Writers Workshop in Seattle - Recently Updated Pageshttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/pageSearch/updatedRecently Updated Pages on http://writersrock.wetpaint.comen-usinfo@wetpaint.comMon, 05 May 2008 18:34:41 CDTMon, 05 May 2008 18:34:41 CDTwetpaint.com60Writers Workshop in Seattlehttp://www.wetpaint.com/img/logo.gifhttp://writersrock.wetpaint.comWritersRock is a resource for middle school teachers who use the Teachers College Readers and Writers Workshop models. PIECES OF OLD ENGLISH WRITINGhttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/PIECES+OF+OLD++ENGLISH++WRITINGZekeUfomaduhttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/PIECES+OF+OLD++ENGLISH++WRITINGMon, 05 May 2008 18:34:41 CDT
]]>Tips and Resources for Building Our Wiki Sitehttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Tips+and+Resources+for+Building+Our+Wiki+Sitekmeckerthttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Tips+and+Resources+for+Building+Our+Wiki+SiteTue, 15 Apr 2008 21:12:09 CDT


Scroll down to view or add attachments and discussion threads.
This video is the best tutorial I've seen on how to use an interactive (wiki) web site. It's professionally done, easy to follow, and engaging to watch. I noticed that from school the youtube.com video doesn't always show up. Try this url if you can't see the image: http://youtube.com/watch?v=-dnL00TdmLY
Interested in starting a classroom wiki or blog? Check out some of these resources to help you get started (If you know of a resource and don't see it here, please add it by using the EasyEdit feature - that's what makes wikis so cool!):

  • This wiki walk through offers some wiki-basics and features three wiki host sites specifically for educators. This is what Teachers First wrote in the January news letter where this link is provided: "TeachersFirst has just completed a revision of our Wiki Walk-Through, now including thorough comparison reviews of THREE different wiki tools, so you can find the one best-suited to your needs. It is not often that you have a choice of three free, ad-free tools for your students to actively learn and collaborate. No forms to fill out, no grants to beg for…don’t you wanna wiki? (If you have no idea what a wiki is, now is the time to find out…)"

  • Wetpaint central is the wiki-support center for wetpaint sites. This site has lots of tips, a wiki sandbox for experimenting with Easy Edit features, and a help center. Wetpaint offers ad free webpages for educators. You can learn more by clicking here.
  • Add your favorite wiki, blog, or other classroom resource here by clicking EasyEdit.
  • Add your favorite wiki, blog, or other classroom resource here by clicking EasyEdit.
  • Add your favorite wiki, blog, or other classroom resource here by clicking EasyEdit.
  • Add your favorite wiki, blog, or other classroom resource here by clicking EasyEdit.
I've had good experiences with classblogmeister.com for setting up blogs to use with students. The interface is quite clunky compared to what kids are used to with myspace or facebook, but every post can be previewed by me before it goes live and the reluctant readers and writers who have used it with me have been enthusiastic about sharing their thoughts as readers when others in their classs can comment. Contact me if you have any questions! Chris Gustafson, Whitman Middle School
Wiki webpage "design supports can be found in a number of places. Add your favorites to our list:
  • These little splatter bullet points come from paint splatters, a website with design tools and buttons. I usually just copy and paste them in. This link will take you to the page for "friendly" design, but you can navigate their menu and find other items, like push-pins, arrows, and more.
  • Add your favorite design tip or resource here by clicking EasyEdit.
  • Add your favorite design tip or resource here by clicking EasyEdit.
  • Add your favorite design tip or resource here by clicking EasyEdit.
  • Add your favorite design tip or resource here by clicking EasyEdit.




Tips and resources for building our wiki site, including the awesome Wiki Video!

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]]>Resources for Parents, Tours, Curriculum Nighthttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Resources+for+Parents%2C+Tours%2C+Curriculum+NightAnonymoushttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Resources+for+Parents%2C+Tours%2C+Curriculum+NightThu, 20 Mar 2008 03:32:31 CDT










Tips and resources for building our wiki site.


