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Does having a relationship with God really help me to flourish in every area of life. Will it make a difference if I Invite Him into my classroom? Will it help me experience peace and joy despite challenging situations that arise? Do I have time to connect with God before the school day starts? Teachers, if you are asking these questions and feel like teaching is not just a job but it is a ministry then this is the place for you. On this podcast I will talk about faith, mindset, and self-car ...
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Getting Students to Write! Helping Elementary and Middle School teachers transform writing time
Melissa C Morrison, Elementary, Middle School Writing Consultant, Literacy Coach
Are you a K-8 Elementary or Middle School ELA teacher wondering how to get your students to write? This podcast is for teachers looking for a way to revamp and transform their writing time! You don't need daily lesson plans or prompts-you just need to understand what writers need! In this inspiring podcast, you will hear about the struggles, pitfalls, practices, and joy of teaching writing in a student-centered (workshop) model. Melissa guides you through the journey away from a more traditi ...
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Teaching comes with daily challenges, but staying anchored in God’s Word can provide the strength and patience needed. Main Points: 1. Stay Anchored: God’s Word will strengthen and guide you through teaching challenges. 2. Keep Your Eyes on Jesus: Focus on Him for hope and endurance. 3. Ask for Help: It’s okay to seek support from God and those He’…
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Today, I’m sharing all about the Pause, Pray, and Worship journey—a free, 4-week experience for teachers who want to bring more peace, strength, and purpose into their lives through prayer and worship. What It’s About: This journey includes weekly prayer themes with prayer points, and dedicated time for worship and reflection—all designed to help y…
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This episode is the beginning of the Writing Strategies Series and is all about supporting students with the most foundational aspect of writing- Engagement! Just as with any learning-academic to athletic-learners must be engaged in order to progress. Drawing from educational research and expert Jennifer Serravallo, I discuss the multi-dimensional …
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This episode shares the understandings needed in order to get the most out of the two upcoming series: Strategies for Writing and All About Conferring There are a variety of common struggles for our writers and I hope to help you by sharing specific strategies for each of them in the upcoming podcast series. Conferring is a topic I have not yet tho…
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You've gotten to know your students as writers, and you've chosen goals for your class. Now what? It's time to find strategies for writing that your writers can use to meet their goals! In this episode, Melissa shares four techniques for finding and choosing teaching points. Leveraging Your Own Writing Experience Mining Mentor Texts Thinking Outsid…
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In this final episode of our four-part series, we dive into the last 5 ways Christian teachers can transform their classrooms through mindset and reflection. What You'll Learn: Embracing a Kingdom growth mindset to see challenges as opportunities. The power of reflection and prayer at the end of each day. The benefits of keeping a gratitude journal…
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Part 2 with Dana Teague is here! Dana's energy is contagious, and she shares so many ideas for supporting your student writers. Listen in to hear: Why you don't need to be a perfect writer to teach your writers Ways to get to know your writers Free Writing Assessment Helping writers use AI effectively I hope you enjoy the episode! About Melissa: Me…
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I know this episode (and its sequel) will have you nodding your head in agreement again and again! Ms. Dana Teaque is an experienced and passionate educator who will make you feel seen and inspire you to do what is best for your students. Listen in to hear: Dana's educational journey Writing strategies for diverse learners Fostering student growth …
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You may not have had said this out loud, but I know it has been in the back of your mind. It is there each time you make a decision to: -provide a structure graphic organizer for planning Or -have students "check in" before moving ahead in the work In this episode, I encourage teachers to consider the purpose of their fear and provide less structur…
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Writing Prompts- they can be cute but looks can be deceiving! Yes, they have their place and may be a needed activity for our elementary and middle school students in order to prepare for testing or other situations, BUT They should not be the only writing students are doing on a daily basis! In this episode, I explain the limitations of prompts, s…
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I have had many questions recently regarding content area writing instruction. Although writing across the curriculum is not a new term in education, most content area teachers still have little training in how to incorporate effective writing practice and instruction into their subject area. This episode shared 4 techniques to not only help get mo…
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We all know practice is necessary for all of us to grow in any capacity. Whether you are a writer, athlete, construction worker or musician, the more you practice your skills the more skilled you become at your craft. I often find that in the classroom, this practice is limited for students as writers. This may be due to teachers' lack of time, or …
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Hey Transformational Teacher Today, we will cover the next 5 ways that Christian Teachers Can Transform Their Classroom, focusing on creating a peaceful and loving classroom environment and building strong relationships. 11. Invite God’s Presence into Your Classroom/Personal Worship Time Each day, intentionally invite God, Jesus, and the Holy Spiri…
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If you are looking for inspiration for teaching writing, this is the episode for you! My guest, Cassandra Williams, owner of Educational Innovation 360 brings her energy and passion for literacy and supporting teachers. Listen in to hear us discuss: -Cassandra's observations of writing programs in various districts -Bringing real-world writing into…
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In this episode, I invite you to consider how you are setting the stage for writing in your elementary or middle school classroom in the first few days of school. Do you want your writers to be excited, confident and ready to engage in writing? How you begin writing time-the words you say and the activities you ask your students to do-needs to supp…
