I've been fighting the misery about it all, hard. I don't like to complain. But....enough already. I want to do things outside. My garden is lonely. #HackLearning
Hey there, #HackLearning! Shelly Stephens, HL Ambassador and instructor of Teacher Prep in Bartlesville, OK. Oklahoma teachers...fighting for the kids, the schools, and the dignity of our profession!
Morning, #hacklearning. I'm Brian. I teach MS students English in CO. Inspired by @nancieatwell, @AngelaStockman, & many practitioners in between, I've been an aspiring workshop fan for quite some time.
A1 During writing workshop, students can explore topics that matter to them personally in the world. They can practice skills—generating ideas, choosing revision strategies, collaborating, developing the willingness to struggle—in an authentic context.
#HackLearning
A1: #HackLearning Adding loose parts and writing with my Ks and gr 1s has changed how they look at writing and they are eager to try and figure out words and sentences.
A1 Writing workshop is an amazing opportunity for students to grow as independent writers. A safe place for exploration, creativity, and genius. #hacklearning
A1: Reflection and discussion are key to growth. When students are discussing their writing, they learn on a deeper level. Teens are social (for the most part) and they need to talk to each other about what they are learning/seeing when it comes to writing. #hacklearning
A1: I believe that learning can only be relevant when students have voice, choice, and the ability to make a real difference in the world. This is what makes workshop worthy. #HackLearning
A1 Workshop classes afford Ts a way to set the focus during benchmark lesson and let kids academically "roam" with choice and voice around topics, and potentially form #hacklearning
As a former journalist & teacher I wish I had implemented writing workshop.
It allows more individualized instruction & it’s easier to focus on student strengths #HackLearning
A1 Literacy people want students to become lifelong readers and writers therefore we need learners to read & write daily. Playing with words can be a fun & inventive endeavor. #HackLearning
A1: Builds meaning & purpose to their writing...integrating with current learning topics & fostering voice and choice through mastering skills and encouraging creativity #hacklearning#pclearn
A2) The composition of a piece of writing takes so much thought, involves choice, reveals character and interests, allows for individuals to strengthen their own areas of need, and makes for great conversations! #HackLearning
Carol, ELA consultant from Long Island here in between trying to design my winter gallery of artistic expressions (coming soon). Quick invite to all: Please join #NYEDChat/#WonderChat tomorrow night for an amazing #NPM2018 convo on #Poetry Is for Everyone.#HackLearning
A1 I’ve noticed when learners of all ages are in writers’ workshop mode, creates flow .. time slows ... ownership for creation and analysis amplifies .. voice emerges #hacklearning
We make writing more relevant for learners when we align our units to their interests and needs. I share some approaches here. https://t.co/4gfVrPXrWh#HackLearning
A1 Science writing workshop might provide #HackLearning students opportunity to express their scientific thinking in some different ways going beyond the investigation
A1: Just the title of “workshop” suggests the atmosphere you are using to develop writing skills. It is a work in progress, a place to develop new skills, refine current strengths, and receive feedback. #HackLearning
Building on Lauren's comment for my A1: These points exemplify why workshop (or studio) models can be integral, intrinsic, & foundational to learning. So much more than additions; rather PBL by another name. #hacklearning
A1 During writing workshop, students can explore topics that matter to them personally in the world. They can practice skills—generating ideas, choosing revision strategies, collaborating, developing the willingness to struggle—in an authentic context.
#HackLearning
My Writer's Workshop links on My Writing Resources page https://t.co/rSWqZE1p5v “I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.”
― Anne Frank #edchat#engchat#HackLearning
A1:my young students are just beginning to find their voice and building the foundation for their writerly lives. WW happens every day in my classroom. I can’t imagine a day without it. #hacklearning
A1. Ss are becoming better writers & i want Ss reading other Ss writing as writers. How would I write that? How can this be better? I need to try his technique in my writing #HackLearning
Focusing on the process, thinking 🤔out loud, brainstorming, & modeling in small group allows students to better understand productive struggle & build on success #HackLearning
Thanks Jerry for the #inspirationalquote: “I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.”
