• 2018 Successes

    December 28, 2018 /

    Each year, I love to reflect on all the things that I’ve done. For the past several years, I have participated in Julie Hedlund’s 12 Days of Christmas for Writers program. It’s a great way to reflect on the year that has passed. Each year we make a list of SUCCESSES instead…

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  • 2017 Successes

    December 28, 2017 /

    I haven’t written on here in ages. Call it what you will: a move, a new job (2 years ago, I know) my kids’ lives are getting busier and busier, and lots of writing happening. I have spent less time updating the blog and more time in focused writing.…

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  • Mentor Texts for Writers: Picture Book Refrains

    May 18, 2015 /

        I wrote a guest post at Meg Miller’s ReviMo site over the weekend. If you are interested in picture book refrains, be sure to check out that post. I touch on nonfiction and fiction picture book refrains.

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  • Mentor Texts for Writers E-Book is Here!

    February 23, 2015 /

    Last year, I put together an e-book for teachers on tips for using mentor texts in the classroom. I’m pleased to announce the my newest e-book is for writers. I hope it is one of several to come. Mentor Texts for Writers, Book 1 is a compilation of many…

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  • New Teacher Resources

    October 15, 2014 /

      Mentor Texts for Word Choice Downloadable My most popular post on my blog is my “Top 10 Mentor Texts for Word Choice.” I took the bones of that post, expanded it, and turned it into a downloadable PDF. You can get it for FREE if you sign up…

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  • Help Me, Help You (Mentor Text Resources Survey)

    May 30, 2014 /

    Summer is approaching, and while I’m knee deep in deadlines at the moment, I’m still thinking about what cool mentor text resources I can start providing. I have ideas about mentor text resources I’d like to create, and I’ve even started on many of these ideas. However, with time…

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  • Writing Marathon Resources

    March 12, 2014 /

    Do you want to host a Writing Marathon of your own at school? Last week I posted about some information about the Writing Marathon I did in February. I’ve also posted about how the Writing Marathon helped me as a writer. This week, I’m focusing on the technical aspects…

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  • I Have Mentor Texts, Now What?

    March 10, 2014 /

    Last week, I posted about where to find mentor texts to use to improve your writing. Today I’m over at the GROG BLOG again talking about what you do with mentor texts.  Stop over there and tell us how you use mentor texts to improve your writing. Our new GROG…

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