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Hey Transformational Teacher Today, we will cover the next 5 ways, focusing on Daily Spiritual Habits and Affirmations. Daily Time in the Word Spending time in God’s word daily strengthens your faith and provides guidance. God has literally given us the handbook to life which is our bible; we just have to open it and use it. Scripture: Psalm 119:10…
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Hey Transformational Teacher Today, we are starting a special four-part series for the Back-to-School season called "20 Ways Christian Teachers Can Transform Their Classroom." Let’s explore the first 5 ways." 5 Foundational Faith Practices for Transforming Your Classroom" Create a vision for Your classroom and yourself as a teacher: Develop a visio…
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You will enjoy this episode with my guest, Ms. Hannah Roudebush! Hannah was a teacher who truly cared for her students and did everything she could to make learning "relevant, engaging, and perhaps the most important aspect of that, enjoyable." Hannah is passionate about getting learners participating in the learning process and in this episode, sh…
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Hey Transformational Teacher In this episode I speak briefly on remembering why you started teaching, staying in your lane and embracing the freedom God has given you. Below is a brief overview: Remembering Your 'Why': Reflect on why you started teaching. Let your 'why' fuel your perseverance. Tips: Write down your 'why,' share it with a friend, fi…
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Sometimes using a mentor text to teach writing seems scary, but I promise you, it is not! In this episode, Melissa covers: ~The what and Why of Mentor texts for writing ~How to choose a mentor text for writing ~Using your own library or Read Alouds as mentor texts ~Ideas for strategies to teach using a mentor text Your young writers need to see wri…
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In last week’s podcast, I spoke briefly about ways we can rest, reset, and recharge. As we continue to move through the summer, I encourage you to create a plan to make the most of this time.In this episode I speak about the need to Rest, Reset and Recharge along with a few tips. Rest: Freedom from activity or labor/To cease from action or motion/T…
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Welcome to the Transformational Teacher Today, we celebrate you for completing another school year! As this school year comes to an end, I encourage you to take some time to reflect. What better way to do this than now, while you are listening to this episode? Questions to reflect on: 1. Reflect on the moments that touched your heart, the challenge…
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Shared Writing is a highly-effective writing instructional practice for elementary and even middle school students in which the teacher holds the pen while collaboratively composing a piece of text with their students. Students are involved in all stages of the writing process with support from the teacher. Students need a high number of opportunit…
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Do you give enough time to new practices in writing instruction? Or perhaps you throw in the towel as soon as things don't go as planned? I have definitely been guilty of "poo pooing" a new strategy or technique when it doesn't magically fix everything right away. But the truth is, everything takes time! Plus, sometimes a small adjustment is all it…
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You won't want to miss the second part of my interview with these two fabulous educators! We continue our discussion on the topics of: Handling the "expectations" of teaching writing: -considering each writer's "default" -letting go in order to prevent holding writers back -creating school-based progressions -focusing on growth Editing in a new lig…
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In this episode, you will hear from two literacy experts who have worked with a number of districts to support them in best practices in reading and writing. Coley Conter and Katy Wischow are a pleasure to speak with and I you will gain so much from hearing what they share with us! Our discussion begins with Katy and Coley's favorite part about tea…
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What does writing time FEEL like in your elementary or middle school classroom? Is that feeling something your students need in order to enjoy and engage in writing? Writing instruction needs to be explicit and effective, but in order for our students to WANT to write, writing time needs to be enjoyable, collaborative and engaging! If you want to s…
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In a previous episode (#57) I spoke about the "composing" aspect of writing instruction. It is vital to understand that our young writers need to learn how to compose! Oftentimes, because the conventions are what stands out to us when we read a student's writing piece, they become our focus, and lessons and discussion on the composition portion of …
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This episode was inspired by a recent keynote speech given by Mr. Eduardo Briceno. His speech resonated with me and the work I do with writing teachers and writing instruction in elementary and middle school classrooms! We all want to do our best, but do we really know how to make change in our work? Teachers are always performing, trying to give t…
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My dear teacher, You are working so hard and are just so worried about that one student. They don't seem to be catching up or getting closer to "grade-level expectations" as writers. This episode is for you, because I don't want you to stress anymore! You will hear about how to look for growth and see your part in your writers' journey! Listen in a…
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In this episode you will hear all about Share Time in Writer's Workshop and why you should be sure to implement it in your classroom! We will discuss how Share Time can help with: generating ideas for writing reinforcing writing skills building community of writers building writer's confidence and more! If you would like to receive more support fro…
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Ok- Hear me out! I am going to share 5 convincing reasons why taking time to write for yourself will truly benefit you as a teacher of writing as well as your students as writers. I know you are so very busy, and I promise that even a little bit of your own writing will go a LONG way! If your students aren't enjoying writing or are stuck in one spo…
