroom for students to reference. https://mrssolsclass.blogspot.com/2014/11/race-to-english-class.html]]> 2020-02-04 22:46:50 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/440640360 Writing Resources johanna_kikendall https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/440678085 I use CommonLit to reinforce writing constructed responses. It gives a passage that you can sort by standard, grade, book, and lots more. It has multiple-choice questions and then one or two constructed response prompts. I love pairing it with the novels I teach.

]]> 2020-02-05 00:56:37 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/440678085 Melinda (Mindy) Haffner https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/440679877 I'm a special education teacher so I haven't used your typical writing resources. I've worked in a literacy center designed for students with dyslexia. We used multi-sensory grammar (MSG) to provide students a hands on and color-coded approach to learning the different parts of speech.  As a  warm up, I would use my laminated color strips and place them on the board. The students would write a sentence based on the colors. Here is a link to a pdf for more information.    http://storage.schoolnet.com/cfisd/LANG_2-5_A_Conventions_MAT_1%20Multisensory%20Grammar%20Overview.pdf

 I currently use the Orton-Gillingham approach to help students write sentences. This consists of using visual cues, pounding syllables, counting words, and using CUPS as a self-check for writing.  Dictation is part of the OG approach.

 

To help students with an IEP with writing, I often use various graphic organizers depending on need.  Pinterest and Teachers Pay Teachers have been helpful with providing graphic organizers for different types of writing. I’ve also used Reading Rockets to get ideas. 

https://www.readingrockets.org/article/graphic-organizers-help-kids-writing 


]]> 2020-02-05 01:02:05 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/440679877 Claim Evidence Reasoning https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/440693700 Often in scientific writing I need my students to focus their thoughts to support a claim. This writing can support a simple lab question or be the starting point for a class debate. 
I use this format to help my students prepare for open ended questions on the AP exam.
The following video describes the CER process:

]]> 2020-02-05 01:47:00 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/440693700 Purdue Writing Resource dvest2 https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/440920218 https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/teacher_and_tutor_resources/teaching_resources/writing_process_presentation.html
Like the process of refocus, reorder,  add, and delete.

I use this in my classroom when students are presenting their results of conducted in experiments.

]]> 2020-02-05 14:16:19 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/440920218 Writing Resource~The Writing Strategies Book rreffett https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/440933666
We currently use Lucy Calkins, Units of Study, as our Writing curriculum in the 4th grade .

But, I do make frequent trips to The Writing Strategies Book.  It is a wonderful supplement, especially when I'm looking for genre specific skills and strategies to focus on with my students. It is also a great tool for revising and editing and has  parts of speech specific lessons that help aid in the editing process.

I am also loving Khan Academy grammar! This is a newly found resource.

]]> 2020-02-05 14:33:44 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/440933666 boomwriter.com deyounga https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/441208425 As an elementary principal, I have been out of teaching writing for a few years. Although I am not in the trenches of instruction personally, I am very passionate about helping my staff elevate writing instruction in their classrooms. As a part of this goal, I have been researching best practices for writing instruction, and writing resources to prompt engagement and learning gains in the classroom. One resource that I am very interested in is boomwriter.com. This is an online resource that allows students to collaborate on writing, extend a story (book beginnings provide don the site), and integrate key vocabulary in a writing to demonstrate understanding. I love the collaborative nature of this, and its ability to link resources, slides, and information from google drive. I can see this being used as an "early finisher" activity or a tool for class writing assignments.]]> 2020-02-05 20:22:14 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/441208425 Writing Resource~ www.superteacherworksheets.com https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/441574131
We currently use Lucy Calkins, Units of Study, as our Writing curriculum in the 4th grade.

I look to outside resources to supplement my writing lessons with some grammar.  I add grammar to our program by grabbing basic grammar worksheets from many websites. Superteacherworksheets.com is one that I use often. I teach the skills with much practice and modeling. I assess the skills with the worksheets. 
]]> 2020-02-06 14:54:52 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/441574131 Writing Resource~ www.superteacherworksheets.com jmccullaugh https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/441601783
We currently use Lucy Calkins, Units of Study, as our Writing curriculum in the 4th grade.

I look to outside resources to supplement my writing lessons with some grammar.  I add grammar to our program by grabbing basic grammar worksheets from many websites. Superteacherworksheets.com is one that I use often. I teach the skills with much practice and modeling. I assess the skills with the worksheets. 
]]> 2020-02-06 15:27:03 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/441601783 Writing Resource https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/441751942 2020-02-06 18:28:48 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/441751942 Writing Resources jlongerbone https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/441753662 I have not yet used writing in  my current position of K-2 computer teacher for 1.5 years. I will be going back to middle school math in a few weeks for the remainder of the school year. When I was there before teaching computers, I remember the English teacher having the rest of the team teachers using a RAISIN method. I do not however remember what all of the parts stand for...R is restate the question; A is answer the question; I know stating facts or evidence was there, and restating the answer and question at the ends was there too. 
I have found the following site that seems pretty interesting also...https://www.time4writing.com/free-writing-resources/]]> 2020-02-06 18:31:01 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/441753662 Shelly Spagna https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/442212476 As an Instructional Coach, a writing resource I love to use is Smekens Education Solutions- WebPD.  Kristina Smekens has numerous videos and resources that are practical and easy to implement into any classroom situation.  

