Since 2007, Two Writing Teachers has been a vibrant community of reflective writers. We're excited to take our passion for teaching writing to new heights in the second season of our podcast. Join us as we explore ways to create, lead, and sustain joyful and productive writing workshops, empowering educators to help their students become competent, brave, and confident writers. Let's make writing instruction engaging and rewarding for everyone involved! Would your company like to sponsor an ...
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Make sentence structure more straightforward for students with Melanie's intentional activities in this episode. Melanie shares ways she helps students understand the definition of sentences, create sentences with phrases and pictures, and combine sentences. You'll help students recognize and create simple and increasingly complex sentences with Me…
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Capture Students' Progress with End-of-Year Letters: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey
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Explore the origin and significance of end-of-year reflection letters in this week’s episode. Stacey highlights the unique nature of these letters, which go beyond self-evaluations of academics and instead focus on students reflecting on their growth as learners and individuals. Practical guidelines for structuring the letters are shared, emphasizi…
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Explore the Potential of Student-Facing AI Tools: A Digging Deeper Dialogue
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We explore the vast potential of student-facing AI tools. Join us as we delve into the benefits of tools like Co:Writer Universal, EverWrite, Grammarly, Read&Write, and Speechify. Discover how these cutting-edge tools revolutionize students' learning, writing, and communication and empower students to reach new heights of academic excellence. Check…
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It is helpful to create checklists that are accessible to students so they are manageable, digestible, and possible for students to utilize. In this tip, Melanie shares ways to help students chunk checklists, think with intention, and digitize checklists. In addition, she plants the seeds to help you think about ways to help students self-create ch…
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Boost Writing Instruction with AI: A Digging Deeper Dialogue
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In this episode, we talk about content creation, personalized learning, accessibility, efficiency & productivity with artificial intelligence. We share various teacher-facing AI tools and discuss how you can incorporate them into your writing instruction. Go Deeper: Leveraging AI for Writing Miniseries on Two Writing Teachers Los Angeles Unified Sc…
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Learn about two engaging ideas for National Poetry Month, which begins on April 1. Stacey shares a bit about creating a collaborative "Living Poetry Anthology" where students curate poems to display throughout the school. Next, she discusses developing personal poetry collections featuring their work, inspirational poems, and reflections on poems t…
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There's a lot of brain work involved in written expression. This week, Melanie shares a tip to help students reduce their cognitive load, which will help them express their ideas more easily. In this tip, Melanie shares how providing students with sentence frames and a bank of vocabulary words can aid students with difficulty with word retrieval. P…
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Accommodations for Access to Writing Instruction: A Digging Deeper Dialogue
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In this episode, we explore accommodations for student writers. The episode has five categories: organization, materials/tools, time, response, and seating. This episode will equip you with ways to create an inclusive, accessible learning environment. PAST TWT BLOG POSTS Exploring Voice Typing Finding Accessible Fonts for Classroom Use Flexible Sea…
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Stacey explores the power of pairing written explanations with oral directions to enhance understanding in the context of writing workshop. She provides an overview of Driveway, a Chrome Extension that allows educators to create step-by-step process guides with written descriptions, highlighted screenshots, and optional voiceovers. Learn how to cre…
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In this Tip for Tomorrow, Melanie provides three ways to use digital mentor texts. She provides insight on using videos as part of your whole-class instruction, inquiry lessons, and as a goal-setting tool. Take advantage of this episode if you need more ways to integrate digital mentor texts into your writing instruction. Read Leah Koch's Two Writi…
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Exploring the Power of Oral Language: A Conversation with a Colleague
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Discover the untapped potential of oral language in the writing process and gain valuable insights from Lainie Levin, one of our TWTBlog co-authors. Lainie and Stacey discuss the importance of oral language beyond the primary years of elementary school and how storytelling and oral language support kids in developing a sense of story and composing …
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Research can be instrumental in supporting instructional decision-making for teachers. In this Tip for Tomorrow, Melanie gives an overview of some of the most critical research surrounding writing instruction. She will cover what the research says about: Teaching kids about different aspects of the writing process. Studying strong examples of writi…
