If there’s one thing I’ve learned from coaching teachers across the country, it’s this: sometimes the smallest shifts spark the biggest growth. In his article, Changing How Writing Is Taught, Steve Graham offers a powerful overview of why writing instruction often falls short. He highlights a key problem: while many teachers know what good writing […]
Research
Activate Prior Learning with a RAN Chart
What is a RAN chart? For me, the RAN chart is the answer to “But the KWL chart doesn’t work in my class!” RAN stands for Reading and Analyzing Nonfiction (credit: Tony Stead). I have always struggled with the KWL chart for a few reasons. I like the concept, but when I asked the students […]
Writers’ Workshop: Incorporating a Research Unit
How can I stay true to the Writers’ Workshop model while doing what I know to be best practice in research?