― Anne Frank #HackLearning
Writing workshop provides time thinking and acting as scientists and engineers. It could be the the place where design thinking and solutions begin #HackLearning
A1 Science writing workshop might provide #HackLearning students opportunity to express their scientific thinking in some different ways going beyond the investigation
Another teacher to follow, writing workshop friends! @the_mulc integrates making and writing beautifully, and she documents her journey in ways that others can learn from. #HackLearning
A1) writing workshops are a great way for Ss to enhance their writing skills. Ts can take take time to aide w Ss https://t.co/vaIx1aXeya writing is an essential part of education.#HackLearning
Remind students that writing is power. If they are power hungry (in a good way.....the power to influence, to make others think, etc.) then writing is for you! 😀 #hacklearning
And this is part and parcel of the writing process? What form? What audience? What tools? What is working, what is not? How might we improve? #hacklearning
You focus on a handful a day in each hour. By the end of the week, you've conferenced with all of them. Keep good records so your conversations are efficient. #HackLearning
Workshopping leans heavily on trust, relationships, expectations and protocols. Ts can't just start it and expect it to work. There's lots of learning environment context required. #hacklearning
A2: Time, it takes time to read, conference, and give feedback....not a reason not to do it - but be mindful in planning other activities to ensure the face to face time is NOT short changed #HackLearning
A2: I am all about authentic audiences. Since I have been pairing #SDGs with writing workshop, the challenge to find the audience has become less of an issue. #HackLearning
A2: My greatest challenge, especially in SPED, is balancing giving my students the time to explore and Create with the pressure of needing products and data #HackLearning
Wrote this piece years ago about power of writing to open windows for young children into learning and the world - the best of a writers workshop culture #whyIwrite#hacklearninghttps://t.co/zPeNt9eZnu
I always struggled with this, too, @DennisDill. The only thing that helped me was to remember PQP on my fly-by conferences. Props (something that's showing growth or improvement); Q (a question to further their thinking); and P (a polish-up suggestion). #HackLearning
A2 For me the greatest challenge in writing workshop is helping students notice for themselves what’s going on (in the writing and in their development as writers) and choosing for themselves what would be most useful to do. #HackLearning
And this is part and parcel of the writing process? What form? What audience? What tools? What is working, what is not? How might we improve? #hacklearning
A2 Since I work with Teachers, the greatest challenge is to showcase how we can blend reading and writing seamlessly to encourage students to become passionate writers. #HackLearning
A1 Science writing workshop might provide #HackLearning students opportunity to express their scientific thinking in some different ways going beyond the investigation
A2 The conferencing time is difficult to manage, many students need the conference at the same time. I don't like that they need to wait for a conference. Wasting valuable class time ☹️ #HackLearning
A2: Moving beyond the traditional teacher-centered "demo" mini-lesson in order to support a more writer-centered and writer-driven model was a challenge worth leaning into in my own work. #HackLearning
A2 Finding time with each student AND absenteeism ... I don’t get th opportunity to meet with students who aren’t present in class (so many outside / life obstacles) 🙁#HackLearning
A1: Writer's workshop is the perfect vehicle to promote growth mindset and foster productive dialogue between teacher and students. The *process* is where the learning happens. #HackLearning
Great question. I guess that depends on what you determine meaningful. I think you have to pick and choose moments and portions of writing pieces. Not possible to confer about 100% of the writing with 100% of students. Legit question. #hacklearning
I've begun thinking hard about this. Is it possible to gather the evidence of learning that we need without waiting on products? How might we do this far more organically, in order to devote time to what matters most to learners and learning? #HackLearning
Writer-centered workshops inspire teachers to follow their students' lead. Emergent curriculum design honors this approach. Frameworks like these, which I designed for K-8 teachers, can help. https://t.co/AMgBdGB1cL#HackLearning
A2: Getting in the time for meaningful conferences with each student. Still struggling--I often have to schedule them outside of class. We have so much to say to each other! For peer to peer conferences, I have a timed system that works. #hacklearning
So how am I guiding the learning of the other 20+ kids in the classroom? #hacklearning I am in a centers type environment where I am circulating around the room
Feedback is better when it's focused anyway. We have to narrow students' attention to specific aspects of writing before we can expect them to put it all together. #HackLearning
Great question. I guess that depends on what you determine meaningful. I think you have to pick and choose moments and portions of writing pieces. Not possible to confer about 100% of the writing with 100% of students. Legit question. #hacklearning
A2 #hacklearning I think one of the greatest challenges for a teacher is finding a way to present material which engages & supports all students learning styles
Part of it is know what kids need and also helping them to learn to advocate for what they need. You need not confer with what they already know well, but guide them through the difficult or progress the strength to a new level. IMO #hacklearning
A1 Students need to see the importance of editing when in the publication phase. Provide students with opportunities for real world writing and watch their voices soar. #HackLearning
There isn't time for all of this. You have to give chunks of workshop time to practice in offering critique and helping students use rubrics to support themselves and others. #hacklearning.
