Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Two Writing Teachers Podcast
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meeting in the Middle by Balancing Technology, AI, and Student Agency: A Digging Deeper Dialogue | 11 oct. 2026 | 00:31:52 | |
In this season five premiere, Stacey Shubitz and Melanie Meehan discuss the key issues affecting writing instruction at the moment. They examine the current debate over technology in the classroom, weighing the benefits and challenges of using digital tools for young writers. The conversation covers the neurological and educational value of handwriting, the increasing influence of AI and automation on student writing, and the significant role of oral language development. The hosts also explore how teachers can balance assignments with student choice to promote agency and genuine engagement in writing. Listeners can expect thought-provoking dialogue, useful insights, and a preview of upcoming conversations with expert guests. Mentioned in the Episode:
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| Writing Workshop in Contentious Times: A Digging Deeper Dialogue | 31 mai 2026 | 00:45:58 | |
In the season four finale, Stacey Shubitz and Melanie Meehan tackle the increasingly contentious topic of “writing workshop” in today’s educational climate. They reflect on the origins and evolution of the writing workshop, the research supporting its key principles, and why certain foundational practices remain crucial, even if the label itself is under fire. Drawing from recent evidence-based recommendations and their own classroom experiences, Stacey and Melanie unpack what truly effective writing instruction looks like and why authentic, joyful writing communities matter now more than ever. Resources Mentioned:
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| Use the Summer to Cultivate Your Wri-dentity: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey | 24 mai 2026 | 00:06:57 | |
In this episode, Stacey dives into what happens when educators reconnect with the familiar passions that ground them after a demanding school year. While the daily hustle of teaching often forces educators to put their own needs on the back burner, summertime presents a vital opportunity for them to reclaim their personal identities. Through a reflection on what it means to be a "swimmer with a lowercase s," Stacey explores the powerful shift that happens when teachers step out of their educator personas and reconnect with their own identity as writers. This episode is a call to action for teachers to dust off their notebooks, embrace writing practices that bring them joy, and find peace in the rhythm of the craft. Listeners will discover how making time for their inner writer this summer can help them unplug, decompress, and build a writing repertoire for future school years. GO DEEPER:
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| What General Educators Need to Know About Neurodiversity in the Writing Classroom: A Writing Roundtable | 17 mai 2026 | 01:02:45 | |
This episode features a rich conversation with author and educator M. Colleen Cruz about her new book, Neurodiversity in the Literacy Classroom: The General Educator’s Guide to IEPs, Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism, and More. Colleen shares the story behind the book and explains why information about neurodivergent learners must move out of special education silos and into every general education classroom. Melanie, Stacey, and Colleen explore universal design for learning (UDL), explicit writing instruction, and concrete strategies to reduce instructional obstacles so that vulnerable learners can fully participate. They also discuss strengths-based IEPs, collaboration between general and special educators, and practical classroom strategies—from fine-motor supports to executive-function scaffolds—that help all writers, not just those with identified disabilities. Throughout the episode, Colleen emphasizes curiosity as a core stance for teachers seeking to better understand students’ behaviors, needs, and potential in the writing workshop. M. Colleen Cruz is an educator, independent consultant, and author committed to making rich literacy education accessible. Her popular books include The Unstoppable Writing Teacher, the Writers Read Better series, and Border Crossing, a Tomás Rivera Mexican- American Children’s Books Finalist. Her student-centered, research-driven work is used by classroom teachers, administrators, and teacher education programs nationally and internationally. She lives in Brooklyn with her family, her persnickety dog Charlie, and way too many books. Connect with Colleen Online:
Mentioned in the episode:
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| Introduce Summer Writing Bingo Boards: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie | 10 mai 2026 | 00:08:14 | |
Melanie introduces customizable writing bingo boards to keep students writing over summer. These boards combine playful activities with purposeful skill-building, like fine motor and oral language development, while encouraging writing for real audiences. The approach is flexible for primary and upper elementary students and easy to adapt. Families can support writing at home, making summer a time for growth instead of regression. Summer is a great time for young writers to build foundational skills, explore topics, and share their work with the world. These BINGO boards provide inspiration and ideas. One board is for primary students, the other for older writers. Both focus on play, purpose, and audience. Enjoy! Thanks to our affiliate, Zencastr. Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.