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This episode holds the key to transforming your writing instruction from WRITING-focused to WRITER- focused! This is how we truly grow our elementary and middle school writers! What we say shows so much to ourselves and our writers about what we value. We want our writers to know that we value them and what they do as writers! What we say also form…
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School leaders, teachers and students are frustrated with writing, and I know why! I find that getting teachers to see writing instruction in a new way to be extremely helpful. One way I have accomplished this is in my comparison to teaching math, as well as the goal of using math in our lives vs using writing. This episode lays out this view point…
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Are you feeling like you don't know where to go next with writing? Do you notice your elementary or middle school writers lacking progress? This episode is for you! Whether or not you are utilizing a writing "program" with lessons already provided, you may find yourself feeling lost or unsure of how to proceed during each writing block. A program a…
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Hey Transformational Teacher Take time to reflect, let go and allow God to guide you so you can recharge, reset and return to finish the school year with renewed endurance and strength from God. Matthew 19:26 Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are sur…
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I just love the Question-and-Answer portion of workshops! This is when I truly know what the teachers need! Today's episode will cover these two questions: How can I support emergent writers? After finding out students' writing level - do I split them into groups and focus on their level or do the teaching as a whole class? Happy Listening! About M…
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Hey Transformational Teacher: What do you do after a long day inside the classroom to rejuvenate yourself? Here are a few things I do: 1. Have a moment of silence to myself. 2. I love to listen to music. I even play instrumental worship songs throughout the day at times. 3. At times I go to the gym and read, listen to audio book, music, podcast whi…
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This episode shares questions from teachers' exit tickets after attending my workshop "Unveiling the Artistry of Teaching Writing". Today's questions are: How can I instill motivation in writers? How will I be sure my lessons are diverse to meet all writers' needs, challenging students who need it without overwhelming others? I hope the ideas and s…
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I know you will gain so much from this conversation from Mrs. Risa Woods, educator and ELL expert! Risa provides high-impact teaching strategies and mindsets that are geared toward supporting multi-lingual learners but will benefit all students in your classroom. The information Risa shares is of great help to teachers who are limited in support wh…
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I know you will gain so much from this conversation from Mrs. Risa Woods, educator and ELL expert! Risa provides high-impact teaching strategies and mindsets that are geared toward supporting multi-lingual learners but will benefit all students in your classroom. The information Risa shares is of great help to teachers who are limited in support wh…
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It is impossible to ignore the connection between reading and writing. This episode delves into the ways that understanding that connection help to inform and enhance writing instruction. Melissa shares what research says about how reading and writing work together, ways to begin to make this connection known to students and the 'behind the scene' …
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Hey There Writing Teacher! Have you asked these questions before? 'How much should my students be writing?' 'What should their writing look like?' 'What should I focus on?' How should I instruct this writer?' Well-today we turn stop saying 'should' and start using 'can'! This episode will share Melissa's take on how teachers can approach their own …
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'Publish means public, not Perfect' and 'Value the Process, not the Product!' These are the mantras I'd like you to take on when thinking about the editing and publish portion of the writing process for your students. When we keep the writer in mind (teach the writer, not the writing!) we will not have them edit to "perfection". We will have them e…
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Why are we having our students revise? Sure, we want them to make their piece the best it can be! But, are we revising with a focus on the writer, or on the writing? This episode will discuss two thoughts on the revision portion of the writing process: 1-Why do we revise and how can we make it effective for our writers? 2-When do writers revise Mel…
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Drafting is so much more than we realize! In this episode, Melissa shares the details of drafting by exploring all the purposes of this part of the writing process for our student writers as well as for ourselves as teachers, and how important it is for us to understand this aspect of writing for our writing instruction. Discussion points include: …
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Hey Transformational Teacher, In this episode, I talk about what prayer is and what happens when we pray. Prayer is communicating with God. Prayer is praying God’s word over life situations. Prayer is listening to what God has to say to you. Prayer is showing God that we can’t do life on our own and that we need His help. When we pray as teachers w…
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If our goal is to grow independent writers, then we need to guide them in effectively cycling through the writing process in order to create clear, detailed and organized pieces of writing. Effective use of planning, or pre-writing, is an integral step in student writing, and in order for a writer's planning to be worthwhile, it needs to be the rig…
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Students and teachers are struggling with learning and teaching writing skills, and it is time for a change. But what do we consider writing? What is focused on and valued in our schools during writing time? This episode discusses the meaning of writing and how writing is often showing up in our classrooms. Melissa shares her views on what writing …
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Hey Transformational Teacher, Happy New Year! May this year be the time when you surrender your classroom to God and allow Him to have His way in you and your students. In this episode, I talk about the importance of having a vision for your classroom, yourself as a teacher, and each of your individual students. Writing your vision down helps you s…
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