In this episode, I compare the RACE writing strategy and the CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) framework to help you decide which approach works better for students. I explain why I moved away from RACE and now use CER across all subjects, including ELA, science, and social studies. You’ll see how CER simplifies constructed responses, strengthens student reasoning, and creates one consistent writing system for the entire school day. If you’re looking for a clearer, more effective way to teach evidence-based writing, this shift might be the game changer you need.

Looking for full-year writing programs that get results?? Go HERE. 

Thoughts? Questions? Send me a text message!

➡️ Learn more about the FULL Structured Writing training PD

📆 Grab my yearlong writing planner for free (it includes my eBook!)

🎥 Watch the teaching strategies in action on YouTube

📝 Read the latest blog posts for writing tips & ideas

HAVE A QUESTION? Email me at [email protected]

In this episode, I explain how I teach writing using a skills-first approach, and why strong writing instruction shouldn’t start with essays.

Instead of working backward from essay types alone, I focus on building foundational writing skills that transfer to every genre, every subject, and every state test. I break down how I structure writing instruction across the year so students practice what matters most before essays ever begin.

I share:

• What a skills-first writing program actually looks like in grades 4–8
• The six core writing skills my students practice all year (and why the first three matter most)
• How daily sentence combining improves grammar, sentence structure, and clarity
• Why quick writes eliminate writer’s block and build writing stamina
• How I use CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) instead of RACE across ELA, science, and social studies
• How I teach essay structure by deconstructing student writing, not memorizing formulas
• Why short, focused essay cycles lead to stronger writing and less grading
• How this approach builds real confidence before state testing

I also share one of my favorite end-of-year moments, when students rewrite a piece from the first week of school and see just how much their writing has changed.

If you’re looking for a clearer, more effective way to teach writing in upper elementary or middle school, this episode walks you through the structure, routines, and mindset behind a skills-first writing classroom.

Recommended for:
Grades 4–8 teachers, ELA teachers, writing coaches, and homeschool educators

Ready to dive into my full year curriculum? Go HERE.

Thoughts? Questions? Send me a text message!

➡️ Learn more about the FULL Structured Writing training PD

📆 Grab my yearlong writing planner for free (it includes my eBook!)

🎥 Watch the teaching strategies in action on YouTube

📝 Read the latest blog posts for writing tips & ideas

HAVE A QUESTION? Email me at [email protected]

In this episode, I’m sharing what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and what’s evolving in my Structured Writing program for 2026.

After a short break, I reflect on where writing instruction feels different right now, especially as more teachers are rethinking digital tools, screen time, and the return to physical notebooks. I talk through new research that’s shaping my thinking, including insights from The Digital Delusion by Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, and how it’s influencing the way I design writing instruction.

You’ll hear updates on:

• The shift toward a One-Click Curriculum that makes materials easier to find and use
• How daily warm-ups and quick writes are expanding to include story starters
• Why creative writing and voice matter more than ever
• A new Reading Lab format that brings structured discussion into reading instruction
• How CER is being intentionally connected across ELA, science, history, and math
• What’s coming next for grades 4 through 8

This episode is especially helpful if you teach upper elementary or middle school and are thinking about how to balance structure, creativity, and meaningful writing practice in the year ahead.

Interested in my full writing curriculum? Go HERE.

Thoughts? Questions? Send me a text message!

➡️ Learn more about the FULL Structured Writing training PD

📆 Grab my yearlong writing planner for free (it includes my eBook!)

🎥 Watch the teaching strategies in action on YouTube

📝 Read the latest blog posts for writing tips & ideas

HAVE A QUESTION? Email me at [email protected]

If you teach writing in grades 4-8, you know the mid-year engagement slump is real! Here are 3 ways to get them energized again and back on track!

Go here to grab your free month of editing tasks! https://structured-writing-teacher.myflodesk.com/f1cxq5jv49

Prediction doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Px3b_U0zgjwmSxlxWejSdvlCsL8twtE4xAhsX8tGFqc/edit?usp=sharing


🚨Grab the first module of my PD for free here: https://structured-writing-teacher.myflodesk.com/s960w0ymr9

Thoughts? Questions? Send me a text message!

➡️ Learn more about the FULL Structured Writing training PD

📆 Grab my yearlong writing planner for free (it includes my eBook!)

🎥 Watch the teaching strategies in action on YouTube

📝 Read the latest blog posts for writing tips & ideas

HAVE A QUESTION? Email me at [email protected]

There is no one correct way to handle A.I. use in the classroom. But let's have grace with each other as we grapple with this huge issue facing educators. There is so much to consider... and that's what I'm tackling today.