I agree .. I use @tools4teaching Praise-Prompt-Leave ... tell S what they have done well, prompt them to the next step, then leave them so they know I have confidence they can do it #HackLearning
In reply to
@smbpinky, @DennisDill, @tools4teaching
It takes time to build the structures, procedures, & skill set as a teacher. Be patient, seek guidance & find a mentor to observe & watch use workshop. So worth it for effective instruction for students #HackLearning
Completely agree! If we see evidence that a S is using metaphors in his writing, why wait to "grade" the final copy? Mark that standard as proficient. #HackLearning
I've begun thinking hard about this. Is it possible to gather the evidence of learning that we need without waiting on products? How might we do this far more organically, in order to devote time to what matters most to learners and learning? #HackLearning
It takes time to build the structures, procedures, & skill set as a teacher. Be patient, seek guidance & find a mentor to observe & watch use workshop. So worth it for effective instruction for students #HackLearning
I don’t think you can - but I do think we over estimate need to do so - how to build better peer to peer feedback is a question .. how to use audio comments in google writing another - #hacklearning
A2 The hardest part of writing workshop is the balancing act. Some students fly through the process too quickly and others are really slow. It's hard to do it all. That's why I love @AngelaStockman idea of letting the students do some of the leading as the experts #hacklearning
Start classes with Ss work under a doc camera and use full class time to talk about giving feedback. You can't give all Ss full attention, but the class can fully help each other. #hacklearning
Students can also record struggles and comments for you. And when you have some time later, you can record a response. Let’s rethink 1:1. #hacklearning
Cold writes are only part of the process ... I use #SpringBoardPL ‘s Revision Assistant online program to teach revision- it is an awesome tool to help teach sts to look at their entire essay several times! #HackLearning
A2 I think the biggest challenge for me is meaningful feedback and getting students in the habit of documenting their learning process using multimedia tools that fit their learning needs/styles #hacklearning
I struggled with this for over 20 years & finally found a solution. A minor tweak empowered my Ss & I no longer spend hours on weekends giving feedback on S writing #hacklearninghttps://t.co/cNQ30RmjkE
I appreciate quality rubrics as well...especially those we design with students. I know that many do not. Glad to find a kindred spirit here, David. They matter. #HackLearning
Think about it from your own perspective. How do you provide feedback and support to students on a new piece of music? You don't wait until performance day. #HackLearning
5 minutes times the 80+ kids ... If I break that down to 5 kids per class period ... that is 25 minutes per 50 min class period ... when do I do other guiding in content? #hacklearning
Consider writing workshop via #GAFE, with each students being required to share their work with 3 students, their family, and you. Feedback becomes part of the expectation. Use 1:1 to create 5:1 #hacklearning
A2: I am struggling with generating meaningful ways for students to provide feedback to others and self. Google forms, pic collage, flipgrid....it's a sorting process right now. #hacklearning
I'm so glad that you're here, Brian. And seeing my name in a Tweet with @NancieAtwell is humbling, my friend. She was the writer and teacher who changed my life with her words. Thank you. #HackLearning
In reply to
@brianrozinsky, @NancieAtwell, @NancieAtwell
Cold writes are only part of the process ... I use #SpringBoardPL ‘s Revision Assistant online program to teach revision- it is an awesome tool to help teach sts to look at their entire essay several times! #HackLearning
Seems like you answered your own question, Dennis. Circulate the room. If you need to pause for a management check-in between conferences - go ahead. #HackLearning