]]>Mentor Textshttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Mentor+Textsncbowershttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Mentor+TextsWed, 05 Mar 2008 13:16:50 CST
]]>Resources for Teaching Readers Workshop in the TC Modelhttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Resources+for+Teaching+Readers+Workshop+in+the+TC+ModelAnonymoushttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Resources+for+Teaching+Readers+Workshop+in+the+TC+ModelSat, 01 Mar 2008 21:27:39 CST
]]>Mini-Lessons for Conventions and Grammarhttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Mini-Lessons+for+Conventions+and+GrammarAnonymoushttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Mini-Lessons+for+Conventions+and+GrammarSat, 01 Mar 2008 21:27:04 CST
]]>Resources for Teaching Writing in the TC Workshop Modelhttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Resources+for+Teaching+Writing+in+the+TC+Workshop+ModelAnonymoushttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Resources+for+Teaching+Writing+in+the+TC+Workshop+ModelSat, 01 Mar 2008 21:26:37 CST
]]>Rubrics and Assessments for Persuasive Essayhttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Rubrics+and+Assessments+for+Persuasive+EssayAnonymoushttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Rubrics+and+Assessments+for+Persuasive+EssayThu, 21 Feb 2008 16:48:06 CST
Share your rubrics and assessment strategies with other writers workshop teachers by clicking on the EasyEdit button or using the "Add an attachment" tool on the rig ht side of the screen.
Return to Resources for teaching Writers Workshop? Click here!
Tips and resources for building our wiki site.


]]>RW Assessment and Evaluationhttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/RW+Assessment+and+Evaluationkmeckerthttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/RW+Assessment+and+Evaluationadd description of collaborative document for RW RubricFri, 08 Feb 2008 12:30:18 CSTShare your ideas, practices, and materials for assessing and evaluating Readers Workshop students here by clicking on the Easy Edit icon above. Scroll down to see attachments and discussion threads. Use the "Add an attachment" option to the right to share a document with other teachers.

I'm adding a document below that is a joint effort to create a rubric for RW. It was initiated by work done at Madison and continued by teachers at Salmon Bay. To add to this document you will need to save it to your computer, add to it, and then add it as a new attachment - feel free to delete the old one when the updated version is posted. I have the original on my PC so don't worry about accidents :) We're thinking that we can change language or criteria to suit our own schools later if we want, but that for now it's a great chance to share the think work behind each level on the rubric.
Add your lesson idea, resource, or request here:
Add your lesson idea, resource, or request here:
Add your lesson idea, resource, or request here:
Add your lesson idea, resource, or request here:





]]>Professional Resources and Literature for Teaching Readinghttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Professional+Resources+and+Literature+for+Teaching+ReadingAnonymoushttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Professional+Resources+and+Literature+for+Teaching+Readingadd resourceMon, 04 Feb 2008 20:53:08 CST
Scroll down to see the attachment for Sixth Grade Reading EALRs; this is a word document from OSPI.
TeacherLibrarianWiki is a pretty extensive wiki site with a lot of supports for librarians and classroom teachers.
My mom, who also teaches workshop, just passed along this resource. I don't know how long it will be available. I'm posting it on 2/4/08. I'm also including that note that explained the resource. "Many of us are seeking short pieces of text for students to use to practice of fine-tune their use of the cognitive strategies in a variety of content areas. Here’s a great opportunity - the entire text of Kimberly Campbell's new book Less is More: Teaching Literature with Short Texts Grades 6-12 is posted online by Stenhouse Publishers for a limited time. You can browse chapters on using short texts from many genres, including poetry and graphic novels:" http://tinyurl.com/yugemo
Add your favorite resource here:
Add your favorite resource here:
Add your favorite resource here:
Add your favorite resource here:
Add your favorite resource here:
Add your favorite resource here:
Add your favorite resource here:

Tips and resources for building our wiki site.

]]>Teachers of Writers and Readers Workshop Supporthttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Teachers+of+Writers+and+Readers+Workshop+Supportkmeckerthttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Teachers+of+Writers+and+Readers+Workshop+Supportadd internal linksMon, 28 Jan 2008 22:43:21 CSTHi! Thanks for checking out WritersRock, an interactive website for middle school teachers who are using the TC Writers and Readers Workshop Models. Our goal is to support each other in our teaching practice by sharing resources, systems and management strategies, and other practices that will help us spend more of our time directly serving our students. Use the menu on the left, or the links below, to navigate this site. Let us know what you think by adding a comment!
Select one of these links to take you to the content page you are looking for. Don't see what you need? Start a discussion thread to request support from our members!

Tips and resources for building our wiki site, including the awesome Wiki Video!

WritersRock News!

New! Mary's post-it supports for Twilight, by Stephanie Meyer.
New! Links to wiki and blog websites you can use with your students.
New! Reading WASL Test Prep.