]]> 2020-02-07 15:45:36 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/442212476 I love the NY Times The Learning Network resources. One of my favorite lists compiled by the resource involves their 1,000 prompt list. My students love the list and the opportunity to choose topics and ideas from the list. It's a good launch pad for discussions or for writing activities. Sometimes starting can be the hardest part, and this takes off some of the pressure. It is great for journaling too. The prompts are all clickable and take students to articles that go along with the prompts. kmcclung https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/442293639 https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/12/learning/over-1000-writing-prompts-for-students.html]]> 2020-02-07 17:45:45 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/442293639 Kate Estridge https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/442359953 When I was a classroom teacher, I used the Tier 1 curriculum of Benchmark Writing that our district adopted. It focused on 6 different units of writing (memoirs, historical fiction). There was some embedded grammar, but I also used some of our old "more traditional" grammar lessons. We are currently revamping our ELA curriculum maps, so thank you to those who have shared what they are doing. I hope to bring some of these to our ELA team when we are ready to look at resources.]]> 2020-02-07 19:30:44 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/442359953 Every-Day Edits shochstetler https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/442579022 I like to use the "Every-Day Edits" resource from Education World's website. They offer a variety of paragraph editing skills/review that are good bell work activities. Some are better than others, but there is enough variety that I can usually find a high-interest paragraph for my students to practice editing skills. ]]> 2020-02-08 19:35:07 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/442579022 Patterns of Power by Jeff Anderson pstults1 https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/442589477 A new resource teachers! Students use mentor text examples to notice and imitate grammar conventions to create meaning in their writing.  ]]> 2020-02-08 20:50:41 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/442589477 HOLLY MEYER https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/442600359 I am piloting Amplify CKLA this year in my 4th grade classroom. In this program, students are writing everyday. The program also weaves grammar into the program as well. 

My school is also using RACE as a resource in writing extended responses. We also use OREO for our persuasive essays, so trying to give students a foundation-a guide to their writing. 

]]> 2020-02-08 22:38:06 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/442600359 Mariah Bruce https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/442742223 I have taught Kindergarten, First, Second, Third and Fifth grades.  I have taught the writing process through various video resources  on line, 4-Block, 4 Square and through Smeckens' 6 Traits of Writing.  ]]> 2020-02-09 19:28:41 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/442742223 Math Writing Resource- https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/442746684 2020-02-09 19:53:54 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/442746684 Math- Edulastic kjones249 https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/442747003 https://edulastic.com/I have used the site Edulastic for students to practice writing about mathematics. 

As a math teacher, I sometimes struggle to find methods to encourage writing in a way that builds and deepens knowledge.  This year, I have been challenging myself to encourage and create opportunities for students to practice explaining a concept or a method in their own words.

Edulastic allows me to pick standards based topics for my students to practice specific questions.  I can also pick questions in which students practice a skill, and then explain their process using math vocabulary and prompting from the math problem that they just solved.

Below, is the link to Edulastic:

https://edulastic.com/


]]> 2020-02-09 19:55:33 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/442747003 Writing Resources kelseyglogan https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/442798437 We have several writing resources at my school that we are able to utilize. We primarily use Lucy Calkins writing workshop for our writing curriculum. This is used as our daily writing curriculum. We also have Patterns of Power books for grammar and supplements with various other resources. No Red Ink, Khan Academy, Super Teacher Worksheets, etc. are a few good, quick resources too.

I’m always looking for additional resources to add to our writing and grammar in order to meet the needs of my students.]]> 2020-02-10 00:37:32 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/442798437 smekenseducation.com jmeitzler1 https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/442812279 The Big Ideas newsletter is fantastic for 6 + 1 trait ideas. Additionally, I have used the webPD with staff for many topics including writing! Good stuff!