So how am I guiding the learning of the other 20+ kids in the classroom? #hacklearning I am in a centers type environment where I am circulating around the room
I think with @tools4teaching praise-prompt-leave with VIPs (visual instruction plans) you can make 3 rounds of valuable, coaching feedback ... your centers is probably the same methodology #HackLearning
In reply to
@DennisDill, @conniehamilton, @tools4teaching
A2 challenges - how to get past barriers of time, skill, and management to reach automaticity in facilitating writers workshop process and urge to pace instruction #hacklearning
I have kids do a ton of writing ... many of my kids claim they do more writing in my US History class than in their Language Arts class ... most of it is them formulating ideas/opinions/thoughts on events. #hacklearning .
I can not see all my students every day. Impossible. I can, however, see all of them in one week, or sometimes two. I think that's better than not at all. If I have a list of students and dates, I can make sure I don't always spend my time with the squeaky wheels. #hacklearning
Constant feedback - they record videos & I respond (or they give feedback), sectionals/small groups in class, quick check-ins...but time is always challenging. Even when going back & forth on video, that all happens during plan time or after hours. #hacklearning
Think about it from your own perspective. How do you provide feedback and support to students on a new piece of music? You don't wait until performance day. #HackLearning
A2: This year I've been using comments in Google docs to keep the writing conversation going. I can check in with students' progress digitally, and provide feedback in between face-to-face conferences.
#hacklearning
A2: Planning writing is a team sport - use you colleagues for great ideas to balance time and feedback. Planning is the key to efficient implementation #HackLearning
Friends, if you aren't following @cvarsalona you are missing out on a rare opportunity to connect with someone who consistently uses image to bring words to life. And she encourages others to, as well. #HackLearning
A1 Literacy people want students to become lifelong readers and writers therefore we need learners to read & write daily. Playing with words can be a fun & inventive endeavor. #HackLearning
I struggle when I realize that rubrics / product descriptors / clear expectations are still having a hard time getting into classrooms, especially those around writing. That's basic Tier1 stuff, imo #hacklearning.
Q2: 1) Writing workshop does not fit into a 40 minute period. It needs multiple days. 2) weaning students away from over-dependence upon the teacher #hacklearning
A2 Meeting individually with students can be done digitally through programs such as @msonenote. Interactions between T and S can occur from anywhere. #hacklearning
A3 #hacklearning If "Making" refers to project engagement it may help students soar with their writing skills beyond limitations traditional lessons provide
Before trust comes -
Set expectations
Taught expectations
Practiced expectations
Reinforced expectations
It's not magic, but it can happen in ANY classroom. #HackLearning
Melanie, I agree, there are so many ways to provide feedback but often times students don't really know how to give good/meaningful feedbak. It take time and it's wonderful when they get it. I love doing gallery walks for feedback. #hacklearning
A3: for many of my students, writing in the traditional way causes them anxiety, but when you start with making, their ideas pour out and writing becomes natural. Makes such a big difference! #HackLearning
My HS has a dedicated writing center where their are writing tutors who ‘coach’ students. Conferencing is major part and all content area teachers utilize the center. Results are amazing! #HackLearning
A3: I find that when we remove the barriers created by print, even briefly, writers typically share far more complex thinking. Making helps them move those thoughts from their heads into their hands as well. #HackLearning
I get the whole trust thing ... however they also have questions and need guidance and support for their learning opportunity. #hacklearning ... not just sitting there working on a mundane task.
