A²J Writes is a collaborative blog by Ariel, Andrea, and Jillean for the course Promoting Writing in Primary Grades. The blog reflects on class sessions by highlighting key insights, interesting ideas, and ways to apply strategies in real classrooms. It goes beyond summaries to include thoughtful reflections and suggestions for future teaching. Collaboration is central, the team builds on one another’s posts, exchanges feedback, and engages with peers’ blogs to create a wider learning community.
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Beyond "And Then": Assessing a Narrative and Planning the Next Step
Fresh off my deep dive into the 6+1 Traits, I had a chance to apply this diagnostic lens to a new piece of student writing: titled "T...
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As a teacher in training, I am always learning new things about how children grow and how they learn. Recently, I had the chance to explore ...
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Dear Younger Me, I still remember you standing in front of your first classroom, red pen in hand, determined to turn every paper into pe...
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Have you ever stop to contemplate how writing is more than just words on paper? Initially, I thought writing was simply putting sentences to...

Wow, Ariel, this was such a beautifully written piece! I really love how you described writing as a mirror of how we think and grow. That line stayed with me because it captures the emotional side of writing that often gets overlooked in classrooms. It’s so true that each draft teaches us not just about words, but about ourselves.
ReplyDeleteYour reflection also made me pause at the question you posed: “How can teachers help students see writing as a journey, not a chore?” That’s such an important challenge. I think it starts with creating a classroom culture where mistakes are seen as part of growth, not as failure. When students realize their messy drafts are actually stepping stones, they begin to take more risks and write with greater authenticity.
I also agree that giving students more choice in what they write about can transform their engagement. When their writing connects to their experiences or interests, the process becomes meaningful — it feels less like a task and more like a form of self-expression.
Thank you for this reminder that writing isn’t just an academic skill, but a lifelong journey of discovery. Thumbs up!