Two Writing Teachers Podcast — New episode 'The Power of Read Alouds: A Conversation with a Colleague'; playback controls
ICYMI: Jessica Carey, a #TWTBlog co-author and literacy coach, joined Melanie to talk about the power of read alouds. She shares tips and strategies that you can use right away in literacy instruction.
Listen to #TWTPod now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2027003/episodes/18848436
Graphic Thinking Ahead Thursday post on kindergarten writing. The image highlights how setting a positive, inclusive tone in the first weeks helps young children see themselves as writers, featuring ideas like storytelling, labeling the classroom, and offering drawing and writing materials during play. Designed to inspire early childhood educators to foster confidence and creativity in new writers.
Jenna Komarin shows how setting a positive tone in kindergarten sparks young writers’ confidence. From storytelling to hands-on writing moments, help learners see themselves as writers from day one!
https://wp.me/p57D8-l7b
#TWTBlog
It's Make Your Case Monday at Two Writing Teachers! "While one partner shares their opinion and reasons, the other partner’s job is to listen carefully and think about how the ideas could be clearer and stronger." -Shawnda Fukano in Stronger & Clearer: A Partnership Protocol
Shawnda Fukano shares how the STRONGER & CLEARER protocol uses oral rehearsal and peer feedback to help students, especially multilingual learners, create clearer, stronger writing through collaboration and revision.
https://wp.me/p57D8-lE4
#TWTBlog
ALT Sunday Strategies for Specialized Instruction - TWTBlog Promo
Meeting the needs of diverse writers is a constant challenge. Small shifts in accommodations, scaffolds, and modifications can build accessibility and lead students toward independence, confidence, and success in writing.
Betsy Hubbard shares more: bit.ly/a-or-m.
#TWTBlog
It's Make Your Case Monday on Two Writing Teachers! Providing options for paper allows all your students to do the same type of writing (opinion, persuasive, or argument) in many different ways. Differentiating the materials makes it possible for all your students to do the work–without having to resort to a formula or fill-in-the-blank worksheet." -Beth Moore in Paper Choices for Opinion and Argument Writing
Beth Moore shows how offering different paper options lets every student tackle opinion, persuasive, or argument writing in their own way—no formulas, just real writing for all!
https://wp.me/p57D8-eJJ
#TWTBlog
Thinking Ahead Thursday Promo Cream writing with a black and red background Quote: “Having a purposeful writing center is one way to support ongoing student agency in your classroom.” -Jessica Carey in Writing Centers: A Vision of Independence
Jess Carey highlights how a purposeful, well-stocked writing center with clear routines can boost student independence and engagement. Now is the perfect time to plan your writing space for a fresh start this school year!
https://wp.me/p57D8-jwD
#TWTBlog
Make Your Case Monday on Two Writing Teachers “By making some small shifts in our writing practices to raise awareness of the impact and meaning behind a piece of writing, we can set students up to become both critical consumers and creators of information.” -Sarah Valter in Writing With Open Eyes: Teaching Young Writers to Recognize Bias and Create with Clarity
Sarah Valter explores how teaching kids the weight of words helps them become critical readers and intentional writers, shaping thoughtful creators in a world full of powerful messages.
https://wp.me/p57D8-lHb
#TWTBlog
Sunday Strategies for Specialized Instruction - TWTBlog Promo
Brush up your understanding of how working memory functions within the brains of your writers. Betsy Hubbard shares insights on how working memory influences writing development and strategies to support it in the classroom.
🔗bit.ly/working-mem
#TWTBlog
Thinking Ahead Thursday Graphic (cream text with deep red and black background) Quote Says: “What do you want the first writing workshop to feel like?” -Leah Koch Thomas in TWT Help Desk: What if it’s the First Day of Writing Workshop? http://twowritingteachers.org
Leah Koch Thomas shows how starting writing workshop on day one sets the tone for the year, making writing feel important, welcoming, and empowering for all students. https://wp.me/p57D8-kYa
#TWTBlog
Make Your Case Monday Promo Image - Two Writing Teachers Cream text on a deep red circle.
Struggling to get students to care about persuasive writing? Lainie Levin shows how the “dissatisfaction spectrum” helps kids connect with issues that matter, sparking powerful, focused writing and real-world expression.
https://wp.me/p57D8-kdT
#TWTBlog
Sunday Strategies for Specialized Instruction - TWTBlog Promo
Having started her career as a special education teacher, Melanie Meehan feels strongly connected to colleagues who support students with IEPs. She has curated their collaborative ideas to inspire and empower all children to write. Read more: bit.ly/worksped. #TWTBlog
Graphic featuring the text: “Thinking Ahead Thursday: 'The writing process hasn’t changed. Your school community hasn’t changed. The qualities of a skilled and independent writer haven’t changed.' —Sarah Valter in What if I’m starting the year with a new program?” The image highlights Sarah Valter’s message about maintaining core writing values when implementing a new literacy program.
