Published in Strategies for Writing·PinnedStrategies for Writing — An InvitationReaders benefit by learning new writing strategies — As a public school teacher, I was paid to answer questions and teach writing. Everyday in the classroom, I answered continual questions. During my time in the classroom, I wrote Strategies for Teaching Writing: An ASCD Action Tool and it was published by ASCD, Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development…Writing2 min read
Published in ILLUMINATION·PinnedSchool Lockdowns Made Me Feel Like a Fish in a Fish TankHumans huddled in the corner of a classroom — Everyone sprang into action at the sound of the lockdown signal. With the depression of the button, a recorded message announced over the intercom, “This is a lockdown. Immediately, prepare for lockdown. Lockdown in progress.” With those few words, our school changed from a learning environment to a survival mode…Mass Shootings3 min read
Published in Be Yourself·PinnedLove Grows When We Make Space for OthersA home without a pet contains empty spaces — I didn’t realize the gravity of my decision when I agreed to allow our daughter to foster kittens. When Kari proposed the idea, her father was a barrier to overcome. He dislikes cats. But when the fourteen-year-old tilted her head slightly to the right, flashed her crooked smile, and batted…Mwc Space5 min read
Published in Strategies for Writing·2 days agoWhen Should a Word be Capitalization?Capitalization cheat sheet — In the age of text messaging, capital letters are often disregarded. Shortcuts become embedded practices. Then, when the mode of communication changes, the rules become forgotten. Sometimes, a simple review of the expectations can prove helpful. I hope it helps! Rule 1: Capitalize the first word beginning a sentence. Example: The boy went to the fair. Rule 2: Capitalize the pronoun IEditing3 min read
Published in Strategies for Writing·2 days agoWhy is the Writing Process Important?Donald Murray’s reasons to process writing — 1. “The text of the writing course is the student’s own writing. Writers examine their own evolving writing . . . so that they study writing while it is still a matter of choice, word by word.” A writer’s skills improve through the practice of manipulating words and experimenting with…Process4 min read
Published in Strategies for Writing·2 days agoWhat Three Writing Tips Would You Give a Beginning Writer?Simplify, punctuate, identify the audience — Simplify As I am writing the first draft, I drool words on the paper and then return to simplify the piece so it gains focus. Currently, the introduction is 325 words. I imagine the word count will diminish by the final draft. Note: After revision, the introduction consisted of 214 words. …Simplicity2 min read
Published in Strategies for Writing·2 days agoIs There More Than One Way to Begin an Article?Match the introduction with the audience and purpose — There are numerous way to being writing. In fact, I encourage writers try writing three different leads. Explore the possibilities by experimenting with various types of lead. …Prewriting4 min read
Published in Strategies for Writing·2 days agoDoes Dialogue Change to Match the Audience?Words change depending upon the audience, even when the message remains the same — Absolutely! For example dialogue changes depending on the audience. A simple greeting can be formal, casual, personal, or non-verbal. Each of the following examples illustrates a teen boy meeting someone and demonstrates how he might act and what he might say in different environments with various people When the teen…Prewiting2 min read
Published in Strategies for Writing·3 days agoWhat 4 Strategies Empower Writers?Strategies to stay focused — Block yourself a quiet write time where there are no interruptions, or as few as possible. Quiet write time is a period for writers to cement their own ideas, listen to their inner thoughts and practice independence. …Writing2 min read
Published in Strategies for Writing·3 days agoWhen an Article is Published, is it Finished?An article is forever alive and in process — No! Sometimes a new perspective and revision can bring life to an piece of writing. One article can be an inspiration to a host of new ideas. Often great ideas can be repurposed, a pearl can be lifted and become the impetus for a whole new piece, or resubmitted to…Process2 min read
