Annotated ELA

How to Teach Narrative Writing for Powerful Classroom Instruction is a continuation of episode 7. In episode 7, we explored the first three steps in a narrative writing unit. In this episode, we will explore steps four through six in a narrative writing unit. 

If you have not listened to episode seven, take a listen before listening to this episode. 

The writing process is hard work that is often overlooked. Students  just want to write and be finished;  guiding students through the writing process can be tedious at times as engagement and motivation can falter. 

Walking students through this process will keep students engaged and save the teacher time when it comes to grading and providing feedback. 

This episode and the series of episodes in the Narrative Writing series are designed as a guide, crafted with the middle school classroom in mind. Whether you are a seasoned educator seeking fresh ideas or a novice teacher eager to embark on this writing adventure, this guide will equip you with the tools to guide your students towards becoming proficient storytellers.

Download the Narrative Writing Scope and Sequence

Show notes: www.annotatedela.com/podcast/episode8

Follow along on Instagram @annotatedela

Narrative Writing Scope and Sequence

Teaching narrative writing in middle school is a remarkable opportunity to nurture young minds, encouraging them to weave words into captivating tales and find their unique voice in the process. 

By introducing them to the art of storytelling, we empower them to become skilled communicators, critical thinkers, and empathetic individuals.

This episode and the series of episodes that follow are designed as a comprehensive guide, crafted with the middle school classroom in mind. Whether you are a seasoned educator seeking fresh ideas or a novice teacher eager to embark on this writing adventure, this guide will equip you with the tools to guide your students towards becoming proficient storytellers.

Download the Narrative Writing Scope and Sequence

Show notes: www.annotatedela.com/episode7

Follow along on Instagram @annotatedela

Narrative Writing Scope and Sequence

Packing up your classroom can be the most satisfying part of closing up for the year. It can also feel daunting to plan how to pack it all up; making you want to throw it all in a box and call it a year. It doesn’t have to be hard. 

Join me for the End of Year Classroom Closeout series to prepare for the end of year with success and walk out for summer feeling like a rockstar! 

Show notes: www.annotatedela.com/podcast/episode6

Follow along on Instagram @annotatedela

End of Year Checklist: www.annotatedela.com/free

As the school year draws to a close, teachers are faced with the task of packing up the classroom for the summer. Organizing materials and supplies, cleaning, and preparing for the next school year can be overwhelming with the endless list of to-do items. 

We will explore tips to close out the year in an efficient, organized, and stress-free way. We’ll also discuss ways to declutter and store and label your supplies for easy access next school year. 

Skip the overwhelm and join me for the End of Year Classroom Closeout series to prepare for the end of year with success and walk out for summer feeling like a rockstar! 

Show notes: www.annotatedela.com/podcast/episode5

Follow along on Instagram @annotatedela

End of Year Checklist: www.annotatedela.com/free

(NOT an affiliate link) Check out these file folders EOOUT Expanding File Folder

The end of year is a lot of fun, but packing up your classroom can feel like a daunting task with the endless list of to-do items. Skip the overwhelm and close out your classroom with ease. 

Plan for the last two to four weeks of school. Map out everything - the end of year activities, celebrations, deadlines, and days for organizing and packing. 

Take pictures! Document how your classroom is set up and where specific items were; your future self will thank you when you are setting up in the fall. 

Purge and save to clear the clutter. It’s okay to get rid of what isn’t needed. It’s also okay to save what is needed - have a system and organize what will be used. 

Join me for the End of Year Classroom Closeout series to prepare for the end of year with success and walk out for summer feeling like a rockstar! 

Show notes: www.annotatedela.com/podcast/episode4

Follow along on Instagram @annotatedela

End of Year Checklist: www.annotatedela.com/free

(NOT an affiliate link) Check out these file folders EOOUT Expanding File Folder

Are you ready to talk to your students about writing? Conferencing with students is a powerful practice that can feel overwhelming and stop us in our tracks. But, it does not have to be a big production. 

Conferencing with students can be implemented in 3 actionable steps because baby steps are the key to success! Don’t let overwhelm or fear of starting, stop you from conferencing with your students. The practice of talking about writing as writers will transform your student’s writing and your classroom!

Action 1: Find time for students to write

Action 2: Track! Data is our friend

Action 3: Have a conversation with a student about their writing

Show notes: www.annotatedela.com/podcast/episode3

Follow along on Instagram @annotatedela

Writing Conferences Guide: www.annotatedela.com/confer

Mentioned in this episode

Writing Conferences Tracking Sheets

Free resource page: www.annotatedela.com/free

Want a community of writers in your classroom? Creating a culture of writing in your classroom is easier than you think! 

It doesn’t have to be a fairytale! Although let’s be real; not all students will be dream writers - BUT they will write. When people want to get better at something, they spend time practicing and doing the activity. The same is true for writing. Students need time to practice the craft. 

Check out some ideas for creating a culture of writing in your classroom to engage and motivate your students. 

In this episode we will explore

• Make it part of the routine
• Write with your students
• Have a “special” place for the writing
• Provide choice
• Friendly competition
• Set goals, monitor progress, and celebrate!

Show notes: www.annotatedela.com/podcast/episode2

Follow along on Instagram @annotatedela

Writing Conferences Guide: www.annotatedela.com/confer

Free resource page: www.annotatedela.com/free

Mentioned in this episode

Notebook Challenge: www.annotatedela.com/notebook

Kelly Gallagher: Write Like This

What would it be like to see improvement in your students' writing? To have students who take ownership of their writing and progress? Join me today as we explore the magic of writing conferences.  

A routine will help students know what to expect and create an environment to ensure the success of conferencing. The routine is what works for your classroom and your students. Although there is a flow for successful conferences, the predictability will help students focus on their writing rather than what is happening in the conference. 

The real magic is in the relationships and community that will flourish through writing conferences. Writing conferences can create the same magic in your classroom!

Show notes: www.annotatedela.com/podcast/episode1

Follow along on Instagram @annotatedela

Mentioned in this episode:

Writing Conferences Guide: www.annotatedela.com/confer

Are you a middle school ELA teacher looking for tips, strategies, and inspiration to motivate and engage your students in reading and writing? You’re in the right place. 

Join me, Melissa Burch, each week as I share tips, inspiration, and actionable strategies that you can use in your classroom to engage and motivate students to be better writers, readers, and people!

If you would like me to cover a specific topic in an upcoming episode, send me a message on Instagram @annotatedela

To read more ELA goodness, head over to annotatedela.com

For resources to use in your classroom, visit my shop