I hope it's helpful. I can honestly tell you that it completely changed my writing workshop - Ss love the deeper conferencing & didn't want to miss it. For the 1st time in my career not a single student handed a draft in late! #hacklearning
A2: I am struggling with generating meaningful ways for students to provide feedback to others and self. Google forms, pic collage, flipgrid....it's a sorting process right now. #hacklearning
I was just facilitating that work in a school before our spring break. YES. And when they aren't, it's difficult to move writers forward. #HackLearning
Amen, Melanie. Processes involved in teaching/coaching students about what makes meaningful feedback & how to subsequently raise their own feedback giving/getting games. *Huge* (& hugely important) undertaking in its own right, to which I need to give more attention #hacklearning
My new book, Hacking the Writing Workshop, helps writing teachers recognize and engage the makers in their midst. This folder full of supplemental resources that might help you create your own vision. https://t.co/DkmKD6qIgt#HackLearning
A3: it opens up children’s imaginations which is actually a complex process. It puts the imagination first and incidentally we can write about it. It elevates writing to be something creative rather than just writing for the sake of writing. #hacklearning
It's always a balance - I had my students blogging & reflecting, but I wanted them to be thinking more about the content (reflection) than writing. Good communication skills are required in every field, no matter what! #hacklearning
Use students, volunteers, technology, etc. There isn’t a script—there is only what works and what doesn’t for your class. Find the right balance and rock it out! #hacklearning
A3: One word: constructionism. In a writing workshop, this process can be complete. Students are creating physically meaningful objects upon which knowledge is built through the process of sharing and reflection. #hacklearning
A3 Making Writing opens up the writing process for all. Writing is not linear for all of us. Sharing & seeing another’s process/strategies can push writers to see writing in another way. Opens up new creativities. #hacklearning
A3: #HackLearning Giving Ss time to prototype and play brings the creativity back for some. Those that need to make can elevate their writing to a new level.
A3 great question ... I’m not sure ... but I do know that changes in wording can change the interest and motivation in writing - like making something old, new #HackLearning
Absolutely. I'll tweet some things after the chat. Join us on FB too. I have a group there and will start a conversation. Look for the link at the end of this chat. I'll tweet just before we wrap up. #HackLearning
In reply to
@noel_hoffmann, @yvetterp2, @LindaEdwardsi
And we need to take time for what we value.
I've learned (and keep relearning) that I need to prioritize what I value. There will never be enough time. I'll still get in what is valuable if I keep trying to prioritize (again and again). #HackLearning
A3: it opens up children’s imaginations which is actually a complex process. It puts the imagination first and incidentally we can write about it. It elevates writing to be something creative rather than just writing for the sake of writing. #hacklearning
A2 Finding ways to document the process of writing instead of focusing on a product, developing strategies for students to curate their own growth as writers. #HackLearning
Had a teen in US history class one time say this abt a T - “because we workshop analytical writing together I get a lot of opinions and ideas and questions not just the Ts - T models this w us and we then engage” - process seemed to be valued by her #hacklearning
A3 Writing IS making. We can make essays, cardboard chairs, circuit boards, or taco parties. Same iterative design process. Different products. #HackLearninghttps://t.co/qOmpjYzvj4
A3: Making provides authentic content for students to write about. As a bonus, it's often a welcome reprieve from standard writing prompts. #HackLearning
I think this could be where peer review comes in. If I am stuck, and you are in a 1:1 conf I should be able to get feedback from classmates. #HackLearning
In reply to
@DennisDill, @Jim_dEntremont, @conniehamilton
I struggle as well. Trying to make the task not mundane, challenging enough to stretch them, but not so challenging that they need me is very hard. #hacklearning
I always love to connect with others, Angela, to spread the #positivity of lifting voice and providing pathways for it to spread across the universe #HackLearning
A2: As a teacher, I would struggle to know which skill Ss needed to work on next. Teachers need an intricate understanding of the progression of writing skills. We have this for reading at school where I am principal, but not as clearly defined for writing. #HackLearning