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| Turn Authors Into Mentors for Your Students: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey | 03 mai 2026 | 00:07:10 | |
This year’s 11th Annual Author Spotlight Series transforms professional creators into accessible mentors to help you inspire the next generation of writers and artists. We dive into the diverse creative processes of Gabbie Benda, Lauren Castillo, R. Gregory Christie, Julie Leung, Orit Magia, Àlàbá Ònájìn, and Mel Rosenberg. From demystifying graphic novel drafts to mastering the synergy between words and images, these experts share the practical "how-to" behind their craft. To bring this magic directly to your students, we share how you can enter to win exciting book giveaways and exclusive virtual author visits. Tune in to find the tools and inspiration needed to integrate professional artistry into your classroom writing time. Preview the series on Two Writing Teachers. Learn more and follow this year’s authors and illustrators on Instagram:
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| Shaping Writerly Identities with Joyful Teaching: A Writing Roundtable | 26 avr. 2026 | 00:47:07 | |
Stacey is joined by beloved authors and educators Lily Howard Scott and Ralph Fletcher to explore how teacher language shapes students’ writerly identities. They examine what it means to make writing personal and joyful, even amid standards, rubrics, and formulaic structures like the five-paragraph essay. Lily and Ralph offer practical tips for using inclusive, encouraging language that welcomes every child and keeps their voices at the center. The conversation also explores the impact of AI, asking important questions about creativity, authenticity, and how we help young writers distinguish real writing from AI-generated text. This episode will leave you rethinking how your words as a teacher can help build or limit students’ confidence and independence as writers. Ralph Fletcher has written over fifty books for writing teachers and young readers. His books include Fig Pudding, Flying Solo, Marshfield Dreams: When I Was a Kid, Joy Write, Craft Lessons, and Writing Workshop: The Essential Guide. His most recent book for writing teachers is Tapping the Writer Within: Practical Ways to Help All Students Claim Their Wri-dentity (published by Corwin). Ralph visits schools and frequently speaks at educational conferences around the world, helping teachers find wiser ways of teaching writing. Check out his website, or follow him on Facebook or Instagram. Lily Howard Scott, MSEd is an educator and author. She teaches graduate school at Bank Street College of Education and supports school leaders, teachers, and caregivers around the country with literacy learning and social and emotional learning. Go Deeper
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| Teach, Don't Just Tell: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey | 19 avr. 2026 | 00:05:48 | |
Stacey spotlights a foundational principle of writing instruction: "Teach, don’t just tell." Inspired by Sarah Valter’s insights and rooted in educational research, she explores the impact of modeling: making the invisible processes of writing visible for our students. You’ll hear about the difference between simply giving directions and authentically showing your thinking and writing moves, and why this distinction matters so much for young writers. Stacey also discusses practical ways to shift from telling to teaching and offers reflective questions to help you examine your own classroom practices. GO DEEPER:
Use these reflective questions: 1) Do you mostly give directions, or do you model your thinking and writing? 2) In one-on-one conferences, do your questions and feedback help students try new strategies, or do you just tell them what to do next? 3) When you use mentor texts, are they published works, curriculum samples, or your own writing? 4) If you use your own writing, do you show your process? That is, do you let students see your thinking, mistakes, revisions, and decisions? 5) Are you only sharing the finished product, or also the rough drafts and your thoughts about them? 6) What chances do you give students to see your real process, and do you invite their questions or encourage them to notice your writing moves? Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.
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| Partnering with AI to Make Test Prep More Engaging: A Conversation with a Colleague | 12 avr. 2026 | 00:36:18 | |
In this episode, we talk with Two Writing Teachers Contributing Writer Jess Mazzone about using AI to scaffold and gamify test prep. By generating model responses, encouraging analysis, and adding elements of play, AI can help shift test prep from routine practice to more engaging, meaningful learning for students. Go Deeper Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.
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| The Power of a Completed Written Work: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie | 05 avr. 2026 | 00:06:02 | |
In this episode, Melanie shares three ways to inspire and scaffold students with exemplar and mentor pieces of writing. Go Deeper: Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.
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| Activism in Writing: A Writing Roundtable | 29 mars 2026 | 00:43:16 | |
This episode features Doug Kaufman and Tracey-Ann Lafayette talking about student activism, voice, and writing as a tool for social change. They explore how students move from personal concerns to purposeful action through inquiry, research, and dialogue. Thanks to our affiliate, Zencastr! Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.
