152: How to Inspire Writers in your Classroom

In this conversation, Meghan Sheriff and Gretchen Gales discuss various aspects of teaching writing, including engagement, balancing content and writing skills, providing feedback and revisions, the value of writing conferences, and peer editing strategies. In this conversation, Meghan Sheriff and Gretchen Gales discuss their experiences teaching writing and running a tutoring business. They highlight the challenges of sharing personal narratives in writing assignments and the importance of creating a safe and supportive student environment. They also discuss time efficiency in writing instruction and their strategies to maximize their time with students in small group settings. Meghan and Gretchen share insights into their tutoring business, including the types of students they work with and the benefits of personalized attention. They emphasize the importance of building confidence and soft skills in students and the impact that teachers can have on their students' lives. 

Takeaways

• Engagement is crucial in teaching writing, and building relationships with students can help foster their excitement and investment in writing.

• Balancing content and writing skills is essential, and gradual progression in teaching grammar and other writing elements can be more effective than overwhelming students with too much information at once.

• Providing feedback and revisions is a challenging but essential part of teaching writing, and using conferences and written comments can help students improve their writing and build confidence.

• Writing conferences are valuable opportunities for one-on-one conversations with students about their writing, addressing their questions and concerns, and providing personalized feedback.

• Peer editing can be effective when students are given specific tasks and guidelines, such as using a PQP (praise, question, polish) format, to ensure meaningful feedback and avoid superficial editing. Creating a safe and supportive environment is crucial for students to feel comfortable sharing personal narratives in writing assignments.

• Efficiency of time is essential in writing instruction, and teachers need to find ways to maximize their time with students in small group settings.

• Tutoring businesses can provide personalized attention and support for students' writing and academic pursuits.

• Building confidence and soft skills in students is an important aspect of teaching writing.

• Teachers should continuously seek new ideas and strategies to stay innovative in their teaching and meet the changing needs of students.

Highlights:

00:00 Introductions and Background

03:02 Importance of Engagement in Writing

11:02 Balancing Content and Writing Skills

18:03 Providing Feedback and Revisions

25:06 The Value of Writing Conferences

28:53 Peer Editing and Revision Strategies

40:31 Challenges of Sharing Personal Narratives

41:20 Efficiency of Time in Writing Instruction

42:30 Maximizing Time in Small Group Settings

46:17 Overview of the Tutoring Business

47:52 Reasons to Work with the Tutors

50:44 Building Confidence and Soft Skills

51:06 Making Students Feel Seen

53:08 Best Piece of Advice Received

55:22 Powering Through Moments of Struggle

57:50 Staying Innovative and Adopting New Teaching Strategies

01:03:39 Connecting with the Guests

Website: https://www.smartsolutionsva.com/ 

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