21st Century Writing

... and simple steps to help! You could argue positive results of context switching, especially if your brain naturally tends to jump steps in a process….. Hello gifted brains! But for the most part, multitasking has more negative results than positive because you’re not fully focused on the task at hand. This means one task never gets the full creation process… just parts of it. Like only getting...

We talk about why students need to know specific standards and how learning these skills and topics will help them in the future. And I”m here for it… I agree that our students need real world applications for the skills and concepts they are learning. Today’s big question…. If our goal is to prepare students for the real world, why are we teaching writing the same way it was taught 30 years ago?...

What is your vacation vibe? Do you want to relax, explore, or be spontaneous? For me, it’s all about learning and trying new things. I love visiting museums and taking tours (especially a great ghost tour). Whether you have a vacation away or a staycation planned, this episode will give you 3 great reasons to schedule an adventure so you can learn on the go! Don’t forget to follow the podcast so y...

This summer, let’s create an immersive experience for your kids to activate their creativity, imagination, and fun!

Most commencement speeches use the same template. In this episode, I'm using the template I've noticed to craft my own commencement speech and give a little advice for the class of 2022!

What do you do when you no longer feel creative? This episode has 3 ways to help you get back that creativity! Visit inspireteachgrow.com for more. 

Narrative writing is one of my favorite pieces to create… it’s also the most difficult. There are so many components to narrative writing and so many ways to make it unique. Sometimes my brain gets overwhelmed and get can’t my ideas down fast enough. Other times, my brain is completely blank and the only ideas I can come up with are ones that have been done before. In this episode, I'm giving you...

Welcome to part 4 of the Love Writing Workshop… in parts 1-3, I covered how to find writing ideas,organize, and present your work . If you haven’t listened to those episodes yet, please do. You don’t have to go in order, but you may want to start at the start. With that said, let’s jump into today’s workshop all about writing strong sentences and editing writing conventions. Oh, and stick around t...

Welcome to part 3 of the Love Writing Workshop… in episodes 13 and 14, I covered how to find writing ideas, organize your story, and present your work . If you haven’t listened to those episodes yet, please do. You don’t have to go in order, but you may want to start at the start. With that said, let’s jump into today’s workshop all about nailing voice and word choice.

Welcome back to the Love Writing Workshop… in episode 13, I covered how to find ideas for writing. If you haven’t listened to that episode yet, please do. You don’t have to go in order, but you may find it more beneficial to start at the start. With that said, let’s jump into today’s workshop all about organization and presentation. Download the workbook to help you teach each writing trait!

Have you heard of the 6+1 Traits of Writing framework? To be honest, I hadn’t when we were assigned this framework as our school-wide professional development this year. The framework focuses on developmentally appropriate practices for creating strong pieces of writing…. And that was a ton of buzz words. To put it simply, it lays out how we naturally write. We start with ideas then build our path...

What is the most creative thing you’ve done today? This week? What about this year? I grew up surrounded by creative opportunities. I didn’t realize it then, but giving me space, freedom and support to express myself creatively is one of the best things my parents did for me because as an adult, I see that learning to embrace your creative side is not something everyone has been taught…. But I bel...

In today’s episode, I’m helping you enrich learning for a curious kid at home with step-by-step tips. So, if you’ve got a pen and paper nearby, grab it. If you’re somewhere you can write, no worries. Save this episode to come back to later… oh and be sure to check out my Instagram page where I’ve got a diagram that might help you out. Let’s Go! Shout out today’s sponsor, Story Coins Literacy Game....

Quick poll: are you someone who likes to set goals throughout the year or do you like the “fresh start” of a new year to start your new goals? I honestly do a little of both, but there is something almost magical about that fresh year to kick my butt into gear. In this episode, I’m using one of my favorite (and popular) resources to walk through goal setting using a very smart strategy. Free goal...

What is one gift that you vividly remember getting? I have a few that come to mind, but my favorite and most meaningful was a rack of dress up clothes my mom made me. She designed several dresses just for me and had Santa hang them up on Christmas morning. She had purchased shoes and other accessories, but the dresses were the star of the show. In this episode, I’m sharing a few quick and simple w...

You've probably used manipulatives (hands-on tools) to practice math skills. But, have you used them for reading, writing, or grammar practice?  In this episode, I give you 5 hands-on tools you can use to make literacy more engaging and meaningful in your classroom or at home. Plus, one of these items you probably have in a desk drawer! After you listen, head over to Instagram and let me know...

Truth: I didn't plan to record an episode this week since I'm still on Thanksgiving break. But, I felt it was important to stay consistent and share one of my favorite ways to build vocabulary in my classroom.  Plus- it's a BIG sales week, and I'm throwing my first every sale on my website. From Nov. 26-30, 2021, you can get $10 off any purchase of $30 or more, plus a gift with any purchase,...

I love finding the perfect gift for someone! However, I can sometimes get a little outside my budget.  Can you relate? If so, I've got 5 simple categories that will help you stick to a budget while still inspiring the perfect gift this season. 

Gifted brains are so unique. Honestly, they’re my favorite types of brains to teach because gifted brains live outside the box. Any box! But, before we jump into harmful myths about gifted kids, we need to be sure we’re all on the same page about what makes a gifted brain. Learn more at InspireTeachGrow.com

On an Instagram poll I did a few months ago, 67% of teachers answered that their students felt bored or struggled with reading. That's more than half that aren't getting all the good stuff from reading instruction.  So, I have 3 solutions to this problem.  Grab the choice board mentioned in the episode here! Join our community on Instagram!

Listen to the audio from a live workshop I had a few weeks ago all about planning enrichment in under 30 minutes!  Grab the free workbook and let's plan together! (click here) Planning Enrichment Workbook

These are three of my favorite ways to get ideas flowing for kids and keep writing fun! Which activity will you try this week? I’d love to continue the conversation on Instagram. You can find me @inspired.to.enrich. Shoot me a DM and let me know which idea was your favorite. Download digital story coins here!

Enrich quite simply means “to make richer”. When you enrich something, you add to it. You make it more meaningful. You go deeper. In terms of education, enrichment is all about how we can take students who are curious and creative and give them an outlet for their drive. We present them with new problems to solve, ideas to marinate on, feelings to unpack, opinions to pose, and more.

I’m Kayleigh Collier, an elementary teacher and advocate for gifted education. Enrichment in my classroom is about richer lessons for all students, not extra opportunities for a select few. The mission of this podcast is the same. This journey is all about finding inspiring and creative ways to easily enrich everyday learning for your students, your kids, and yourself. So, grab your favorite mug a...