]]> 2020-02-10 01:31:45 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/442812279 Writing Resource - Launching the Writers Workshop https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/443024792 Angela Crook
At the present time we are using a combination of Kristina Smekens and Linda Schmidt's "Launching the Writers Workshop", grades K-2 and 3-12 and our new Pearson Reading series. The writers workshop book includes lesson plans, anchor papers, classroom photos, downloadable handouts, and mentor texts.  Our reading series connects to the stories used in class each week.  https://www.smekenseducation.com/webacademy-launching-writers-workshop-k2.html]]> 2020-02-10 14:18:15 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/443024792 RACE https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/443033274 I am teaching RACE to my fourth grade students. (R - restate the question, A - answer the question, C - cite evidence from the passage, E - explain the evidence)
For many students, this has helped them understand what is needed to completely answer a question. 
RACE strategy]]> 2020-02-10 14:29:01 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/443033274 Writing Resource - Billie Arthur https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/443045335 A writing resource that I used when I was in the classroom was 6+1 Traits of Writing by Ruth Culham.  There is a primary guide as well as an intermediate resource. I love that each component of the writing process is broken down into easy steps so that students and the teacher are not overwhelmed.  My school also purchased the Trait Crates from Scholastic which reinforced the concepts in the book.  The crate come with mentor texts and easy to implement lesson plans.  I love how this resource uses common vocabulary and visual representations for students to reinforce the writing traits. ]]> 2020-02-10 14:42:37 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/443045335 wilsona37 https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/443088345 There is no link but I do like table 5.1 in TWR titled Transition Words and Phrases. I turned it into a poster and handed it out to teachers to post in their classrooms for students to use when writing in the different modes of writing.
I have also found Ruth Culham’s book, The Traits of Writing, A Complete Guide for Middle School, Grades 6-8 very helpful.
https://www.culhamwriting.com/THE_BOOKSTORE/teachwritingwell.html


]]> 2020-02-10 15:30:02 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/443088345 Grammar Voyage https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/443179319 As a 5th grade ELA high ability teacher, we used Michael Clay Thompson's grammar program. It teaches students the parts of speech through visual models and incorporates excerpts from challenging texts. Students spent a lot of time developing well-constructed sentences with rigorous literature as their model. I used this, along with Essay Voyage, to show students how to develop meaningful sentences, paragraphs, and essays. This program is best used consecutively. ]]> 2020-02-10 17:22:10 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/443179319 Purdue Owl/workplace writing--Troy Davis https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/443245831 https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/professional_technical_writing/workplace_writers.html
The Purdue Owl website is a great general writing resource that also offers workplace writing help for the technical business writing my students often tackle.]]> 2020-02-10 18:45:57 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/443245831 Mark Shaw https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/443361589 I use the Purdue  Writing Lab Online Resource as a tool to cite in the MLA format those sources used in our historical research. ]]> 2020-02-10 21:44:30 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/443361589 A Writer’s Notebook By: Ralph Fletcher https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/443398874 https://books.google.com/books/about/A_Writer_s_Notebook.html?id=fBYp-RrKu30C
I cannot say enough about this book.  Ralph Fletcher teaches you what a writer’s notebook is and it is not. According to Fletcher, “A writer’s notebook gives you a place to live like a writer, not just in school during writing time, but wherever you are, at any time of day”. (pg. 4).  Fletcher gives you lots of ways you can use your writers notebook and looks at ways to reread your notebook so you can use old entities to write your next great piece. The book is full of examples and they are all easy to relate to.   “A Writer’s Notebook” can be used at any grade level.  Our students need to see themselves as capable writers. A writers notebooks gives them a tool to use to gain confidence and success in writing. A personal place for them to get started, plan their writing, and revisit to add to their writing.  

I used writers notebooks with my first grade class. They loved them!  The notebooks gave them purpose, confidence, help,—a powerful tool to revisit and a jump start for each writing piece. 

Colleen Kobi-Berger]]> 2020-02-10 23:43:55 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/443398874 Smekens Education Writing Resource https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/443415386 I like to sprinkly in some of the mini lesson into my writing from Smekens Education. https://www.smekenseducation.com/
I like that the strategies are mini lessons that you can add wherever you see the need for a specific lesson with you class. If you have the ability to attend a workshop that is a great plus, but just signing up for the newsletters helps add some new strategies to your writing toolbox. - Jennifer Rausei]]> 2020-02-11 00:40:43 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/443415386 Writing Resource: Smekens cmcguire6 https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/443818748 We have run the gamete of writing curriculum, from Four Block to Writer's Workshop to mentor texts to 6+1 Traits to Smekens to Close Writing.  Despite all that, I feel like my building has lost its focus on writing.  It seems we use many miscellaneous resources now, but one of my favorites for tools and strategies remains Smekens Education, especially for PD.  I get the emails of tips and ideas and that often keeps me thinking forward regarding integrating writing.  Her strategies can be incorporated in all content areas, which is how I believe writing should be taught.  I also like online practice sites such as Edcite, Actively Learn, ReadWorks, and Criterion.]]> 2020-02-11 17:02:25 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/443818748 Marianne Muller - Quill.org https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/443936065 We give our sixth graders the diagnostic test and then Quill will offer activities that match the standards where additional help is needed. It is differentiated for everyone! Students are able to practice the mechanics that they will use in their writing. I have them do a certain number of activities for each grade period. ]]> 2020-02-11 19:22:08 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/443936065 Read 180/System 44 eretana https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/444058540 My school is a strong proponent of Read 180 and System 44, which is mainly focused on reading.  But, teachers implementing the curriculum are using writing assignments embedded within the program.]]> 2020-02-11 23:09:41 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/444058540 Writing Resource-Patterns of Power https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/444081269 -Lisa Harvey
As the school counselor, I don't teach writing, but my colleagues use Patterns of Power, a resource for teaching grammar, in addition to our Lucy Calkins writing workshop writing curriculum.
https://www.stenhouse.com/content/patterns-power

