May 07, 2019

Writing Extension: Exploring Appreciative Inquiry

May 07, 2019/ Contributing Blogger

Spring brings longer days and more light into our lives. It’s the time of year when flowers bloom and tree buds turn into luscious leaves before our eyes! With everything outdoors transforming anew, it’s so hard to capture the attention of students experiencing spring fever! So, why not capitalize on the fresh change of seasons, using a writing activity that will inspire students to appreciate spring and ‘Carpe Diem’ at the same time!

January 29, 2019

Is a picture really worth a thousand words?

January 29, 2019/ Contributing Blogger

In a word…YES! If you are seeking a great writing prompt, look no further than a picture book, a local art gallery, or a collection of great works of art from one of those coffee table display books.

When I was a kid, we used to have a large reproduction of Paul Detlefsen’s work, called The Smithy and Horse. I used to stare at it, sort of daydreaming about how the objects could interact if they were real and not just a painting.

Here’s just a short sample of how I made the objects in the picture come alive:

December 04, 2018

The Classroom Cafe: Creating an ideal writing space

December 04, 2018/ Kimberly Crady

Sniff, sniff, mmmm! There’s something special about the aroma of that sweet, little corner coffee shop. The lingering scent of a creamy caramel latte, mixed with the boldness of jet-black espresso, brings a smile to my face. The dimmed lights and down-tempo tunes playing in the background set the stage for an ideal writing space. I settle in, let the atmosphere inspire me, and begin to write.

A great way to keep your students engaged is by turning your classroom into