Marzano talks about differentiating through content, process, and product / readiness, interest, and learner's profile. I feel like allowing for "making" writing is allowing for differentiating the process. #hacklearning
One of my old teachers always said, "I don't have time!" is never true - it always means "This is not my priority." While I shy away from never/always statements, there's a lot of truth to that. #hacklearning
A3 I have special needs students, many are reluctant writers because of spelling issues. So for some I allow them to dictate their rough drafts in Siri or Google. Then they have a rough draft in a timely manner that still requires them to go through the iterations #HackLearning
Thanks Tom - we get to carry the stories of our learners forever - sometimes to remind us of successes and sometimes to remind us of the humility of failure #hacklearning
I doubt your tasks are mundane. Maybe think about how you can empower them to support one another and use resources to be more independent. If their first go-to is raise their hand to ask Mr. Dill... I see why this is a struggle. #hacklearning
I wonder if, because there were so many awful rubrics floating around and awful assessment practices, good stuff went down with the rest. #HackLearning
A3: Voice and personification - shout out to #BPLC18 where that was a key force of sessions, check that hashtag (after 9:00 of course) for great ideas. Also pushing Ss thinking with targeted questions. #HackLearning
A3 The way to elevate writing is to showcase the work being done so Ss understand how writing is a shared process and to provide the feedback loop. Be passionate. Find your voice to help students find theirs. #HackLearning
A3: So true Pam. Our students need time to tinker! With all forms of text! Why does this become less important as students get older? Our grade 8s have just as much fun tinkering as our Ks. #hacklearning
I find the same. In most of the schools I support, Ts only have 40 minutes. We often have to mini-lesson one day, indie write the next...breaking the traditional block up. I hear you. #HackLearning
What might be some ways you can either reduce how much they need YOU or at least move it down the priority list? What other resources are available for them to access? #HackLearning
I struggle as well. Trying to make the task not mundane, challenging enough to stretch them, but not so challenging that they need me is very hard. #hacklearning
My new book, Hacking the Writing Workshop, helps writing teachers recognize and engage the makers in their midst. This folder full of supplemental resources that might help you create your own vision. https://t.co/DkmKD6qIgt#HackLearning
A3: Writing, especially on topics that matter greatly to a student, can create a vulnerability. Make sure students have opportunities to work with those they trust...not just those with the strongest writing skills. #hacklearning
completely agree. I find this especially true for my high flyers...sometimes I struggle where I can guide them next to push themselves even further. #hacklearning
A2: As a teacher, I would struggle to know which skill Ss needed to work on next. Teachers need an intricate understanding of the progression of writing skills. We have this for reading at school where I am principal, but not as clearly defined for writing. #HackLearning
Thanks for starting my day with a smile, #HackLearning friends! I hope you'll reach out to me as you begin designing your own future ready writing workshops. I love kicking ideas around and learning from others who share this curiosity with me.
I think this could be where peer review comes in. If I am stuck, and you are in a 1:1 conf I should be able to get feedback from classmates. #HackLearning
In reply to
@DennisDill, @Jim_dEntremont, @conniehamilton
Yes! Value the use of #udl approach to writing - STT gives kids the scaffold they need to see their words make sense in print #voiceagencyinfluence#HackLearning
A3 I have special needs students, many are reluctant writers because of spelling issues. So for some I allow them to dictate their rough drafts in Siri or Google. Then they have a rough draft in a timely manner that still requires them to go through the iterations #HackLearning
A3: Writing, especially on topics that matter greatly to a student, can create vulnerability. Make sure students have opportunities to work with those they trust...not just those with the strongest writing skills. #hacklearning
Q3: 4 color magazines run by student editorial teams, when students handmade books for multiple genre publishing, making products of their own choosing in genius hour presentations = commitment. process, product and ownership #hacklearning
My new book, Hacking the Writing Workshop, helps writing teachers recognize and engage the makers in their midst. This folder full of supplemental resources that might help you create your own vision. https://t.co/DkmKD6qIgt#HackLearning