]]> 2020-02-12 00:20:34 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/444081269 Writing Workshop: The Essential Guide https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/444092858 -Benjamin Harvey
I use a few different resources for writing.  I have used Writing Workshop: The Essential Guide by Ralph Fletcher and JoAn Portalupi.  I have also the book 6+1 Traits of Writing by Ruth Culham.  Both of these books provide some good advice about how to structure and teach Writer’s Workshop.  Additionally, I use the Guided Reading Plus model to teach about reading and reading comprehension.  During the sentence writing day I work with students to develop writing techniques.

]]> 2020-02-12 00:57:38 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/444092858 Kristina Smekens is my Spirit Animal jberquist1 https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/444312197 I absolutely LOVE everything Smekens. Her writing resources are incredibly beneficial. Her posters are great to hang around the room so the students can look at them. We utilize the 6+1 traits so using her ideas to display them so the students understand them is incredible! https://www.smekenseducation.com/6Traits-Displays-for-the-Upper-.html]]> 2020-02-12 13:45:17 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/444312197 Smekens' Yes MA'AM https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/444325468 I have been working on getting our 5th grade students to use text evidence to support their their written response answers. This Yes MA'AM strategy has been a huge help! I love that the last part is explaining their thinking. I've told my students that this helps the grader understand the connections they make in their head. ]]> 2020-02-12 14:03:54 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/444325468 switt4 https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/444329555 I use RACE with my 4th graders.  (R-restate the question, A-answer the question, C-cite evidence, and E-explain the evidence)  I feel like RACE is great to help for struggling writers to learn how to answer questions. 

*No link, just the acronym.

]]> 2020-02-12 14:09:27 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/444329555 RACE avera12 https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/444330039 Our 4th grade team uses R.A.C.E to help students explain their open ended responses. R-Restate, A-Answer, C-Cite, E-Explain. There are many variations of this, but this is what is working best from us. Students are encouraged to use text evidence to explain their answers. We also provide a list of stems such as, ¨The author stated,¨ 

We do not have a resource as it is just an acronym we use. ]]> 2020-02-12 14:10:06 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/444330039 Chris Van Allsburg's "The Mysteries of Harris Burdick" https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/444335257 I love love love using this book when teaching narrative writing- it's a collection of strange and interesting pictures/illustrations that each have a title and a short one-two liner. The premise is that a potential children's literary author left them at a publishing company as a pitch for some of his stories, but then the company was unable to find the man and hence only have these small clips. After reviewing narratives and parts of a plot, I let the kids recreate/finish one of the stories of their choosing. Every year it never fails to get them into the writing process and they always come up with such creative ideas in their stories! Link leads to amazon, but you can find it on Thrift Books for much less.]]> 2020-02-12 14:16:53 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/444335257 Chris Van Allsburg's "The Mysteries of Harris Burdick" sdowns7 https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/444340889 I love love love using this book when teaching narrative writing- it's a collection of strange and interesting pictures/illustrations that each have a title and a short one-two liner. The premise is that a potential children's literary author left them at a publishing company as a pitch for some of his stories, but then the company was unable to find the man and hence only have these small clips. After reviewing narratives and parts of a plot, I let the kids recreate/finish one of the stories of their choosing. Every year it never fails to get them into the writing process and they always come up with such creative ideas in their stories! Link leads to amazon, but you can find it on Thrift Books for much less.]]> 2020-02-12 14:24:01 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/444340889 I have used "Launching the Writer's Workshop" by Kristina Smekens. (https://www.amazon.com/Launching-Writers-Workshop-Grades-3-12/dp/0979018684/ref=dp_ob_title_bk) It gives great ideas for not only starting your writing workshop at the beginning of the year but includes mini lessons that can be used throughout the year. The book is very adaptable to whatever grade level you might teach. I bought my original copy at a Smekens workshop but you can definitely get the book on Amazon for a reasonable price. I used it when planning mini lessons that focus on the 6 Trait Model. https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/444598113 -Tori Geiger ]]> 2020-02-12 19:26:20 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/444598113 Writing resources https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/444633668 We don't have a formal writing program, but we use Smekens as a resource for most of our writing. We use the Yes Ma'am strategy as well. I also pull in resources from Razzle Dazzle and Amy Buckner to teach specific skills and setting up the writer's notebook.  We also use Newmark Learning: Writing.  We use these to read passages and respond to prompts based on the two passages read.  It also has them write in multiple writing genres.  This is a great resource to prepare for ILearn.

