21st Century Writing

Tip # 4 There are so many writing organizers out there.. but they are useless if students can use and apply them to their writing. This organizer hack will give students a quick and easy way to organize their writing. Bonus: it'll save you from having to make tons of copies! :) Learn more about 21st Century Writing Skills at inspireteachgrow.com

What are your big goals and dreams or aspirations for the new year?

In this quick tip, we talk about why students need to really understand the differences between narrative, informational, and opinion types of writing.

In this episode were talking about ways to support your kids as a teacher or a parent.

Let's talk about giving feedback that is helpful and doesn't waste time.

This episode has 5 ideas of things you could use to add a little magic in your kids’ Christmas stocking this year. 1- LEGO mini build 2- small notebook 3- membership cards 4- puzzles 5- Story Coins game 6- cute key chains These are also perfect for teacher gifts, a class gift, or white elephant games. Shop at inspireteachgrow.com/shop

Writing 21 Membership Tip 1: Giving students gives them ownership in their learning. That ownership becomes engagement and pride in their work. But, how can we give students choice without creating more work for ourselves... Limited choice. Give a choice between only 2 things: This or That Opinion A or Opinion B Watch the Quick Tip video below and try it in your classroom or at home this week. The...

What is your favorite holiday memory? Several pop up for me, but there is something they all have in common: warmth. This holiday season, focus on family time with these 3 holiday activities: 1- Story Button podcast player for screen free time 2- Story Coins for dinner table fun 3- Writing letters to someone special... including Santa! Visit inspireteachgrow.com/shop to shop Story Coins. Head to s...

In this episode, we’re gonna talk about the three lies that I think teachers believe when really they could just throw them in the garbage. Join the email list inspireteachgrow.com

Join me on the road at GaETC 2023 as we talk with Wakelet and Book Creator representatives about 21st Century Writing. You'll hear a brief interview from each and then I'll share the ways I use both platforms to inspire students and grow their writing skills beyond paper and pencil. Grab the show notes at inspireteachgrow.com/039

It's a haunted house but... You have back to back meetings on dress up days! 👻 Let's talk about 5 common teacher fears and how to reframe them to be fun and meaningful.

Well, not quite a book, but I would love for it to become one! In this episode, I’m sharing the story I wrote with online students called Beauregard’s big dream.

What is a Pumpkin Spice Story? It’s a story (or any piece of writing) that excites you and your audience. People who love PSL, LOVE them. It’s a feeling. A vibe. A whole experience. Writing should be a FUN experience. ... and ... Your audience should “get your vibe”. Join me as we enjoy a PSL writing framework you can try with students today! For more on 21st Century writing strategies, visit insp...

What exactly is 21st century writing and why does it matter? That's the question I answer in this "unscripted" episode. It's real world ideas… but applicable. It's using analog and technology approaches, not just being on screens all day! It's strategies that are fun and inclusive to different learning styles. It's natural differentiation through leveling because writ...

This is a shorty episode, but it's got some good information if you're looking to take writing instruction to the next level! Communication is the life skill our students will need most in their futures but the one we don’t spend as much time really teaching. We teach around it with writing assignments and presentations, but we don’t have the time to teach the how of communicating well. Co...

We share stories all day long for various reasons. We want our friends to be on our side and we want our students to feel seen and understood. Honestly, storytelling is my favorite WHY. I also think it’s the most important in this new age of AI and fake news... 5 strategies for encouraging personal storytelling in your classroom: 1- student reminder 2- mentor text 3- talk it out 4- prompts or game...

Writing instruction across the board is not fun and I feel that that is a big part of why students don't want to write. Kids go from being expected to write a sentence or two to writing paragraphs with text evidence, but there's no time to teach them the appropriate way to do that. However, I can't help but thinking if we give our students a true purpose to create something using their...

It’s essential that we start teaching them how to write their ideas, communicate, brainstorm and then transition that into something purposeful, especially utilizing technology. Using 21st century writing strategies is the most effective way to uncomplicate writing lessons and support Student Success.  4 Whys of Writing: comprehension production storytelling communication I would love to know your...

This is the third summer we’ve planted a garden… and so far, it’s been the most successful. In fact, I just harvested 6 radishes yesterday. Gardening is a great way to connect kids with nature! Research has shown that exposure to nature and outdoor activities has many benefits for children, both physically and mentally.  In this episode, we'll focus on three important garden helpers: earthworm...

Reviewing for state testing (or any testing, really) doesn't have to suck! These quick, creative ways to make reviewing skills and content fun and engaging… and they don't require you to spend money, print anything out, put kids on a computer screen. 1- Use Games 2- Get Vertical 3- Group Discussion 4- Story Coins! (learn more about this game here) 5- Teach the Teacher Come chat with me on...

In this episode, we will be discussing one of the most important aspects of modern-day education: instructional technology tools. With the ever-increasing importance of technology in our lives, it is vital for teachers to be well-equipped with the best instructional technology tools for the classroom. Whether you're a seasoned educator looking to upgrade your technology tools, or a new teacher...

The audio isn't perfect but the point is there: let's teach our students to write with as much detail as a Starbucks order. Join me on the road from my car as we chat about adding more excitement to basic sentences and paragraphs.

Are you feeling stuck in a creative rut? Sometimes all it takes is a little game to get those creative juices flowing. Whether you're looking for activities to do with your kids or just want to have some fun with friends, our list of creativity games has got you covered. Get ready to unleash your imagination and have some fun! Storytelling Games 2- Improv Games 3- Brainstorming Games 4- Drawin...

Here in Georgia, we’ll start state tests near the end of April. For me, standardized testing was also a root of intense anxiety and worry. Our gifted brains already work in hyperdrive, so adding test anxiety is like pouring gas on the fire. But, I have a solution…. Well, a few ideas that can help quiet those fearful inner monologues and guide our students through state testing.  Test anxiety is a...

St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday celebrated on March 17th that commemorates the patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick. To start your celebration off right, write or tell a brief history lesson to your students with the main themes being Saint Patrick himself and Irish culture. Then dive into fun activities such as arts and crafts projects, quizzes on Irish folklore, or enjoy Celtic music. Weekly Ou...