Sarah Valter shares essential lessons for starting the year with a new literacy program. Embrace imperfection, trust your expertise, and focus on the core goals of growing confident, skilled writers, not just the materials.
https://wp.me/p57D8-kYz
#TWTBlog
In this year's final #TWTBlog Author Spotlight Series feature, learn the six essential elements that transformed an offhand comment into "Not Your Granny's Grammar" — and how they can work for your co-authoring journey.
twowritingteachers.org/2025/05/16/mcgee-and-don...
#TWTBlog Author Spotlight: Padma Venkatraman shares how two kids with immigrant roots spark hope by rescuing a seal and organizing a beach cleanup, showing that small steps and big dreams can help a community keep the earth green and oceans blue. https://twowritingteachers.org/2025/05/15/venkatraman
Black background with deep red accents and yellow accents with cream font. Promo image for the latest episode of the Two Writing Teachers Podcast. Meet the Featured Writers in This Year's Author Spotlight Series: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey
Ready for inspiration? This week’s #TWTBlog Author Spotlight Series features blog posts from children’s authors, book giveaways, and virtual visit opportunities. Don’t miss these powerful stories—read and join the conversation!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2027003/episodes/16985628
#TWTPod
Author Headshot of Tyler Gordon
Tyler Gordon steps into the #TWTBlog Author Spotlight today. He shares how art helped him find his voice after overcoming deafness and a stutter. His books inspire kids to dream big, face challenges, and express themselves with courage and creativity!
https://twowritingteachers.org/2025/05/14/gordon
Headshot of author and poet Rebecca Gardyn Levington
Today's #TWTBlog Author Spotlight contributor: Rebecca Gardyn Levington
She struggled for years with Imposter Syndrome, until one day her son made a comment that completely changed her perspective, boosted her self-esteem, & ignited her writing career.
https://twowritingteachers.org/2025/05/13/rgl
https://twowritingteachers.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/maham-khwaja-c-sadaf-e2808ae2808ahasan.png
To begin this year’s #TWTBlog Author Spotlight Series, Maham Khwaja shares memories of an immigrant child in America.
https://twowritingteachers.org/2025/05/12/khwaja
Cream background with deep red accents and black font. Promo image for the latest episode (#35) of the Two Writing Teachers Podcast. Meet the Featured Writers in This Year's Author Spotlight Series: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey
Get a sneak peek at the #TWTBlog Author Spotlight Series! Daily blog posts from authors, book giveaways, & a chance to connect with them. Comment on their posts to win a virtual author visit and win their latest book! Listen to #TWTPod now!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2027003/episodes/16985628
When Ana Valentina Patton plans professional development, she recalls her mentors’ advice: confidence and content knowledge matter, but a strong support network is key.
https://f.mtr.cool/pqdksqzyof #TWTBlog
Maintain & Nurture Writing Skills During Summer Break - TWTPod Episode Promo
🌞Keep kids writing all summer!
🎙️In this #TWTPod episode, revisit tips from our 2017 #TWTBlog series: fun writing spaces, gamified activities, & book-inspired projects. Make summer writing engaging & prevent skill loss!
🎧https://www.buzzsprout.com/2027003/episodes/16900473
#SummerWriting
Promo image for this week's episode of the Two Writing Teachers Podcast.
Empower multilingual learners through oracy! #TWTBlog co-author Shawnda Fukano shares practical tips for daily classroom integration and effective assessment. Tune in for her insights and actionable strategies.
Listen to #TWTPod now! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2027003/episodes/16492670
Blog Series Promo Image for the Two Writing Teachers Podcast
This week on #TWTPod, Melanie talks with #TWTBlog co-authors, Lainie Levin and Leah Thomas about their NCTE 2024 presentation. They discuss key research supporting fundamental writing practices.
Listen to #TWTPod now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2027003/episodes/16477566
Writing workshop check-in questions in black and purple font on "lined notebook" paper.
Sometimes, to move forward, we have to go back to basics. Jess Carey revisits the architecture of a minilesson to promote student independence and agency. #TWTBlog
twowritingteachers.org/2025/02/17/back-to-basic...
Blog Series Promo Image for the Two Writing Teachers Podcast
Dive into research-backed writing instruction with #TWTBlog co-authors Leah Thomas & Lainie Levin! Melanie chats with them about their #NCTE24 presentation.
Listen to #TWTPod now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2027003/episodes/16477566
Two Writing Teachers Podcast Logo with the episode name: Modernizing Mentor Texts Blog Series Recap.
The co-authors of #TWTBlog presented strategies for updating mentor texts in the latest blog series. Melanie highlights several ideas she has put into practice with children and educators during her work this week on #TWTPod.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2027003/episodes/16464991