This is the link that shows the book we use.
Lauren McReynolds]]> 2020-02-12 20:12:01 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/444633668 Writing Resource https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/444634046 I don't have a formal writing program so I use the mini-lessons from Smekens. We talk a lot about using the YES Ma'am strategies when responding to text. It helps my students make sure they have evidence that supports their answer.

https://www.amazon.com/Launching-Writers-Workshop-Grades-3-12/dp/0979018684/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=smekens&qid=1581538700&sr=8-2

Brandi Froehling]]> 2020-02-12 20:12:38 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/444634046 Brittany Goodnight https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/444693732 I have used/am still using Padlet for different writing opportunities. In padlet I have had them respond to questions about the text or to share their thinking or interesting facts about a science/reading topic. ]]> 2020-02-12 22:05:25 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/444693732 Kristen Landreth https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/444742032 As a teacher of students with significant needs, I often work on teaching the basics of written language. This begins with letter formation. I absolutely love Handwriting Without Tears! This program provides a multi-sensory approach to writing that provides multiple types of exposure to writing. I love using the wood piece set for capital letters, dry/wet trace, mat man, and the whole body sing alongs.
 
https://www.lwtears.com/

]]> 2020-02-13 00:36:33 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/444742032 Pro-Con https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/444892962 Barbara Miller
When students are learning to write counterarguments, Procon.org can be a good tool to use.  In their own writing, students often want to skim over the sometimes valid counterpoints of an argument and focus on the rebuttal. Seeing valid reasoning on the other side of an argument can help students present the counterpoint fairly and create a more solid rebuttal. On this website, the topics are timely and engaging to students and give teachers and students easy access to both sides of a topic. ]]> 2020-02-13 10:30:09 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/444892962 HMH Into Writing Workshop hannah_lynn https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/445010792 Our school currently uses the HMH Into Reading Writing Curriculum. This is our first year with this resource, so we are still exploring. I like to use the graphic organizers and writing anchor charts they provide. It is a good visual element to help students as they begin their writing. 

https://www.amazon.com/Reading-Workshop-Teachers-9781328469823-1328469824/dp/1328469824/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=HMH+Into+Writing&qid=1581605511&sr=8-1]]> 2020-02-13 14:44:09 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/445010792 Mentor Texts lswain2 https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/445061702 I often used writing mentor texts in my classroom to demonstrate a writing technique, skill or strategy.
https://amandawritenow.com/mentor-texts-for-middle-school/
https://ncte.org/blog/2018/02/mentor-texts-narrative-writing-chapter-books/
https://ncte.org/blog/2018/01/mentor-texts-teaching-argument-writing/]]> 2020-02-13 15:39:10 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/445061702 The Reading Strategies Book https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/445133410 As an Instructional coach I often have teachers asking me how to help students write about what they are reading, especially with informational text. In The Reading Strategies Book by Jennifer Serravallo there are short lessons intentional instruction on summarizing, finding the main idea, and what is the author saying?

Jeanne Dolan]]> 2020-02-13 17:03:06 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/445133410 I have homeschooled my four children for the past eleven years, and this is my first year working again in public school. I am currently doing Title 1 math, so I haven't had the opportunity yet do do any writing. However, when I homeschooled my own children I enjoyed the Institute for Excellence in Writing iew.com . This curriculum gave them a wonderful foundation of the writing skills they will need later in life. sara_packard https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/445175254 2020-02-13 18:00:17 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/445175254 Writing Resource https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/445423835 Our school system has chosen to use Smekens writing.  We have had several trainings and have had teacher attend the summer workshops.  It is expected in every grade level so there is consistency in the writing vocabulary and instruction.  ]]> 2020-02-14 03:28:06 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/445423835 Writing Resource-Google Slides https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/445670086 I have utilized the Fragments or Sentences activity and the Developing Questions activity in Google Slides.

]]> 2020-02-14 16:33:15 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/445670086 Rubric Maker skwiat https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/445703554 Rubric Maker allows you to put all your requirements in so that you don't have to worry about formatting. ]]> 2020-02-14 17:33:53 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/445703554 Writing Resource- Smekens lboesken https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/445730793 I've had trainings that have involved  Smekens and Orton-Gillingham. Our  schools use 6 + 1 Traits but I haven't been formally trained in that program. Despite those, I still feel like it's difficult to get students to write. At the 4th grade level, our teachers are feeling more of a need to move toward writing in response to reading. We are also trying to incorporate science and social studies into our reading curriculum which would then lead to writing in those subjects as well. 