View all attachments shared by our members here.
Add your own attachments on one of our many content pages!

Share your writers or readers workshop experience, feedback, questions, resources, and successes with us today. Have fun!

At writersrock.wetpaint.com you always have creative control!



]]>Reading WASL Test Prephttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Reading+WASL+Test+Prepkmeckerthttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Reading+WASL+Test+Prepadd page and linkSat, 26 Jan 2008 19:30:00 CSTOn this page we can collect the resources, strategies, and stories we've generated as we support our students toward their goals to achieve success on the WASL. Please share what you can, ask for what you need, or share a story on this page by using the EasyEdit button, or scrolling down to start a discussion thread. To view attachments and discussions threads scroll down.

Go to OSPI's Reading webpage to view WASL resources provided by the state.
Add your lesson idea, resource, or request here:
Add your lesson idea, resource, or request here:
Add your lesson idea, resource, or request here:





]]>Managing Post-its and Notebookshttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Managing+Post-its+and+Notebookskmeckerthttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Managing+Post-its+and+NotebooksAdd link to post-it supports written by teachersSat, 26 Jan 2008 17:25:22 CST
Click here to go our collection of post-its from teachers for students reading specific books - including Mary's stickies for Twilight!

Have you created a notebook or post-it rubric or assignment description?
Do you have a particular strategy or routine that helps you manage readers' notebooks and post-it notes?
Do you have a question or dilemma you'd appreciate some help with?
Add your attachments, strategies, and questions here by clicking on the EasyEdit icon. To view attachments, scroll down.

Tips and resources for building our wiki site.

]]>Post-It Note Supports for Specific Titleshttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Post-It+Note+Supports+for+Specific+Titleskmeckerthttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Post-It+Note+Supports+for+Specific+TitlesAdd link to post-it / notebook management pageSat, 26 Jan 2008 17:21:17 CST
As you think of additional ways for us to use this page, click the EasyEdit and share your idea!

For other post-it note and Readers Workshop notebook ideas and strategies click here.

]]>Managing and Assessing Writers Notebookshttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Managing+and+Assessing+Writers+Notebookskmeckerthttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Managing+and+Assessing+Writers+NotebooksSat, 10 Nov 2007 16:09:59 CST
What are systems teachers are using to make sure they see every notebook on a somewhat regular basis? I really struggle with this even though I know it is essential to assessing my writers.

I've added an attachment for student guided notebook tours. You'll need to scroll all the way down to find it. I'd love to know what others are using for notebook assements - anyone willing to share? (kristen)
Return to Resources for teaching Writers Workshop? Click here!
Tips and resources for building our wiki site.


]]>Leveling Books and Classroom Librarieshttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Leveling+Books+and+Classroom+Librariesmpiccolihttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Leveling+Books+and+Classroom+LibrariesSun, 02 Sep 2007 22:13:56 CDTmapiccoli@seattleschools.org). If you are not a member of Seattle Schools, but you'd like to see what we've got so far, look on this page (below) for our alphabetized-by-title Word document with all 1200+ books that we've leveled.

Scroll down to find examples of a classroom librarian application and check-out log. I'd love to know what other strategies or applications teachers have used to manage their libraries or select student librarians.

]]>Mini-Lessons for Personal Essayshttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Mini-Lessons+for+Personal+Essayskmeckerthttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Mini-Lessons+for+Personal+Essaysrevise copy / paste statementThu, 23 Aug 2007 21:03:15 CDTScroll down to see comments and attachments.

Copy and paste this template to post your mini-lesson.
Teaching Point:

Connection:

Teach / Demo:

Active Engagement:

Link:

Mid Workshop Interruption:

Scroll down to read mini-lessons, resources, and requests from other Writers Workshop teachers!


Teaching Point: How do you write topic sentences for essays?
Connection:
Yesterday we experimented with different reason why we feel our topic is so important to write and read about. You selected really powerful reasons about your big idea that you want to share with your readers. Today I want to teach you how to create topic sentences for your body paragraphs that clearly connect your thesis to your reasons so that your readers will be able to move smoothly through your essay.

