Why “We-Do” Writing Is Key to Independence
Schoolutions: Curious Educators. Evidence-Based Strategies. Classrooms Where Every Child Thrives.
04/18/22
•21m
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In this S1E10 interview, Leah Mermelstein reveals the revolutionary "We-Do" Writing method that's helping teachers nationwide solve two critical problems: shaky student independence and competing literacy theories.
In this expert interview, discover:
✅ Why traditional gradual release isn't working for writing instruction
✅ The 3 essential instructional strands every writer needs
✅ How 10-minute collaborative sessions transform student engagement
✅ Practical strategies for effective teaching that connect reading and writing
✅ Teaching tips that support both new teachers and veteran educators
✅ How to build student motivation through structured collaboration
Episode Mentions:
Leah’s Published Writing:
- Mermelstein, Leah. (2005). Reading/Writing Connections in the K-2 Classroom: Find the Clarity and Then Blur the Lines. Allyn & Bacon.
- Mermelstein, Leah. (2007). Don't Forget to Share: The Crucial Last Step in the Writing Workshop. Heinemann.
- Mermelstein, Leah. (2013). Self-Directed Writers: The Third Essential Element in the Writing Workshop. Heinemann.
- Mermelstein, Leah. (2021).“We-Do” Writing: Maximizing Practice to Develop Independent Writers. Benchmark Education.
- Mermelstein, Leah. (2021). 6 Qualities of a Strong Writing Curriculum. Benchmark Education.
- Mermelstein, Leah. (2021). Aligning Reading and Writing Instruction in Kindergarten-2nd Grade. Learning Without Tears.
Perfect for teachers, education coaches, instructional leaders, and anyone passionate about student success. Leah's research-backed approach creates thriving students while making teaching more manageable.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Leah Mermelstein
00:46 Leah's Teaching Background & Expertise
03:13 Inspiration from Professor Pearson's Gradual Release Model
05:33 Flipping Traditional Teaching Approaches
07:18 What is "We-Do" Writing?
08:19 The 3 Essential Instructional Strands
10:23 Interactive Writing Sessions Explained
11:30 Connecting Phonics to Writing Practice
12:31 Write Aloud: Building Language Composition
14:11 Writing Process: Bringing It All Together
15:08 Flexible Support Levels for Different Needs
16:05 Research Foundation: Reading Science Meets Writing
17:03 Making Time: The 10-Minute Solution
18:14 Real-World Application in Schools
20:09 Creating Comprehensive Writing Curriculum
21:22 Final Thoughts & Resources
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Previous Episode
How One Partnership is Revolutionizing Coaching Connections
April 11, 2022
•20m
In this S1E9 interview, join renowned education coaches Toni Cameron and Renee McShane as they share game-changing strategies from their Coaching Learning Community (CLC) that's supporting teachers nationwide. Discover how effective teacher coaching can revolutionize classroom management, student engagement, and education transformation.
What You'll Learn:
✅ Why most instructional coaching fails (and how to fix it)
✅ The power of listening over talking in teacher support
✅ How video analysis transforms coaching strategies
✅ Building authentic mentor teachers relationships
✅ Creating sustainable professional development that works
✅ The "Coaching the Coach" model for new teachers
Perfect for: teachers, education coaches, school administrators, instructional leaders, teacher mentors, school counselors, and anyone passionate about inspired teaching and teacher impact.
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction & Guest Backgrounds
1:37 Inspiring Educators: Personal Stories
3:18 The Coaching Isolation Problem
4:22 Origins of the Coaching Learning Community
6:26 CLC as a Lifeline During COVID
8:16 The Power of Video Analysis in Coaching
10:19 Understanding Your Values as a Coach
11:50 Listening Stumbling blocks for Coaches
15:54 Real-World Impact: Sweet Home School District
17:26 The "Coaching the Coach" Model
19:23 Grounding Work in What's Best for Children
Episode Mentions:
Toni’s Most Recent Published Writing:
- Cameron, Antonia. (2020). Early Childhood Math Routines: Empowering Young Minds to Think. Stenhouse Publishers.
- Cameron, Antonia and Lucy West. (2013). Agents of Change: How Content Coaching Transforms Teaching and Learning. Heinemann.
Other Resources:
#TeacherCoaching #InstructionalCoaching #ProfessionalDevelopment #EducationTransformation #TeacherSupport #CoachingStrategies #MentorTeachers #SchoolLeadership #EducationCoaches #InspiredTeaching #TeacherImpact #EmpoweredEducators #StudentSuccess #WholeChild #EffectiveTeaching #TeachingTips #NewTeachers #InstructionalLeaders #SchoolImprovement #EducationStrategies
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When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Next Episode
Why Children Need To Learn About Death
April 25, 2022
•20m
In this S1E11 interview, Parveen Shaikh, breaks the silence around one of education's most avoided topics: discussing death with children. After COVID-19 brought loss into countless families, educators worldwide are realizing that death conversations can't remain taboo in schools.
What You'll Learn:
✅ How to use bibliotherapy (picture books) to start difficult conversations
✅ The 4 key death concepts children need to understand
✅ Building stronger home-school connections during family crises
✅ Professional development strategies for teacher support
✅ Creating inclusive classrooms that address real-life challenges
✅ Effective teaching approaches for sensitive topics
Parveen shares her expertise in school leadership and creating supportive school culture. Learn how teachers can provide student support while maintaining classroom management during emotionally challenging times. This approach emphasizes whole child development and culturally responsive teaching.
Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction to Parveen Shaikh
2:15 - Why Death Became a Taboo Topic in Schools
4:30 - The Power of Bibliotherapy in Education
7:45 - Four Key Death Concepts for Children
11:20 - Teacher-Student Relationships and Trust
14:10 - Home-School Connection in India vs. US
17:30 - Mental Health Stigma and Cultural Barriers
20:45 - Training Teachers for Difficult Conversations
24:15 - Building Inclusive School Libraries
26:30 - Addressing Other Taboo Topics (Gender, LGBTQ)
28:45 - Key Takeaways for Educators and Parents
Parveen’s Published Writing:
- (2019). Yet Another Milestone. K12 Digest-Independent International K12 Education Portal & Magazine.
- (2022). Having Those Difficult Conversations. Teacher Plus Magazine.
Parveen’s Recommended Resources:
- reading ages 3 -7
- Where Do They Go? by Julia Alvarez (2016)
- reading ages 4 - 8
- The Heart and the Bottle by Oliver Jeffers (2010)
- Cry, Heart, But Never Break by Glenn Ringtved (2016)
- Gone Grandmother by Chatura Rao (2016)
- Boo: When My Sister Died by Richa Jha and Gautam Bnegal (2017)
- reading ages 7 - 9
- Duck, Death and the Tulip by Wolf Erlbruch (2011)
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
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