On a separate note, I work with students with behavioral disabilities and they always seem to struggle the most with writing and that's when I see a lot of problem behaviors. If anyone has used something that works with students who truly get upset with writing....I am looking for ideas. ]]> 2020-02-14 18:22:47 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/445730793 TicTacToe https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/445735789 I utilized a choice board for Science and Social studies topics where writing was included no matter which 3 mini-projects students chose to do. Attached are samples a Solar System board and Social Studies board. This integrated my content areas into our writing time which used the Writing Workshop format. Inclusion language students were included in my general educaton classroom and were able to accomplish the tasks with support.
Kristina Smekens introduced us to the Grocery List as a way to teach brainstorming ideas on a topic and organizing those ideas. This worked very well for 3rd grade students. ]]> 2020-02-14 18:31:57 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/445735789 Tic Tac Toe JMBGB https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/445747396 I was not logged in to my account- but wanted to attach my name to my work and add this link for the Grocery List. ]]> 2020-02-14 18:52:03 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/445747396 Teaching the Qualities of Writing by JoAnn Portalupi and Ralph Fletcher kmelton3 https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/445770986 This resources has grammar and convention lessons for use in writing workshop. It also includes many other valuable lessons that are categorized into the topics of ideas, design, language, and presentation. Multiple genres are included as well! ]]> 2020-02-14 19:37:09 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/445770986 Writing Resource-Google Slides https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/445800910 I utilized the develop a question activity and the fragment or sentence activity. Students access this assignment through Google Slides.]]> 2020-02-14 20:48:09 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/445800910 In my middle school science classes, we use what we call CER - Claim, Evidence, Reasoning. A Claim is the answer to a question or a statement you are making. The Evidence are the facts that support the claim. We usually require students to have 3 pieces. The Reasoning part is the explanation of how the evidence supports the Claim. I believe this framework actually works in many other writing contexts in other disciplines. tgoller https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/445803366 2020-02-14 20:54:32 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/445803366 Writing Resource BrittanyEast https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/445851931 During my Title 1 instruction time I am currently using what we call the R.A.C.E method for writing. (RESTATE the question, ANSWER the questions and all its parts, CITE the evidence from the text, EXPLAIN the evidence). https://app.oncoursesystems.com/school/webpage/466878/1054513
Using this method allows for the students to get great practice for the iLearn test and also allows them to ensure they are completing all the steps necessary to answer the question completely and accurately. ]]> 2020-02-15 01:30:03 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/445851931 SIOP ierausei https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/446005517
I have used SIOP (Sheltered Instructional Opperational Protocol).  It is used for language development teaching and using skills not only in writing but reading, listening, and speaking.]]> 2020-02-16 01:26:55 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/446005517 Primary Research https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/446203203 I use this link when my entrepreneurship students are researching their business idea. We discuss primary and secondary research and the need for both types in a well researched business plan.]]> 2020-02-17 02:22:24 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/446203203 kmiller175 https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/446203652 I use the following link when my entrepreneurship students are researching their potential business idea. We talk about primary and secondary research and the value of having both types in a well-researched business plan.]]> 2020-02-17 02:24:31 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/446203652 R.A.C.E. bethany_radford https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/446477136 With teaching 3rd grade students are just learning how to form paragraphs with multiple sentences and organize a paragraph. The RACE strategy has really helped. Each letter stands for a way to help with constructed response questions. R (Restate the question) A (Answer ALL the parts of the question) C (Cite evidence) and E (Explain the evidence). I loved this resource I found on Teacher pay teacher. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/RACES-Strategy-Posters-2007969 

]]> 2020-02-17 18:41:39 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/446477136 Writing Resources cweisenbach https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/446494456 Our writing curriculum, unfortunately, is all over the place.  Teachers are drawing pieces from TPT, Six Traits, & Smekens, plus many others I'm sure.  We've had some teachers trained in 6 traits, some have gone to Smekens conferences.  We are currently in the process of adopting a new LA curriculum, so one of our main goals is alignment! 

]]> 2020-02-17 19:33:03 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/446494456 Literacy Letters https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/446510162 Several years ago, I went through professional development with Doug Fisher and he introduced us to the power of using literacy letters to enhance reading and writing experiences for our students. Students would summarize a text and have specific questions to answer or prompts surrounding the text, using a friendly letter structure. Teaching elementary, I would often scaffold the letters and use the GRR method to eventually release responsibility to the students. ]]> 2020-02-17 20:20:31 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/446510162 Writing Resource https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/446552992 I a]]> 2020-02-17 23:28:44 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/446552992 TPT Writing Workshop Resource spurlockn https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/446553236 I have actually been using a comprehensive writing workshop project that I found on Teachers Pay Teachers a few years ago.

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Second-Grade-Writing-Workshop-Curriculum-Bundle-1361891

Our school had just received training and materials for Lucy Culkins before I was hired, and wasn't about to provide any training to me for writing, so I was quite desperate for someone to just spell it all out for me. (I found the Lucy Culkins books so pedantic that they actually made the job immensely more stressful when trying to figure out the WW for the first time during my first school year.)

