Craft & Draft

Welcome everyone to the Craft & Draft podcast! We are so excited to bring you what we love, talking with you about workshop, literacy, writing, reading, and real world teaching. 

Many curriculum documents do not include time for low-stakes writing, but it is through such writing that students become comfortable with the blank page and become more fluid writers.

In this episode, Jacob and Pam discuss why teachers must create opportunities for low-stakes writing moments in the classroom.  Jacob shares how he is working with his teachers as they discover how to create writing moments in their lessons.  Pam discusses how this type of writing helps develop stronger writers.  

Join Jacob and Pam as they explain why low-stakes writing is a must! 

The post #212 Low-stakes Writing: Why? appeared first on Craft & Draft.

In this episode of Craft & Draft, we dive into the delicate balance teachers face when navigating political discussions in the classroom. How can educators remain neutral while still encouraging students to explore diverse ideas? We’ll discuss the importance of fostering an environment where students can debate concepts openly, without fear of backlash or repercussions. Join us as we unpack the challenges of handling political discourse, the implications of a chilling climate on democratic education, and strategies for creating a safe space for exploration and dialogue. Don’t miss this critical conversation on shaping informed, engaged citizens in our schools!

The post #211 Navigating Political Seasons as an Educator appeared first on Craft & Draft.

Welcome everyone to the Craft & Draft podcast! We are so excited to bring you what we love, talking with you about workshop, literacy, writing, reading, and real world teaching. 

The concept of a school library is changing under the pressure of current technology trends in the schools and the current perception of how schools should meet the needs of the community.  Jacob and Pam discuss how we all may need to slow down and reflect upon the importance of the school library.  

Jacob shares how his school is implementing an open concept to create an inviting library.  Pam includes an experience where she finds herself in the middle of a books or media conflict between a librarian and a principal.

Join Jacob and Pam as they reflect upon the school library! 

The post #210 A Focus on the School Library appeared first on Craft & Draft.

Welcome everyone to the Craft & Draft podcast! We are so excited to bring you what we love, talking with you about workshop, literacy, writing, reading, and real world teaching.

We are trying something new: an episode that targets a specific strategy.  This (previous) bonus episode will focus on Quickwrites and how we use them during our writing workshops.

Pam shares how Linda Reif presented the Quickwrites from her book The Quickwrites Book. Jacob share how he incorporates them in his mini-lessons.

Join Jacob and Pam as they discuss how they utilize Quickwrites in their workshops. Let us know how you like this new style of podcast.

The post #209 How We Use QuickWrites in Writing Workshop appeared first on Craft & Draft.

Welcome everyone to the Craft & Draft podcast! We are so excited to bring you what we love, talking with you about workshop, literacy, writing, reading, and real world teaching. 

In this episode, Jacob and Pam discuss whether or not teachers should use the academic language of the standards with their students.  

Pam shares how over the years this topic has prompted many discussions due the differing teacher opinions over academic or kid friendly language.  She also explains how she worked with the standards in her classroom.

Jacob discusses the level of rigor that must be applied when implementing the standards in teacher lessons.  He also talks about when he uses scaffolds to help students meet the level of rigor required by the standards.

Join Jacob and Pam as they consider whether the standards need to be used with academic or kid friendly language.

The post #208 Standards: Academic or Kid Friendly appeared first on Craft & Draft.

Welcome everyone to the Craft & Draft podcast! We are so excited to bring you what we love, talking with you about workshop, literacy, writing, reading, and real world teaching. 

In this episode, Jacob and Pam answer a listener’s question regarding how to teach when the district implements a boxed reading curriculum. Jacob suggests that teachers need to review the curriculum and determine areas where workshop teaching could naturally occur.  Pam advocates to look for moments to use a workshop approach in smaller increments to assist in implementing the curriculum.

Join Jacob and Pam as they discuss how to keep the workshop going in the reading and writing classroom even if you feel boxed-in.

The post #207 Workshop in a Boxed Curriculum appeared first on Craft & Draft.

Hello everyone! In this LIVE PD, Pam and Jacob dove into what the future of your workshop could look like. AKA… Previously, this episode was a PATREON only episode. If you’d like to see the video, join us here. 

We give practical advice and outline what a mini-theme can do for you within actual lesson ideas.

Enjoy!

The post #206 Develop the Future of Your Workshop (PD) appeared first on Craft & Draft.

Welcome everyone to the Craft & Draft podcast! We are so excited to bring you what we love, talking with you about workshop, literacy, writing, reading, and real world teaching. 

In this episode, Jacob and Pam share their thoughts on various topics from discipline to technology.  Jacob is excited about his new beginnings and shares how great it is to have the teachers back in such a positive environment.  Pam is thankful for how positive his year is beginning, but is worried about those who are not as fortunate.

Join Jacob and Pam as they explore several aspects of education. Wishing all of you a positive and fun year!

The post #205 A Wide Array of Workshop Wonderings appeared first on Craft & Draft.

Welcome everyone to the Craft & Draft podcast! We are so excited to bring you what we love, talking with you about workshop, literacy, writing, reading, and real world teaching. 

The new school year is around the corner for many teachers.  Creating a strong and healthy Reading and Writing Workshop for students begins on the first day of school. 

In this episode, Jacob and Pam discuss what teachers want to do when they start their workshop.  Jacob begins with how to allow students to experience the reading and the writing workshop. Pam expresses how important it is for the teachers to plan how they want their workshop to be structured for their students. They each include some tips and possible lesson topics that will help teachers as they begin their school year.

Join Jacob and Pam as they you steer toward a successful workshop. May you and your students have a great start to a great workshop year!

The post #204 The Dos of Starting Workshop appeared first on Craft & Draft.

Welcome everyone to the Craft & Draft podcast! We are so excited to bring you what we love, talking with you about workshop, literacy, writing, reading, and real world teaching. 

The new school year is around the corner for many teachers.  Creating a strong and healthy Reading and Writing Workshop for students begins on the first day of school. 

In this episode, Jacob and Pam discuss what teachers do not want to do when they start their workshop.  Jacob begins with don’t wait until the second week to allow students to experience the workshop. Pam continues with don’t assign a mundane typical writing assignment as the first piece of writing for the year. They each refer to other don’ts they have learned over the years.

Join Jacob and Pam as they steer you away from some of the pitfalls that can easily occur during the first weeks of your workshop!  May you and your students have a great start to a great workshop year!

The post #203 The Don’ts of Starting Workshop appeared first on Craft & Draft.