Teach / Demo:
1. Show students my thesis statement and the three important reasons I selected yesterday.
2. Tell: When writing essays it's important to show our readers how our big ideas are related to the reasons that we want to share with them. One way essaists keep their reader on track is by writing topic sentences that combine their thesis with their reason at the beginning of the paragraph. A great trick I know for doing this is to use the word "because" between the thesis and the reason - the "because" acts like a hinge, or glue - making what used to be two sentences into one.
3. Model: Watch me as I take my thesis statement, add the word because, and then write my reason.
4. Notice that indented the sentence because it is the start of a new paragraph. Notice also that I made a few changes in the wording so that my new sentence makes more sense.
(Anticipate that students will want to add a coma before the because - it may be wise to also show that there is no punctuation in the middle of the sentence.)
Active Engagement:
With your writing partner, try using because to combine my thesis with one of my other reasons. Remember, you might have to change a few words to help the sentence make sense.
Link:
Writers, today you've learned a powerful tool to help you write clear topic sentences by using the word because to combine your thesis and the reason you will be writing about in your paragraph. I want you write topic sentences for your body paragraphs today.
Mid Workshop Interruption:
???
Add your lesson idea, resource, or request here:
Add your lesson idea, resource, or request here:
Add your lesson idea, resource, or request here:
Add your lesson idea, resource, or request here:
Add your lesson idea, resource, or request here:
Add your lesson idea, resource, or request here:
Add your lesson idea, resource, or request here:
Add your lesson idea, resource, or request here:
Return to Resources for teaching Writers Workshop? Click here!
Tips and resources for building our wiki site.


]]>Teaching and Writing Personal Essayshttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Teaching+and+Writing+Personal+Essayskmeckerthttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Teaching+and+Writing+Personal+Essaysadd description of linkThu, 23 Aug 2007 20:50:54 CDTMentor Texts for Personal Essay
Mini-Lessons for Personal Essays: Click here to add or view mini-lessons!
Rubrics and Assessments for Personal Essays
Return to Resources for teaching Writers Workshop? Click here!
Tips and resources for building our wiki site.


]]>Mini-Lessons and Materials for Persuasive Essayhttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Mini-Lessons+and+Materials+for+Persuasive+Essaykmeckerthttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Mini-Lessons+and+Materials+for+Persuasive+Essayadd mini-lesson templateThu, 23 Aug 2007 20:49:21 CDTScroll down to view or add comments and attachments.

Mini-lesson Template: When you click on easy edit you should be able to copy and paste this table to where you'd like to add your lesson description:

Teaching Point:

Connection:

Teach / Demo:

Active Engagement:

Link:

Mid Workshop Interruption:
Add your lesson idea, resource, or request here:
Add your lesson idea, resource, or request here:
Add your lesson idea, resource, or request here:
Add your lesson idea, resource, or request here:
Add your lesson idea, resource, or request here:
Add your lesson idea, resource, or request here:
Add your lesson idea, resource, or request here:
Add your lesson idea, resource, or request here:
Add your lesson idea, resource, or request here:
Return to Resources for teaching Writers Workshop? Click here!
Tips and resources for building our wiki site.



]]>Mini-Lessons for Personal Narrativehttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Mini-Lessons+for+Personal+Narrativekmeckerthttp://writersrock.wetpaint.com/page/Mini-Lessons+for+Personal+Narrativeadd mini-lesson templateThu, 23 Aug 2007 20:47:48 CDTScroll down to view or add comments and attachments.

Mini-Lesson Template: When you click on easy edit you should be able to copy and paste this table to where you'd like to add your lesson description:
Teaching Point:

Connection:

Teach / Demo:

Active Engagement:

Link:

Mid Workshop Interruption:
Small moments: One of the ideas Kathleen and I experimented with during the second PN unit was having students work in small groups to rewrite small moments from fairy tales. I'm attaching our lesson plan draft below.
Small moments: This youtube video is a visual explanation of stretching a moment. You can see a larger version at http://youtube.com/watch?v=EkJEdrgqKFM, or watch from here:

When you click on easy edit you should be able to copy and paste this table to where you'd like to add your lesson description:
Teaching Point:

Connection:

Teach / Demo:

Active Engagement:

Link:

Mid Workshop Interruption:

Add your lesson idea, tip, or request here:
Add your lesson idea, tip, or request here:
Add your lesson idea, tip, or request here:
Add your lesson idea, tip, or request here:
Add your lesson idea, tip, or request here:
Add your lesson idea, tip, or request here:
Add your lesson idea, tip, or request here:


Return to Resources for teaching Writers Workshop? Click here!
Tips and resources for building our wiki site.


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