I liked the TPT writing workshop program because of the single-page lesson plans complete with mentor text suggestions and a way to incorporate 6 Traits and grammar if needed. It's perfectly succinct and shows a newcomer, like I was, what the writing workshop should look like with very minimal planning. Everything is broken down very well for primary students, too, so you can go as slowly or as quickly as your students need by teaching every lesson, or skipping those you feel they've mastered already.

I have used this program differently through the 5 years since owning it. Sometimes, with fidelity, other times, not. This year, with the 6 Traits component. In prior years, not. I guess you could say that I'm still working hard to find my groove with writing. ]]> 2020-02-17 23:30:04 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/446553236 https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/446868877 My classes enjoy the use of Mentor Texts. They are really able to make those connections and transfer/practice it in their own writing. ]]> 2020-02-18 15:36:25 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/446868877 https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/447799788 We use this power-point for teaching simple, compound, complex, compound/complex sentences. The pictures really help the students understand the differences.]]> 2020-02-20 00:49:06 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/447799788 Wendy Jones https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/450012358 I like to use Issues and Controversies.com to provide students with timely issues and topics in a dynamic fashion.
Students can find timely and real world topics here, and they also see the controversial nature. These are often presented debate style, promoting argument/counter argument writing.
https://Issuesandcontroversies.com]]> 2020-02-25 11:45:39 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/450012358 6 + 1 Writing Traits bhorner4 https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/451533164 This is a common resource for teachers to introduce the Writing Traits. I use 6 +1 Writing Traits resources in my classroom because my school has used it for many years. I see the benefit of common language and emphasis on "what is good writing" but TWR is so much more helpful in developing the actual writing. ]]> 2020-02-27 17:30:25 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/451533164 Angela Kinnett https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/457240483 One resource that I really like is Mechanically Inclined by Jeff Anderson.  Its main focus is building grammar, usage, and style into Writer's Workshop.  Not only does this book have great activities for your grammar instruction, but also provides numerous opportunities for writing.
https://www.stenhouse.com/content/mechanically-inclined

]]> 2020-03-09 23:36:59 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/457240483 Lucy Calkins - Writing Units of Study asolchik https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/459322223 I LOVED seeing resources I've used pop up on here so often, like Smekens, 6+1 Traits, SIOP, RACE, etc...

I really enjoyed using Lucy Calkins Units of Study in my past experiences. This is a structure for teaching writing that really centers on small group conferring based on skills rather than whole class instruction. The units can be done in any order and can be integrated with any curriculum, so I loved the flexibility. I like to start with Opinion writing because students always seem to have an opinion :-)

]]> 2020-03-12 16:35:42 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/459322223 Writing Resource https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/459346655 2020-03-12 16:59:16 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/459346655 Writing Resource estanfill1 https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/459347744 I utilized resources from various Smekens trainings that I have attended.]]> 2020-03-12 17:00:17 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/459347744 WritingFix- writingfix.com abrown324 https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/468374729 One resource that I stumbled upon a few years ago is writingfix.com. This site was created by a teacher named Corbett Harrison and (in part) by the Nevada Writing Project. This site is full of all kinds of resources from mentor text ideas/lessons, lesson plans based on six traits writing, interactive idea generators, graphic organizers, and more. I have gotten many new lesson idea from this site. I like the fact that it is good for students in both elementary and secondary grades. ]]> 2020-03-20 19:04:19 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/468374729 Smekens https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/468534236 Our entire district uses the Smekens Education Solutions writing resource.  https://www.smekenseducation.com/
It focuses on the 6+1 traits of writing, strategies for writing/reading, writer's workshop, writing to iLearn, etc.  
As I am in year 6 of teaching, with years 1-2 teaching 2nd grade, year 3 teaching 5th grade ELA/SS + High Ability, and now years 4-6 teaching 6th grade ELA/SS, I haven't had much consistency to find any type of rhythm in strategies.  About 3 years ago, our district went full-on for one particular curriculum: Smekens.
I use the Smekens strategies to "teach to the test" of iLearn. In particular, we will receive 1-2 workshops per year with an instructor from Smekens, and she helps us with a particular strategy to help us teach it in a more explicit way to meet the kids' needs. I love Smekens, but there is so much information, it'd difficult not to get "lost" in space.]]> 2020-03-20 21:57:11 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/468534236 Smekens kwasher1 https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/468547204 Our entire district uses the Smekens Education Solutions writing resource.  https://www.smekenseducation.com/
It focuses on the 6+1 traits of writing, strategies for writing/reading, writer's workshop, writing to iLearn, etc.  
As I am in year 6 of teaching, with years 1-2 teaching 2nd grade, year 3 teaching 5th grade ELA/SS + High Ability, and now years 4-6 teaching 6th grade ELA/SS, I haven't had much consistency to find any type of rhythm in strategies.  About 3 years ago, our district went full-on for one particular curriculum: Smekens.
I use the Smekens strategies to "teach to the test" of iLearn. In particular, we will receive 1-2 workshops per year with an instructor from Smekens, and she helps us with a particular strategy to help us teach it in a more explicit way to meet the kids' needs. I love Smekens, but there is so much information, it'd difficult not to get "lost" in space.]]> 2020-03-20 22:17:20 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/468547204 Smekens Supersized Sentences https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/475698176 One of TWR's strategies reminded me of Kristina Smekens strategy to Super Size sentences through adding who, what, when, where, why, and how details. LINK HERE]]> 2020-03-26 03:20:45 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/475698176 Claim Evidence Reasoning rnixon2 https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/542486138 As a high school scienc teacher, I am a fan of the claim, evidence, reasoning strategy.  I fell like it can be modified for several assignments in my science classes, even if it is just the reminder for students to include data in their lab reports :). But it is also helpful in helping students prepare for AP testing as well.  ]]> 2020-04-30 16:29:54 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/542486138 Jennifer Seimetz https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/1094006648 I returned to work part-time after having kids, and I am now teaching writing again for the first time in years! I am very grateful to be in this book study and am looking forward to checking out the other recommendations shared here.  Here are a few resources I've found helpful.

