Author Archives: SL

Learning More…Quicker

I am concerned for our students and teachers during this stressful time of Covid 19. As an educator, I know how students lose some gains just from summer break. Now that many have been home learning for ten months, I … Continue reading

Posted in WISE Writing Consulting and Studio WISE | Leave a comment

Open the Schools

Ok, I am not a scientist, but I am an educator with forty years of experience. I have seen thousands of children from all walks of life succeed and some struggle. That being said, I want to go on record … Continue reading

Posted in WISE Writing Consulting and Studio WISE | Leave a comment

Teachers are key.

Yes, what is being taught is important, but the honest truth is that the teacher is the key, not a product.  According to Sanders, 1998, good teachers matter more than the curriculum.  I agree. I worry sometimes when I don’t … Continue reading

Posted in Tips/Blog | Leave a comment

Setting Writing Goals

Setting writing goals can seem a daunting task.  Perhaps the following suggestions will get you started as you persevere in your writing instruction. For students who struggle to get anything on the page before asking how much is enough, set … Continue reading

Posted in Tips/Blog | Leave a comment

Great Strategies to Help with the Writing Process: Acronyms

We talk so much about the importance of the writing process, but we don’t always teach the students how to actually follow the process.  When we say, “Let’s revise your paper,” they have no idea where to start, so they … Continue reading

Posted in Tips/Blog, Writing Process | Leave a comment

Why Are We Still Saying the Same Thing?

Today I pulled out some old articles about writing from 1987 and realized we are still singing the same old song about writing instruction and its importance? WHY? We know what works.  Why are we not doing it? I really … Continue reading

Posted in Tips/Blog | Leave a comment

Responding to Literature

Students are expected to respond to literature and to use critical thinking as they do.  We must teach them to use logic and reasoning to support and maintain a clear point of view. State Standards call for a very structured … Continue reading

Posted in Tips/Blog | Leave a comment

Make Literacy Fun.

I have seen students and teachers roll their eyes when they hear the words literacy and writing.  I have heard the moans and groans and the “how much do we have to write” questions more times than I care to … Continue reading

Posted in Tips/Blog | Leave a comment

Peer Revision

Once students have rough drafts of writing, revision needs to take place.  Students can revise their own papers with guidance and can also use peer revision.  One way for peer revision is to partner students and have them do the … Continue reading

Posted in Tips/Blog | Leave a comment

Teach Writing Strategies and Techniques: No Assumptions

I think we sometimes assume students have been taught certain skills when they have not.  That is why it is imperative that we pretest and use the results to instruct.  We need to stop blaming those teachers who came before … Continue reading

Posted in Tips/Blog | Leave a comment