Create a Writing Curriculum of Mini-UnitsPosted on August 13, 2018Create mini-units to replace the "mother lode" approach. This utilizes a spiral-instruction approach where students experience a particular type of writing in multiple, smaller...
Maintain Control During Mini-LessonsPosted on April 16, 2018If lessons run long, first evaluate the content being presented. Often teachers attempt to deliver too much within a single mini-lesson. The concept of a mini-lesson is not...
Plan Problems into Narrative PiecesPosted on April 16, 2018To ensure every story includes a problem, plan the middle portion first. In other words, determine the conflict the character(s) will face before writing the beginning.
Introduce the 6 TraitsPosted on April 18, 2017The six researched components of all good writing (ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions) need to be introduced to students in a kid-friendly...
Download Kristina's Favorite Picture Books for Teaching the 6 TraitsPosted on April 17, 2017Many teachers choose to introduce each of the 6 Traits by reading a text that exemplifies the trait. Students see the trait in action within such mentor text. Picture books...
Convert Rubric Scores to GradesPosted on April 16, 2017Ever tried to get a grade from a rubric? Have you attempted to just add up the levels the student scored and divide by the total? Are all the students doing a little worse...
