This episode delves into the importance of understanding students as writers and its benefits to educators and learners. We explore how this knowledge fosters a stronger classroom community and informs more tailored instruction. Tried-and-true methods such as kid-watching, utilizing writer's notebooks, and conducting effective one-on-one conferences during the initial weeks of school are discussed. We also highlight the value of listening to students, reviewing previous portfolios, and using digital tools like audio or video recordings for self-introductions. Finally, we examine various ways to assess writing styles and preferences, including surveys and analyzing students' writing processes, to identify their strengths and areas for growth.

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Online Resources:

• Classroom management posts on #TWTBlog
• Passionate Writers (mentioned as single-topic writers in the episode)
• Non-verbal Cues for Writers: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey
• Making Space in Writing Workshop for Kids to Be Funny by Beth Moore
• Steve Graham: importance of community 
• Surveys and questionnaires through google forms
  • Self-reflection form 1 and Self-reflection form 2
• What’s a Conferring Scarf?

Books Mentioned:

• The Lost Letters from Martha’s Vineyard by Michael Callahan
• The Responsive Writing Teacher by Melanie Meehan and Kelsey Sorum

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• Melanie Meehan: [email protected]
• Stacey Shubitz: [email protected]

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.