Writing is more of an independent task, but my students love to share what they are creating. Giving students the time to share their favorite sentence or paragraph with a friend can be uplifting and motivating, as well as encourage collaboration. 

My biography slide deck also has peer editing and partner work built in. Check that out here. 

One-on-one instruction: I have a “Teacher Check-In” sign on the whiteboard. When students progress through the slide deck, they come to “STOP” slides, which inform them to meet with the teacher. 

Students who have questions can also sign up, but I like to make a different spot on the whiteboard for this, just called “Quick Questions." I can quickly address those before I pull for conferences. 

Small group instruction: I use small group instruction the least, but I will pull groups of students who need help and reteaching on the same things. 

I also use it to pre-teach a lesson. For example, I might know a certain group of students will need help with writing leads. I will pull them to discuss the lesson and then ask them to write a lead example on a whiteboard. Once successful, I will dismiss them to go write it on their slide deck, giving them a jump start on that portion. 

Whole group instruction: I use whole group time to revisit components that students are having to revise often. Whole group is mainly reviewing the public tracker and discussing what is on pace, as well as celebrating and sharing.

Celebrating or sharing is a great way to end your writing block. Bring students together and have them share their favorite sentence they wrote that day or chat with a partner about what went well. 

My MCP Teacher Tip is to trust your students and let them have some ownership over the learning process. Teachers love rules, but sometimes we can get a little carried away with those types of things. I have found that my students can lessen my load by simply being encouraged to work together and seek each other out for answers!