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| The Power of Read Alouds: A Conversation With a Colleague | 22 mars 2026 | 00:27:35 | |
Two Writing Teacher Co-author Jessica Carey joins Melanie to talk about the power of read alouds with tips and strategies that you can use right away in literacy instruction. Jess is a literacy coordinator in Westport, CT, and she is inspirational in the work she does every day with young learners. Go Deeper:
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| The Importance of Morphology: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie | 14 mars 2026 | 00:07:19 | |
In this tip for tomorrow, Melanie talks about why morphology is so important as students learn and use words. She also offers strategies for how to build students' skills in this critical area. Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.
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| Reset Tough Conferences Quickly: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey | 08 mars 2026 | 00:04:59 | |
Conferences don’t always go as planned, but you can quickly get back on track with a simple reset. Whether a student shuts down, you start over-teaching, or time runs out, each situation has a quick recovery line to try. Pause to rebuild trust, return control to the student, or end with a clear next step. These small pivots help students feel supported and keep your conferences productive. Pick one reset to try in tomorrow’s writing workshop. Thanks to our affiliate, Zencastr! Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.
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| Foundational Skills of Writing: A Writing Roundtable | 01 mars 2026 | 00:43:54 | |
In this episode, Stacey talks with Melanie Meehan and Maggie Roberts about their book, Foundational Skills for Writing: A Brain-Based Guide to Strengthen Executive Functions, Language, and Other Cornerstones for Writers. The discussion highlights the "Conversations with a Colleague” sections, which bring expert voices to teachers and promote classroom collaboration. Melanie and Maggie explain how graphic organizers serve as thinking tools that support executive functioning and make writing more accessible. They also discuss the connection between gross motor development and fine motor writing skills, sharing strategies for learners of all ages. The episode offers practical tips on topics like cognitive flexibility and playful sentence combining. ABOUT TODAY’S GUESTS Maggie Beattie Roberts is a national literacy consultant, author, and highly sought-after professional learning facilitator. As co-author of DIY Literacy: Teaching Tools for Differentiation, Rigor, and Independence (2016; with Kate Roberts), Maggie continues to empower educators with tools that enhance student learning and independence. Her forthcoming book, Unboxing the Curriculum, helps educators and school leaders navigate prepackaged curriculum and tailor it to their students’ needs. Learn more about Maggie's work at kateandmaggie.com Melanie Meehan opened The Writing Clinic, an in-person and online center for inspiring and nurturing competent, confident, and joyful young writers, after retiring from her public school position as an Elementary Curriculum Coordinator. Melanie’s published works include Every Child Can Write (2019), The Responsive Writing Teacher (2021), and Answers to Your Biggest Questions About Teaching Elementary Writing (2022), all published by Corwin Press. GO DEEPER
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| Conferring as Equity Work: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey | 22 févr. 2026 | 00:05:00 | |
This week’s TFT episode shifts the conversation about conferring from technique to equity. Even with solid conferring routines, some students, especially multilingual learners, students with IEPs, and quieter voices, can miss out on meaningful conferences. Learn how a quick equity scan of your conferring notes can help close these gaps. You’ll hear practical strategies to ensure every student benefits from your best teaching moves. Tune in to see how a few simple shifts can make your conferences more equitable and impactful for all writers. Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.
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| Writing Together with Slice of Life: A Digging Deeper Dialogue | 15 févr. 2026 | 00:32:33 | |
Stacey and Melanie dive into the transformative power of the Slice of Life Story Challenge, a writing initiative that has connected educators since 2008. Stacey shares the origins of the challenge, emphasizing the importance of community and daily writing. The discussion highlights how participating in this challenge not only enhances writing skills but also deepens empathy and understanding among teachers, impacting their overall teaching practices. Melanie reflects on a recent meeting with fellow educators who revealed that the challenge has been a game-changer in their careers, enriching their approach across various content areas. Join them as they explore the profound insights gained from being authentic learners within a supportive writing community. Go Deeper:
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| Interval Training in Writing: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie | 08 févr. 2026 | 00:06:13 | |
While interval training shouldn't take the place of process writing, there are potential benefits to writing in short spurts. In this episode, Melanie shares some reasons to give interval writing a try, as well as some strategies to get you started. Go Deeper: Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.