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Join Stacey as she delves into the power of reflection shares to promote growth and development in student writing. She discusses how whole-group reflection allows students to share insights, experiences, and strategies, and fosters a sense of community and accountability. She emphasizes the importance of students feeling valued and included in the…
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Developing as a Writer in the Slice of Life Community: A Digging Deeper Dialogue
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We explore the profound benefits of participating in the month-long writing challenge. Listeners will discover the power of making connections and gaining a true understanding of being a writer while cultivating a writing practice. The episode briefly overviews the Slice of Life Story Challenge's origins and purpose, pointing listeners to last year…
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Bring the power of play into your writing instruction. Melanie explains how to teach kids to play PROVE IT in an effort for them to show evidence of the skills you're teaching in their writing. Check out these posts on TWTBlog for more ideas: Ways to Teach Conventions: Our Favorite Things When Conventions Aren't Sticking–Some Tips and Tricks ***** …
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Energizing Writing Lives: A Digging Deeper Dialogue
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Let's explore ways to energize your writing workshop! In this episode, we discuss strategies for revving up individual minilessons and units of study by opening up options, changing perspectives, bringing in magic, promoting collaboration, and creating authentic purposes for students to think about their audience. Resources mentioned in the episode…
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In the final episode of 2023, Stacey discusses the importance of shedding anything that isn't serving us and applies this idea to the classroom, specifically focusing on providing students with a diversity of writing supplies. She offers three suggestions for obtaining different types of notebooks at a lower cost or for free. Stacey also emphasizes…
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The Beauty of Nonfiction Writing: A Digging Deeper Dialogue
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Let's explore the importance of information writing and address common problems writers face in this genre. The episode delves into the need for explicit instruction in note-taking, emphasizing the purpose of notes as a tool for critical thinking rather than mere proof or text transfer. It also offers various approaches to enhance information writi…
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This Tip for Tomorrow explores the art of essay writing beyond the traditional structure and formula. Stacey delves into "writing to think" and how students can infuse microstories into their essays to enhance their ideas. From choosing relevant stories to crafting concise microstories, she provides practical guidance on engaging the reader and con…
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Maximizing Writing Time: A Digging Deeper Dialogue
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In this episode, we address the challenge of finding enough time to teach writing workshop daily in elementary school. We discuss the importance of writing instruction for students' literacy development and provide practical strategies for teachers to maximize their writing instruction time. This episode covers topics such as establishing efficient…
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Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform. You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. Melanie Meehan: meehanmelanie@gmail.com Stacey Shubitz: stacey@staceyshubitz.com Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities. For…
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This Tip for Tomorrow episode explores ten practical tips for keeping minilessons brief and effective. Stacey discusses the importance of preparedness, including having all teaching materials ready and communicating clearly with students about what they should bring to the meeting area. She highlights the benefits of assigning "talking partners" an…
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Help Kids Move from Ideas to Words: A Conversation With a Colleague
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Sarah Valter, one of our TWTBlog co-authors, joins Melanie this week to discuss ways to inspire word explorers, the children in our classrooms who, for various reasons, need additional support or scaffolding to commit words to the page. For more inspiration, check out these books, podcast episodes, and blog posts: Discover What Writers REALLY Need …
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Give the kids the freedom to tell many kinds of stories during a narrative writing unit. Melanie shares three ideas you can use to help students have a surge of writing during a narrative writing unit. Go deeper with these posts from the TWTBlog archives: Continuing Along the Narrative Pathway Let's Pretend! Narrative Writing: Expand the Possibilit…
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Structure & Deliver a Powerful Minilesson: A Digging Deeper Dialogue
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Join us to explore the potential of minilessons as a forum for whole-class instruction. Peeling back the layers, we delve into the art of teaching writing behaviors, behaviors, strategies, and more in ten minutes or less. We thoroughly examine the four essential parts of a minilesson: connection, teach, active engagement, and link, shedding light o…
