How can we communicate learning to students and parents? Self-assessment letters go home with midterm reports in a seventh grade writing class.
Sunday Stanzas & Stories, 9.27
Please watch this five-minute excerpt from Human, a film by Yann Arthus-Bertran, and take a few moments to reflect on what makes us human. Maybe you’ll write a stanza or story inspired by Francine Christophe in the comment section below.
Stanzas & Stories, 9.20
Is there a stanza or story in this image? Do a little creative writing today. Share it in the comments section.
Teacher Friends: Kate & Marissa
Two pre-service English teachers talk about their dreams, music, lit classes, and the teachers they are becoming.
Stanzas & Stories, 9/13
Try a stanza or story inspired by Nikhil Shah. Post yours in the comments section. Here’s mine: Are you dancing with us, Shadows? Does the rain tickle you to move in the rhythm of our steps? We’re happy to have you join us on our …
Book Response: No More “Us” and “Them” by Lesley Roessing
On Fridays, I write a blog post for my seventh grade students and their families about what we were trying to do that week in class. On the first Friday of the school year, I asked students to reply to the post with a comment …
Sunday Stanzas & Stories, 9.6
Write a stanza or story inspired by this piece by Kendra Baird.
Creating Conversations for Learning in a Grade-Based World
Kelly Mogk talks about the ethics of writing in schools focused on grades and scores. She says, “When students submit a piece of work to me, my first thought is always the same: First, do no harm. I want to develop writers that can express themselves with ease, and more than that—I want them to see themselves as writers and find joy in the learning.”
Sunday Stanzas & Stories, 8.30
Dixie Keyes from Arkansas State writes, “One consistent creative writing idea that I ease into fluidly, even on a busy day is writing about ‘moments.’ This also challenges me to rethink the day with gratitude and to be more mindful of interactions with everyone. So, I …
Classroom Library: Tips from a Librarian
Setting up a middle school classroom library with the help of Erin Linsenmeyer of the Downers Grove Public Library.