What if my students are just “not getting it?” You’ve looked at the scope and sequence, selected the designated lessons for your grade level, presented the lesson, the children respond, but don’t seem to be able to apply the skills when you move to Guided Practice?First of all, are you spending at least 2...

Teaching writing involves a lot of management. Managing the writing process, publishing student work, assessment and grading, the role of grammar and mechanics, collegial sharing. Here are some EW tips to take the headache out of management. ...

Common formative assessment in writing involves looking at student writing samples in order to assess learning and drive instruction. This approach has always been a powerful aspect of the Empowering Writers approach. After establishing a common vocabulary around the writing skills that all effective writers possess we look at w...

"When do I use the Editing & Revising resources?" "How do I get the most out of the Comprehensive Narrative Guide?" Here is a list of helpful resources to provide assistance while implementing Empowering Writers narrative, expository and persuasive writing instruction. The Implementation Guide outlines the implementation fo...

One of the best ways to reinforce your instruction is for students to have support at home. Parents appreciate being informed about the content of your writing program and what you expect from their children. Use our downloadable newsletters to keep parents in the loop, and to offer them specific suggestions on how to help their...

Classroom of the Month/Teacher’s Story: May 2011 Ayrin Gill, A.C. Teacher, Calgary Catholic I started teaching ten years ago with Calgary Catholic School District. As a brand new teacher I found teaching writing to be a very difficult process full of frustration and angst. I didn't know where to begin, what to teach first...