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In this episode, Stacey shares five valuable steps for cooperating teachers who are hosting with student teachers in leading a writing workshop for elementary school students. Stacey begins by sharing her personal experience and the challenges she faced when initially handing over the reins to student teachers. The five steps for empowering student…
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Mastering the Art of a Successful Writing Workshop: A Digging Deeper Dialogue
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Unlock the secrets of a successful writing workshop! Dive into the dynamic framework that increases student growth. Every workshop begins with an engaging minilesson and ends with intentional sharing time. Discover the power of independent writing time with conferring, small group work, and the short, but mighty mid-workshop interruption. Listen un…
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Delve into the essential elements of building your conferring toolkit! Melanie explores the valuable tools, demonstration writing, and paper choices you'll want to stock in your toolkit. She'll even share a suggestion about the surprising impact of mints! Unlock the key to effective conferring by equipping yourself with everything you need to confi…
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Building Toolkits for Writing Instruction: A Digging Deeper Dialogue
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Discover what a conferring toolkit is, why it's essential, and how to create one that suits your needs. This episode will share must-have items, tips for organizing, and the benefits of incorporating digital setups. Get valuable advice on updating your toolkit, embracing change, and capturing photographs of your resources. Remember, tools don't tea…
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Join us as we explore how filling out conference cards alongside students makes them more responsible for their learning journey. Also, conference cards are an excellent way to check what's been taught, and what's been accomplished between writing conferences and plan the next steps for student success! Some useful links: Conference cards A Few Ide…
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Unleash Greenbelt Writing's Potential: A Digging Deeper Dialogue
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In this episode, we explore the concept of greenbelt writing and its profound impact on young writers. We discuss why children must be free to play with words without grading pressure. We discuss how allowing kids to choose their preferred genres empowers creativity and fosters a genuine love for writing. Through discussion, we share the true essen…
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This week, we're diving into a game-changing strategy to help students struggling with spelling. Not only will it provide immediate assistance to kids when they need it, but it will also become a strategy for monitoring student progress. You won't want to miss this episode that will empower you and your students on the spelling journey! Link to the…
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Learn how to kick off the school year with successful writing partnerships. Discover the benefits of pairing young writers together. Get tips on how to pair students effectively, teach effective communication, and make writing partnerships joyful. Take advantage of this valuable information to help your students grow as writers. Elevate your writin…
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Are you a teacher who sometimes forgets to compliment your students during writing conferences? Don't worry. You're not alone! But compliments are an essential part of building confident and competent young writers. In this episode, Stacey explores ways to make space for compliments during those limited conference times. Learn how to start your con…
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Embrace an Asset-Based Approach: A Digging Deeper Dialogue
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Teachers' expectations of their students can significantly impact their outcomes, so it's vital to have an asset-based approach. Using an asset-based lens, we look for the positive things students can do rather than focusing on their deficits. This shift can occur in teacher-teacher and teacher-student interactions, such as examining student work w…
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Create a Dynamic Writing Workshop in Your Classroom: A Digging Deeper Dialogue
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Ready to create a thriving writing workshop in your classroom? Our latest podcast episode has got you covered! We discuss the components of a successful writing workshop approach, including ample writing time, building a strong community, mentor texts, & more. Plus, we explore how to infuse joy into the workshop so it's fun for students. Tune in to…
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Make the Most of Professional Development: A Digging Deeper Dialogue
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Are you a literacy coach looking to take your professional development to the next level, or are you a classroom teacher who wants more out of the PD you receive? Our latest episode has got you covered! Tune in for various ideas, from incorporating dedicated writing time into PD sessions to searching for mentor texts as a faculty member. More nuanc…
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Find Inspiration for Summer Writing: A Conversation With a Colleague