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| Embracing Imperfection as a Teacher-Writer: A Conversation With a Colleague | 01 févr. 2026 | 00:36:07 | |
This episode features Ana Valentina Patton, an Instructional Coordinator at KLA Academy in Miami and a contributing writer for the Two Writing Teachers blog. Together, Stacey and Ana tackle the challenges teachers face during the mid-year slump, when energy dips and the pressure of test scores can overshadow the joy of writing. Ana shares practical ways to reclaim presence and authenticity as a teacher-writer, focusing on small shifts that make a big difference in the K-6 classroom. Drawing on her global teaching background, Ana offers strategies for connecting and making writing a more joyful, meaningful part of daily classroom life. GO DEEPER:
Ana Valentina Patton, the Instructional Coordinator at KLA Academy in Miami. With over 20 years of experience across the globe—taught in Venezuela, Egypt, and now the U.S.—Ana is an expert in literacy coaching and writing workshops. She’s passionate about the 'reciprocal power' of teaching and learning, and she’s here to help us cultivate stronger writing communities in our schools. Instagram: @anavpatton Blog: https://anavpatton.org Thanks to our affiliate, Zencastr! Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.
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| Building Self-Advocacy: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey | 25 janv. 2026 | 00:07:37 | |
Discover how teaching self-advocacy during writing workshop empowers students to express their needs and take charge of their learning. Drawing on insights from her upcoming book, Make the School System Work for Your Child with Disabilities: Empowering Kids for the Future, Stacey shares practical sentence starters to help students ask for help with revision, clarify instructions, and participate in peer conferences with confidence. Learn how teaching your students these sentences can foster independence and help them speak up for themselves clearly. Six Self-Advocacy Sentences for Writing Workshop
Learn more about Stacey’s book, Make the School System Work for Your Child with Disabilities: Empowering Kids for the Future (Guilford Press, 2026). ***** Thanks to our affiliate, Zencastr. Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. ***** Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.
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| Previewing MAKE THE SCHOOL SYSTEM WORK FOR YOUR CHILD WITH DISABILITIES: A Digging Deeper Dialogue | 18 janv. 2026 | 00:32:53 | |
In this episode, Melanie talks with Stacey about her forthcoming book, Make the School System Work for Your Child with Disabilities: Empowering Kids for the Future. From its three-part structure and recurring features, such as tips for cultivating joy and engaging in self-care, to its asset-based approach that builds partnerships while fiercely advocating for services, the book offers practical guidance. Designed primarily for parents and caregivers, it also benefits educators and service providers by demystifying technical language, procedures, and processes, serving as a quick-reference roadmap—making it valuable for non-special ed teachers, new special educators, administrators, and more. It offers key insights on self-advocacy, agency, and strategies to empower kids for lifelong success ahead of its January 20 release from Guilford Press. Use promo code AU2E to receive 15% off your pre-order this text at Guilford.com. Connect with Stacey Shubitz online:
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| Handwriting Tips: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie | 11 janv. 2026 | 00:07:13 | |
In this episode, Melanie provides a few tips for building students' automaticity with letter formation. Go deeper Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.
