Two Writing Teachers - Heart Mapping

Several people “in the know” recently recommended a writing website – Two Writing Teachers - @2writingteachrs. Honestly it is taking me a little time to maneuver inside the website; if this website had not been so highly recommended, I would not have plowed my way through it.

First of all, it’s not two writers – it started out as two writers in 2007, but when one of the original two writers left the blog – more and more were added – they are up to eight now.  You may want to open the “ABOUT” heading on their home page to read about these eight – their credentials are impressive. One way I will use to familiarize myself with the website, is to hone in on the postings of one of the eight bloggers. I plan to check out Elizabeth (Beth) Moore’s postings –since she’s done work with Lucy Calkins.

Here’s an idea that might be useful to you for your writing workshops. Undoubtedly, some of you are familiar with the idea of Heart Maps as a way to build a writing life for your students.

Here’s a link to all of Two Writing teachers entries on Heart Maps – entries extending back to 2007.   In short, it starts with a heart image and students place important issues inside the heart – any image can be used to generate a meaningful writing topic. One of the posts introduces the concept of “Close to the Bone” rather than a heart image; the bone image may be more appealing especially to boys.  I think Stacey Shubitz’s entry on Heart Mapping will give you a clear idea of its possibilities


Scholastic also has a lesson plan and template on Heart Mapping:



Write on, staff and students!

Marty

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