Pebble 365 is a very nice site for writing prompts, and they have an interesting or thought-provoking pictures for each day of the year.  Since I haven't been teaching writing, I've used it mostly to start discussions or have students write a few sentences about the picture, but they also provide story starters, questions students could answer (or they could write their own), and "sick sentences" that students can improve.  https://www.pobble365.com

As a teacher reference for writing, I've found the Purdue Owl helpful. It has informations about general writing, citations, and grammar explanations.
 https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/purdue_owl.html]]> 2021-01-16 15:29:30 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/1094006648 https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/1115840479 Jill Juday (Writer's Workshop) 

When I was a new Kindergarten teacher I found these Writer's Workshop lessons incredibly helpful. It breaks down the most basic lessons for beginning learners. For example, one lesson is all about how to hold a pencil. It also set a clear, but slow standard of how the writing process would take place in our class and how to actually become a young writer.  I found that these lessons also gradually increased the amount of time required for them to sit and write, which was helpful as the became acquainted with the rigors of school. I used these lessons daily until we made our way through all of them and then we would move on to more difficult skills.  ]]> 2021-01-22 20:45:09 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/1115840479 Beth Myers myerss https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/1146043042 I love NoredInk to remind my seniors of how to punctuate and use subordinating conjunctions and conjunctive adverbs. ]]> 2021-01-31 18:40:11 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/1146043042 "The Great Kapok Tree Opinion Writing" https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/1318208253 I teach Writing with 3rd graders and they really responded to this single lesson.  It is based on the book, The Great Kapok Tree  by Lynne Cherry.  We read the book and the two articles: one in favor of saving the rainforest and one in favor of cutting trees down.  There are graphic organizers for notes, planning pages as well as a revising checklist and rubric that I edited. 
The lesson is on Teachers Pay Teachers authored by The Friendly Teacher. It is in printable and distance learning format (Google Apps).

]]> 2021-03-16 23:21:18 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/1318208253 Writing resources https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/1339092901 As a school we utilize Smekens resources. I also use Patterns of Power to incorporate grammar in context. An area of focus for us in 5th grade is Expanding Thinking in RACE responses. I really enjoy the materials by Hello Fifth and Jennifer Findley for this particular area of writing.]]> 2021-03-22 17:03:11 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/1339092901 Colleen Kobi-Berger https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/1449327037 I use the books, “Nonfiction Craft Lessons: Teaching Information Writing K-8” and “Craft Lessons: Teaching Writing K-8” by Ralph Fletcher and Joann Portalupi.  They are both full of writing craft lessons. Each lesson has a suggested real aloud book that contains the focused craft lesson. ]]> 2021-04-22 20:34:30 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/1449327037 Scholastic Trait Crate aholt59 https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/1585476344 My grade level started our writing block this year using the trait crate and the corresponding mentor texts to introduce students to the 6 traits of writing. I loved the practice with each trait, and I love having a book that models the writing for kids.


]]> 2021-06-04 15:06:58 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/1585476344 In my classroom, we first learn letters and their sounds, then move to writing the letters. Students are given the opportunities during the learning period to write and draw freely, building the fine motor skills to hold a pencil. Once the majority of the class is ready, we move into a booklet produced by Handwriting without tears. My first book set is a wonderful resource I use to teach handwriting. It teaches the steps to forming each letter as well as fun coloring activities to go with each letter. There are many manipulative components with Handwriting without tears that are beneficial to prewriting skills. https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/1652628776 2021-07-16 12:28:01 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/1652628776 In my classroom, we use Writer's Workshop and The Writing Process. Each week I make slides that have the skills for use to learn and mentor sentences. lisamccloskey https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/1653852116 2021-07-18 21:00:52 UTC https://padlet.com/rtomishima/TWR2020/wish/1653852116