In the season four finale, Stacey Shubitz and Melanie Meehan tackle the increasingly contentious topic of “writing workshop” in today’s educational climate. They reflect on the origins and evolution of the writing workshop, the research supporting its key principles, and why certain foundational practices remain crucial, even if the label itself is under fire. Drawing from recent evidence-based recommendations and their own classroom experiences, Stacey and Melanie unpack what truly effective...
May 31
45 min
In this episode, Stacey dives into what happens when educators reconnect with the familiar passions that ground them after a demanding school year. While the daily hustle of teaching often forces educators to put their own needs on the back burner, summertime presents a vital opportunity for them to reclaim their personal identities. Through a reflection on what it means to be a "swimmer with a lowercase s," Stacey explores the powerful shift that happens when teachers step out of their educa...
May 24
6 min
This episode features a rich conversation with author and educator M. Colleen Cruz about her new book, Neurodiversity in the Literacy Classroom: The General Educator’s Guide to IEPs, Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism, and More. Colleen shares the story behind the book and explains why information about neurodivergent learners must move out of special education silos and into every general education classroom. Melanie, Stacey, and Colleen explore universal design for learning (UDL), explicit writing inst...
May 17
1 hr 2 min
Melanie introduces customizable writing bingo boards to keep students writing over summer. These boards combine playful activities with purposeful skill-building, like fine motor and oral language development, while encouraging writing for real audiences. The approach is flexible for primary and upper elementary students and easy to adapt. Families can support writing at home, making summer a time for growth instead of regression. Summer is a great time for young writers to build foundational...
May 10
8 min
This year’s 11th Annual Author Spotlight Series transforms professional creators into accessible mentors to help you inspire the next generation of writers and artists. We dive into the diverse creative processes of Gabbie Benda, Lauren Castillo, R. Gregory Christie, Julie Leung, Orit Magia, Àlàbá Ònájìn, and Mel Rosenberg. From demystifying graphic novel drafts to mastering the synergy between words and images, these experts share the practical "how-to" behind their craft. To bring this mag...
May 3
7 min
Stacey is joined by beloved authors and educators Lily Howard Scott and Ralph Fletcher to explore how teacher language shapes students’ writerly identities. They examine what it means to make writing personal and joyful, even amid standards, rubrics, and formulaic structures like the five-paragraph essay. Lily and Ralph offer practical tips for using inclusive, encouraging language that welcomes every child and keeps their voices at the center. The conversation also explores the impact of AI,...
Apr 26
47 min
Stacey spotlights a foundational principle of writing instruction: "Teach, don’t just tell." Inspired by Sarah Valter’s insights and rooted in educational research, she explores the impact of modeling: making the invisible processes of writing visible for our students. You’ll hear about the difference between simply giving directions and authentically showing your thinking and writing moves, and why this distinction matters so much for young writers. Stacey also discusses practical ways to sh...
Apr 19
5 min
In this episode, we talk with Two Writing Teachers Contributing Writer Jess Mazzone about using AI to scaffold and gamify test prep. By generating model responses, encouraging analysis, and adding elements of play, AI can help shift test prep from routine practice to more engaging, meaningful learning for students. Go Deeper Scaffold and Gamify Test Prep With AISend us Fan Mail Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform. You may contact...
Apr 12
36 min
In this episode, Melanie shares three ways to inspire and scaffold students with exemplar and mentor pieces of writing. Go Deeper: Reimagining ImmersionImmersion in Writing Workshop is Always Worth the TimeSend us Fan Mail Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform. You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. Melanie Meehan: [email protected] Stacey Shubitz: stacey@staceysh...
Apr 5
6 min
This episode features Doug Kaufman and Tracey-Ann Lafayette talking about student activism, voice, and writing as a tool for social change. They explore how students move from personal concerns to purposeful action through inquiry, research, and dialogue. Books mentioned in the podcastArticle by Doug KaufmanThanks to our affiliate, Zencastr! Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. ...
Mar 29
43 min
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