Here are some A.I. tools you may want to check out:
Class Companion: https://classcompanion.com/
Snorkl: https://snorkl.app/

🚨Grab my writing PD Crash Course for free here

📝 Looking for writing professional development? My 10-module video course will walk you through ALL the steps of an engaging writer's workshop. You'll see pictures of it in action, and I take a deep, deep dive into HOW to teach the 6 high-priority skills. A bonus module goes deep into the world of teaching essays in middle school. More details below

Thoughts? Questions? Send me a text message!

➡️ Learn more about the FULL Structured Writing training PD

📆 Grab my yearlong writing planner for free (it includes my eBook!)

🎥 Watch the teaching strategies in action on YouTube

📝 Read the latest blog posts for writing tips & ideas

HAVE A QUESTION? Email me at [email protected]

Sure, writing prompts are fun, but when it comes to true engagement, cute activities and digital games can only take your students so far. In this episode, I break down why short-term motivators are the “green tea diets” of writing instruction, and how to build something more sustainable. Learn what actually keeps students hooked all year long: ownership, structure, student leadership, and a workshop that feels like home. 

Happy writing,

Robin

Thoughts? Questions? Send me a text message!

➡️ Learn more about the FULL Structured Writing training PD

📆 Grab my yearlong writing planner for free (it includes my eBook!)

🎥 Watch the teaching strategies in action on YouTube

📝 Read the latest blog posts for writing tips & ideas

HAVE A QUESTION? Email me at [email protected]

October is pure magic for writing teachers...if you use it right. 🕯️

In this episode, I’m sharing why you should lean into spooky writing this month (and not just because it’s fun). You’ll learn how Halloween-themed prompts can teach real craft skills like suspense, pacing, and voice… and how they can completely turn around reluctant writers.

I’ll walk you through my favorite October classroom activities: persuasive “Change My Mind” debates, Stranger Things-style story prompts, and a hilarious monster real-estate challenge your students will beg to do again.

Ready to make this October unforgettable? Grab my Halloween Writing Bundle here 👇
🎃 Halloween Writing Prompts & Persuasive Writing Activities

Thoughts? Questions? Send me a text message!

➡️ Learn more about the FULL Structured Writing training PD

📆 Grab my yearlong writing planner for free (it includes my eBook!)

🎥 Watch the teaching strategies in action on YouTube

📝 Read the latest blog posts for writing tips & ideas

HAVE A QUESTION? Email me at [email protected]

In this episode, I start with a student story that proves just how powerful a hook can be, and then we dig into the real work of teaching them. You’ll hear my philosophy on why hooks aren’t just “sentence starters,” why rhetorical questions are only training wheels (and how to move past them), and the one secret that makes kids lean in with curiosity.

Plus, I’ll explain how keeping cognitive load low is the key to helping every student succeed.

And finally, you can Hook Hop! Here's your Teacher Trail I’ve created:

1️⃣ Start with my 9-minute YouTube demo (three ways to write narrative + essay hooks).
2️⃣ Share the student-facing video from Write with Robin.
3️⃣ Come back here for more student examples, strategies, and depth.

Next step on your trail? HOP HERE!

Thoughts? Questions? Send me a text message!

➡️ Learn more about the FULL Structured Writing training PD

📆 Grab my yearlong writing planner for free (it includes my eBook!)

🎥 Watch the teaching strategies in action on YouTube

📝 Read the latest blog posts for writing tips & ideas

HAVE A QUESTION? Email me at [email protected]

In this episode, I share the story behind one teacher’s phrase “the unicorn of writing” and unpack what that really means.

We’ll explore why writing instruction so often feels frustrating, what qualities a true “unicorn” approach would have, and the small shifts you can make to bring some of that magic into your own classroom. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of reluctant writers turning a corner, and I’ll leave you with a few practical strategies you can try tomorrow.

Grab your crash course HERE

Thoughts? Questions? Send me a text message!

➡️ Learn more about the FULL Structured Writing training PD

📆 Grab my yearlong writing planner for free (it includes my eBook!)

🎥 Watch the teaching strategies in action on YouTube

📝 Read the latest blog posts for writing tips & ideas

HAVE A QUESTION? Email me at [email protected]

 What if your students could experience essay structure instead of just being told about it? In this episode, I introduce The Rebuild Relay, which is a constructivist teaching method that gets students moving, problem-solving, and teaching each other. You’ll hear how it works with a 7th grade argumentative essay, why it’s more effective than reading the rubric aloud, and how it can be adapted for younger learners with a fun Detective & Informant twist. Plus, I’ll share ways this strategy can be used across subjects like math, science, and history. 

To read about it in depth and see a short video: Go HERE

To take the Structured Writer's Workshop CRASH COURSE, go HERE.

Thoughts? Questions? Send me a text message!

➡️ Learn more about the FULL Structured Writing training PD

📆 Grab my yearlong writing planner for free (it includes my eBook!)

🎥 Watch the teaching strategies in action on YouTube

📝 Read the latest blog posts for writing tips & ideas

HAVE A QUESTION? Email me at [email protected]