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| The Power of Cognitive Flexibility: A Digging Deeper Dialogue | 04 janv. 2026 | 00:33:27 | |
This week, we examine cognitive flexibility and its importance for young writers and learners. Listeners will hear clear, classroom-based examples—such as switching from an outside voice to an inside voice, adapting to new assignments, and seeing disappointing grades as growth opportunities. The discussion links cognitive flexibility to writing, emphasizing how it aids in planning, revising, experimenting with different leads and endings, and responding to teacher feedback productively. Practical strategies like perspective-taking, word play, experimentation, writing within constraints, and goal-setting are shared to help teachers develop this skill. The episode also features picture book mentor texts such as Don’t Feed the Bears, Beautiful Oops, The Dot, and One Word from Sophia, using them as springboards to discuss flexible thinking with students. Sources Mentioned
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| The Beauty of Opinion Writing: A Digging Deeper Dialogue | 14 déc. 2025 | 00:39:27 | |
Opinion writing in grades K–6 is more than just persuasive essays. It lets kids express what they really think and see their ideas matter on the page. In this episode, we look at what makes opinion writing special: children sharing real opinions on topics they care about, building their sense of self, and bravely taking risks with their words. You’ll hear how opinion writing grows from simple preferences with pictures and labels to more thoughtful arguments that consider other viewpoints. We also share a list of mentor texts you can use to lift the level of your students’ opinion writing. Finally, we offer ways to celebrate students’ work, like author’s chair, hallway displays, family mailings, and online publishing, all focused on giving students a voice and the joy of sharing their opinions with real audiences. Go Deeper Books We Mentioned:
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| Finding Home and Building Voice with Mentor Texts: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey | 07 déc. 2025 | 00:08:09 | |
In this episode, Stacey explores how picture books about moving, starting over, and making a new home—including stories of immigrants, refugees, and families in transition—can inspire and elevate students’ writing. Drawing on Rudine Sims Bishop’s work about books as mirrors and windows, she highlights three powerful titles: My Home is in My Backpack, You Are Home, and Just Say Welcome. Each book offers students opportunities to see themselves, build empathy, and practice meaningful writing craft moves. You’ll also learn a simple, actionable routine for using picture books as mentor texts in your classroom right away. Whether your students have lived through significant changes or are learning to welcome others, these stories will help every child find their voice and build a sense of belonging through writing. References: Craft Moves: Lesson Sets for Teaching Writing with Mentor Texts by Stacey Shubitz (Stenhouse Publishers, 2016) Just Say Welcome by Emily Raij and Nathalia Takeyama (Kar-Ben Publishing, 2025) Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors by Rudine Sims Bishop (1990) My Home is in My Backpack by Eugenia Perrella and Angela Salerno (Floris Books, 2025) You Are Home by Bex Tobin Fine and Andres Landazabal THANKS TO OUR AFFILIATE! Zencastr: Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.
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| Inspire Students to Set Goals: The Writing Roundtable | 30 nov. 2025 | 00:35:38 | |
This Writing Roundtable episode features Valerie Bolling discussing her book, Goal Setting in the Writing Classroom: Building Student Agency, Independence, and Success. Valerie shares what inspired her focus on writing, goal setting, and how teachers can balance guidance with student ownership. She explains how to model goal setting, teach effective strategies, and assess student progress. Valerie also addresses common challenges teachers face and offers practical solutions. This episode provides valuable insights into fostering agency and independence in young writers. Go Deeper: Here are several Two Writing Teachers blog posts and past podcast episodes that deal with the topics discussed in this episode:
Valerie Bolling is an award-winning 30-year educator/author who has written over 10 books for children; Goal Setting in the Writing Classroom: Building Student Agency, Independence, and Success is her first book for teachers, and she has two others on the way. Follow these links to find Valerie online: Thanks to our affiliate, Zencastr! Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.
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| Shape the Trajectory of Writing Units: A Digging Deeper Dialogue | 23 nov. 2025 | 00:29:25 | |
In this episode, we explore the typical path that every writing unit follows, regardless of the curriculum. We highlight teaching strategies that work in different settings. We discuss immersion, its importance, and how to make it more beneficial for writers. We also discuss how co-creating anchor and process charts can support students, focusing on what authors do and how they do it. You'll hear tips on helping students think about their purpose and audience, guiding them through planning, drafting, and revising, and building a strong classroom community through partnerships, sharing, and feedback. We wrap up with ideas for celebrating writing and encouraging meaningful reflection. GO DEEPER:
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| Build Strong Writers with Executive Function Tools: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey | 16 nov. 2025 | 00:05:42 | |
This episode explores practical executive functioning tools that support students’ writing and goal-setting success. Inspired by Valerie Bolling's book, Goal Setting in the Writing Classroom: Building Student Agency, Independence, and Success (Stenhouse Publishers, 2025), Stacey highlights seven strategies—such as making timelines, using timers, and tracking progress—that help improve organization, focus, and motivation. These tools build essential skills for writing and lifelong executive functioning. Drawing on personal experience, the episode shows how goal-setting applies both in and out of the classroom. Tune in to learn how to help students develop confidence and independence with their writing goals. GO DEEPER!
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| Inspiring Writers Beyond the Classroom: A Conversation with Colleagues | 09 nov. 2025 | 00:41:48 | |
In this episode, Melanie talks with TWTBlog co-authors Sarah Valter and Leah Thomas about ways to infuse writing experiences in students' lives beyond classroom instruction. GO DEEPER: Finding Wider Audiences for Student Work This or That: Inspiring Writers to Learn About Themselves Classroom Slice of Life Story Challenge ***** Thanks to our affiliate, Zencastr! Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.