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Summer vacation can be when children's writing lives take a backseat to other activities. What if we could help our students pursue writing that interests them during the summer break? Kathleen Neagle Sokolowski, a former #TWTBlog co-author, joins us to discuss how to keep students writing during the summer months. Join Kathleen and Stacey as they …
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There are many ways teachers of writing can use A.I.! From exemplar and demonstration texts to feedback on your in-process writing, to providing starting points for curriculum documents, this episode will provide you with some ideas for using A.I. to maximize your preparation time. Where to access Chat GPT: https://chat.openai.com/chat This require…
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It's essential to keep mentor texts meaningful for students so they can learn how to use them effectively and independently. In this episode, Stacey shares four practical strategies to encourage children to return to mentor texts repeatedly. These include whole-class text studies, the "return and reflect" process, using craft move charts in picture…
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The Tricky Business of Spelling: A Digging Deeper Dialogue
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Are you ready to help your students take their spelling skills to the next level? We discuss spelling development and the benefits of invented spelling, word sorts, and personalized word walls. We also explore practical strategies that empower kids to become confident spellers and make the most of an "Editing Minute." Whether you're a teacher or a …
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The Importance of Immersion: A Digging Deeper Dialogue
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Libro.fm Offer: Use the TWTPod Code Receive 2 audiobook credits for $14.99 USD with your first month of membership. Credits can be used on your choice of more than 275,000 audiobooks on Libro.fm.After your first month, you’ll pay $14.99 USD for one audiobook credit per month, and each payment supports local bookstores. Members also receive 30% off …
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Independent writing projects are among the best ways to infuse joy into your writing workshop. These projects are a blessing for students who love to write, but they’re also a way to hook striving writers. A Few #TWTBlog Posts About Independent Writing Projects: Closing the Summer Writing Gap From the Classroom to the World: How a Young Writer is M…
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Joy, Play, and Humor in Writing Workshop: A Digging Deeper Dialogue
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Joyful classrooms, where play and humor are valued, help make schools feel safer and more welcoming. In today’s episode, we’ll provide ways to increase joy, play, and humor in your writing workshop Related TWTBlog posts about joy, play, & humor: A Few Games to Inspire Writing Lives A Mini Unit on Joke Telling Incorporating Play-Based Learning in Wr…
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Sentence construction can be tricky for many students. In this episode, Melanie shares a few strategies that might help students begin to internalize ways to construct sentences, moving from simple sentences to compound and complex sentences. THANKS TO OUR AFFILIATE! Libro.fm Offer: Use the TWTPod Code Receive 2 audiobook credits for $14.99 USD wit…
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The Power of Poetry: A Conversation with a Colleague
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THANKS TO OUR AFFILIATES! Head to https://one-sec.app?qu=twt to download the One Sec app to reclaim a large chunk of your waking hours by making distracting apps less appealing. Libro.fm Offer: Use the TWTPod Code Receive 2 audiobook credits for $14.99 USD with your first month of membership. Credits can be used on your choice of more than 275,000 …
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Equitably distributing your time among your students matters since every child should receive 1:1 writing instruction. However, it’s challenging to keep writing conferences to five to seven minutes in length. In today’s Tip for Tomorrow, you’ll hear two ideas that require minimum preparation. Both will help you trim down the time you spend with eac…
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This podcast is the second of two Tips for Tomorrow about test prep. You can listen to the first one here. Libro.fm Offer: Use the TWTPod Code Receive 2 audiobook credits for $14.99 USD with your first month of membership. Credits can be used on your choice of more than 275,000 audiobooks on Libro.fm. After your first month, you’ll pay $14.99 USD f…
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Grammar as a Craft Move: A Digging Deeper Dialogue
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Teaching grammar doesn’t have to be tedious or painful. In today’s episode, we dive deep into ways to make grammar instruction more meaningful, sticky, and joyful for you and your students. Browse Two Writing Teachers for in-depth blog posts about grammar, editing, and conventions. Thank you to our affiliates! Head to https://one-sec.app?qu=twt to …
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Paper Power: A Digging Deeper Dialogue
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Paper can be used as an accommodation, a scaffold, and as a tool for innovation in writing workshops. Check out these Two Writing Teachers blog posts for more information about the topics we discussed in today’s episode: All About the Paper. Creating Classroom Environments: Paper Choices Gifts from the Heart Paper Choices for Opinion and Argument W…
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