Teaching Made Simple

009. How to Build a Writing Block That Actually Works

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Let’s be honest—writing blocks are one of the first things to get pushed aside when the schedule gets tight. And if you’ve ever tried to teach writing while juggling pull-outs, behavior needs, and a jam-packed calendar, you’re not alone.

In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes to share one of the most important lessons I learned while teaching a multiage classroom: how to make a writing block work even when time and space are limited.

We’re cutting through the chaos to show you how to create a writing block that is consistent, manageable, and actually doable—no 60-minute uninterrupted time slot required.

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

➤ Why Writing Blocks Often Fall Apart

  • The myth of needing a perfect schedule
  • Common mistakes like bloated mini-lessons, inconsistent routines, and unclear expectations

    • ➤ The Writing Block Formula That Works

    • A five-part structure: Routine, Mini-Lesson, Independent Writing, Embedded Feedback, and Reflection
    • Why short, skill-based lessons are your secret weapon

      • ➤ What It Looks Like in Real Classrooms

      • How I structured a 30–45 minute block with warm-ups, lessons, writing time, and student sharing
      • Differentiation tips for struggling writers and high-flyers

        • ➤ Troubleshooting the Most Common Roadblocks

        • “They’re done in 5 minutes.”
        • “I never have time to conference.”
        • “They don’t know what to write.”

          • You’ll get mindset shifts and practical strategies you can use tomorrow.

          🛠️ Resources & Links:

          ➡️ Grab your free Literacy Time Blocks

          ➡️ Want more help? Check out The Writing Bridge—your roadmap for teaching writing simply and effectively.

          ➡️ Join Bridging Literacy Hub for access to resources, training and support

          ➡️  Grab the Cheat Sheet Here

           💬 Let’s Keep It Simple:

          Writing blocks don’t need to be perfect.
          They need to be predictable and purposeful.

          Start small. Stay consistent. And don’t forget—you’ve got this.

          📢 Call to Action:

          If this episode gave you a fresh perspective or helpful tip, please:
          ✅ Share it with a teacher friend
          ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
          ✅ Follow for more no-fluff, real-talk support

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          Teaching Made SimpleBy Bridget Spackman