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| Prepping for Conferences: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie | 02 nov. 2025 | 00:07:06 | |
GIven that many teachers are getting ready for parent/caregiver conferences, Melanie suggests five ideas for making good writing conferences even better! GO DEEPER: Ways for Caregivers to Support Writers Making the Most of Conferences Finding Wider Audiences for Student Work Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.
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| Explore the Power of Cognitive Writing: The Writing Roundtable | 26 oct. 2025 | 00:43:24 | |
My Kids Can't Write: How to Advance Achievement Through Cross-Curricular Writing, by Paul Emerich France, provides K-5 teachers with practical guidance on helping students write effectively across all subjects. It explains how to incorporate simple routines and journal-based activities to make writing a regular and manageable part of classroom life. In today's episode, we talk with Paul about how to prioritize writing throughout the school day. Paul Emerich France is a National Board Certified Teacher, Reading Specialist, and the author of six books on teaching. Recently, he has published My Kids Can’t Write with Corwin Press. He currently works as a consultant and coach, supporting teachers with implementing cognitive writing across all subject areas.
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| Consider Different Assessment Lenses: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie | 19 oct. 2025 | 00:06:41 | |
There are many different questions to consider when assessing students' writing. This episode suggests various lenses for deciding on next instructional steps. Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.
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| Not Your Granny's Grammar: The Writing Roundtable | 12 oct. 2025 | 00:35:03 | |
In this Writing Roundtable episode, Stacey and Melanie talk with Patty McGee and Tim Donohue, co-authors of Not Your Granny’s Grammar. Patty and Tim explain their research-based approaches to making grammar and writing instruction engaging and meaningful for both teachers and students. They explore the history of grammar, the power of grammar notebooks and partnerships, and how to effectively integrate grammar instruction into the school day. Patty and Tim also break down the scope and sequence of their book, emphasizing teacher choice and instructional principles that nurture lifelong learners. Additionally, they highlight the invaluable grammar guide included in their book. Whether you’re a teacher looking to refresh your grammar toolkit or you’re eager to find a new approach to grammar instruction, this episode offers valuable takeaways to inspire your teaching practice. You can check out more about this book on Melanie's post on the TWT blog. Tim Donohue is a former high school English teacher who currently serves as an Assistant Superintendent in New Jersey. He can be reached at tdonohue2022@gmail.com Patty McGee is a literacy consultant, author, educator, and advocate for delightful literacy practices. Learn more about Patty and her work at www.pattymcgee.org. THANKS TO OUR AFFILIATE! Zencastr: Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.
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| Bring Choice Into Writers' Lives: A Digging Deeper Dialogue | 05 oct. 2025 | 00:29:40 | |
In this first episode of our fourth season, we talk about the importance of choice in the lives of writers. Why does choice matter, and what are some ways to bring choice into the classroom? GO DEEPER: Thanks to our affiliate, Zencastr! Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.
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| Beliefs Drive Successful Writing Practices: A Digging Deeper Dialogue | 25 mai 2025 | 00:37:56 | |
In the final episode of our third season, we dive into the foundational beliefs that shape effective writing instruction. From emphasizing explicit teaching to fostering a community led by a teacher who writes to foundational skills like handwriting and spelling, we explore key elements that support student success. This episode will inspire educators to reflect on their teaching philosophies and empower students within any curriculum framework. GO DEEPER:
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| The Salad Bowl Game: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie | 18 mai 2025 | 00:07:25 | |
The Salad Bowl Game is one of our family's favorite games to play when we're all together, and it's also a great game for building students' vocabulary in writing, as well as any other content area. Give it a try with friends when you have some time, and have some great laughs and learning in classrooms with students. Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.
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| Meet the Featured Writers in This Year's Author Spotlight Series: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey | 11 mai 2025 | 00:05:10 | |
Introducing the 10th Annual Author Spotlight Series on the Two Writing Teachers blog, featuring daily interviews with children’s authors and illustrators who share their creative journeys and writing processes. Listeners get a preview of the week’s lineup, including stories of resilience, identity, and collaboration from Tim Donohue, Tyler Gordon, Maham Khwaja, Rebecca Gardyn Levington, Patty McGee, and Padma Venkatraman. The episode also highlights exciting book giveaways and virtual author visit opportunities for those who leave a comment on the guest authors’ posts. Get ready to be inspired by the featured authors’ experiences! Click here to read posts from the Author Spotlight Series on Two Writing Teachers! Thanks to our affiliate, Zencastr. Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.
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| Support Family Advocacy and Empowerment: A Digging Deeper Dialogue | 04 mai 2025 | 00:34:05 | |
In this special episode, Melanie turns the tables as she interviews Stacey about her forthcoming book, which helps parents understand how to make the school system work for their child with disabilities. Hear about the personal passion that fueled this project, get an overview of the book’s three-part structure, and demystify the language of special education. The episode concludes with a discussion on the vital role of self-care, agency, and advocacy for parents, underscoring the book’s unique focus on caregiver well-being and empowerment. Go Deeper:
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| Three Ways to Differentiate: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie | 27 avr. 2025 | 00:04:53 | |
In this Tip for Tomorrow, Melanie provides three ideas for differentiating that can work across grade levels and across genres. Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.
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| Maintain & Nurture Writing Skills During Summer Break: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey | 20 avr. 2025 | 00:08:19 | |
Let’s revisit the Spring 2017 blog series "Keep Learning Going Throughout the Summer," which explored various strategies to maintain children's writing skills during the summer break. Stacey highlights key ideas from the 2017 co-author team, including creating personalized writing spaces, gamifying the writing process, and using books to inspire writing projects. The episode emphasizes the importance of making summer writing fun, engaging, and tailored to each child's interests and needs. Listeners are encouraged to share these strategies with colleagues and students’ families to prevent summer writing loss. GO DEEPER:
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| The Evolving Landscape of Writing Instruction: The Writing Roundtable | 13 avr. 2025 | 00:45:44 | |
In our second Writing Roundtable episode, renowned literacy expert Lester L. Laminack joins us to discuss his Ferris wheel of education concept, providing a fresh perspective on educational trends. Lester examines the current state of writing instruction, investigating how recent developments influence students' writing experiences and skills. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of writing pedagogy as Lester addresses the promising advancements and potential challenges facing educators. GO DEEPER:
ABOUT OUR GUEST: Lester Laminack, Professor Emeritus, Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina is a full-time writer and consultant working with schools throughout the United States and abroad. He is the author of over 25 books for teachers and children. His academic publications include Climb Inside a Poem (Heinemann) Cracking Open the Author’s Craft (Scholastic), Bullying Hurts: Teaching Kindness Through Read Aloud and Guided Conversations (Heinemann), The Writing Teacher’s Troubleshooting Guide(Heinemann), Writers ARE Readers: Flipping Reading Strategies into Writing Instruction (Heinemann), Reading to Make a Difference(Heinemann), The Ultimate Read Aloud Guide 2nd Edition (Scholastic) and The Ultimate Read Aloud Collection Fiction and Nonfiction (Scholastic), Critical Comprehension: Lessons for Guiding Students to Deeper Meaning (Corwin). Lester is also the author of several children’s books including: The Sunsets of Miss Olivia Wiggins, Trevor’s Wiggly-Wobbly Tooth, Saturdays and Teacakes, Jake’s 100th Day of School, Snow Day!, Three Hens and a Peacock (2012 Children’s Choice K-2 Book of the Year Award), and The King of Bees all published by Peachtree Publishers. His most recent book for children is Three Hens, a Peacock, and the Enormous Egg. His most recent book, A Cat Like That was released in January 2025. Lester is available for professional development and school author visits. You can contact him via his website, and follow him on Facebook. Thanks to our affiliate, Zencastr! Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.
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| Three Ideas for Writing Test Prep: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie | 06 avr. 2025 | 00:06:24 | |
Fun test prep may seem like an oxymoron, but in this tip for tomorrow, Melanie shares a few ways you can bring movement, collaboration, and agency into getting students ready to take assessments. Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.
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| Foundations of Written Expression: Digging Deeper Dialogue | 30 mars 2025 | 00:32:59 | |
In this episode, Stacey interviews Melanie about her upcoming book (co-authored with Maggie Beattie Roberts), tentatively titled THE WRITING BRAIN: FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS OF WRITTEN EXPRESSION. The book emphasizes developing foundational writing skills through research- and evidence-based instructional methods. We discuss the five guiding principles featured in the book: Cognitive Load Theory, Neurological Response to Learning, The Zone of Proximal Development, Universal Design for Learning, and the Gradual Release Model. Melanie explains how their book helps teachers identify and address individual students' writing challenges. She also shares insights about the collaborative writing process with Maggie. GO DEEPER:
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| Some Spelling Shifts: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie | 23 mars 2025 | 00:06:55 | |
There is a lot of research about spelling and how students learn to spell words, and there are important connections between how students spell and how they learn to read. In this episode, Melanie shares a few changes she's made as she works with students who ask how to spell words. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.
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| Igniting a Passion for Poetry: The Writing Roundtable | 16 mars 2025 | 00:48:36 | |
Welcome to The Writing Roundtable, where we explore writing topics with guest authors. In this inaugural episode, Stacey discusses poetry’s significance in elementary education with poet Amy Ludwig VanDerwater, who describes poetry as "offerings of beautiful words by beautiful people that I don't know." Amy shares the benefits of poetry and strategies for educators, including daily readings, group writing activities, and showcasing student work. She also reflects on her journey as a children's poet, offering tips for those interested in publication. This discussion provides insights for teachers looking to enhance learning through poetry. ABOUT THIS WEEK'S GUEST: Amy Ludwig VanDerwater is a children's author, poet, and writing teacher celebrated for her contributions to children's literature and poetry education. She has contributed to many anthologies and authored several children's books, including Forest Has a Song, The Sound of Kindness, With My Hands: Poems About Making Things, and Read! Read! Read! Additionally, she teaches teachers about writing and is the author of Poems Are Teachers: How Studying Poetry Strengthens Writing in All Genres. Find Amy online at The Poem Farm and Sharing Our Notebooks. GO DEEPER:
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| Master the Art of Reflection with Process Logs: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey | 09 mars 2025 | 00:08:22 | |
Explore the transformative power of process logs in writing instruction. Stacey reveals how process logs provide accountability, track progress, and offer authentic glimpses into the writing process. Discover how sharing these logs can make writing instruction more transparent and supportive for students. Whether you're a writer or educator, this episode offers practical strategies for using process logs to deepen your understanding of the writing craft. GO DEEPER: Explore Two Writing Teachers' blog posts about process logs. Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.
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| The Importance of Oracy in Language Development: A Conversation With a Colleague | 02 mars 2025 | 00:33:18 | |
Shawnda Fukano, a literacy coach and contributing writer to TWTBlog, chats with Stacey to expand on her blog post about oracy and its importance for multilingual learners. The discussion covers various aspects of oracy development, including success stories, challenges, and practical classroom implementation strategies. Shawnda shares her experiences balancing vocabulary and language structure instruction, using mentor texts, and incorporating active listening skills. The episode also delves into hands-on strategies for integrating oracy into daily classroom activities and effective methods for assessing students' oracy skills. Shawnda Fukano is a primary literacy coach at a dual-language school in the Highline School District in Seattle, Washington. She supports teachers and students in developing biliteracy in both English and Spanish. With a passion for educating multilingual learners since 2004, Shawnda has taught 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade newcomers and served as the Dual Language Coordinator. She has also taught English to adult refugees from Burma. Shawnda is a National Board Certified Teacher in English as a New Language and OCDE Project GLAD® Trainer. She lives in Seattle with her husband, son, and twin daughters. She writes slices of her life as a mom and teacher at ShawndaStories. Go Deeper:
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| Motor Skills in Written Expression: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie | 23 févr. 2025 | 00:06:06 | |
Motor skills are fundamental for written expression. In this Tip for Tomorrow, Melanie shares some strategies for building and leveraging large and small motor skills. Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.
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| Research Around Writing Instruction: A Conversation with Colleagues | 16 févr. 2025 | 00:34:12 | |
In this episode, Melanie talks with Two Writing Teachers co-authors, Leah Thomas and Lainie Levin, about their presentation from NCTE 2025. The presentation and discussion focus on important research supporting fundamental writing instruction practices. Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.
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| Using Sticky Notes in Writing Workshop: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey | 09 févr. 2025 | 00:06:04 | |
Stacey explores how sticky notes enhance writing workshops through three key uses: spelling assistance, sentence revisions, and personalized mini-charts. These practical ways promote student independence and offer non-intrusive feedback for customized learning, positively impacting writing skills. With these easy-to-implement ideas, you can make a positive difference in your students' writing!
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