I think you could probably go back and track the stages of grief, probably that is what I went through. But I think if you do it right, you end up at acceptance. And that's where I ended up. And that's not to say that I've fully accepted the idea that the golden toad is extinct. Personally, I do still hold out hope that it could still be out there in those forests." - Trevor Ritland This conversation is with Trevor Ritland, who—along with his twin brother Kyle—authored The Golden Toad . The book chronicles their remarkable journey into Costa Rica’s cloud forest, once home to hundreds of brilliant golden toads that would emerge for just a few weeks each year—until, one day, they vanished without a trace. What began as a search for a lost species soon became something much more profound: a confrontation with ecological grief, a meditation on hope, and a powerful call to protect the natural world while we still can. Links: SpeciesUnite.com Kyle and Trevor: https://kyleandtrevor.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventureterm/ Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222249677-the-golden-toad Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Toad-Ecological-Mystery-Species/dp/163576996…
Teachers know that when classes are done, the beer has been poured, teachers gather around the table, and the talk turns to...teaching. Great (and not so great ideas) are tossed around, argued, praised, and ridiculed. What's been missing is a microphone on the table. Until now. If you're a teacher, and especially if you're teaching in Japan, have a listen. Tony and Charles talk about what they've learned, what works, what doesn't, and what other teachers like you have to say.
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Two Teachers talking with various guest from the business world.
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Podcast by Shira and Melanie
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Hi there, Austin and I (Brian) are two teachers in Japan living in the Tohoku region. We have been here for over 7+ years. We like to sit and chat about different topics concerning Japan. Our Topics Include: - Traditional Japan - Contemporary Japan - Food - Life in Japan - Teaching in Japan - Japanese Customs and many more
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Since 2007, Two Writing Teachers has been a vibrant community of reflective writers. We're excited to take our passion for teaching writing to new heights in the second season of our podcast. Join us as we explore ways to create, lead, and sustain joyful and productive writing workshops, empowering educators to help their students become competent, brave, and confident writers. Let's make writing instruction engaging and rewarding for everyone involved! Would your company like to sponsor an ...
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184. More AI - How it might (and might not) change education
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1:02:48We’re ba-a-a-ck! And we just can’t seem to leave this topic alone. Something of a deep dive into ideas about how AI will change education and how we might prepare for what’s coming. Full notes can be found here: Two Teachers Talking: twoteacherstalking.comVon Tony Silva and Charles Wiz
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Beliefs Drive Successful Writing Practices: A Digging Deeper Dialogue
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37:56In the final episode of our third season, we dive into the foundational beliefs that shape effective writing instruction. From emphasizing explicit teaching to fostering a community led by a teacher who writes to foundational skills like handwriting and spelling, we explore key elements that support student success. This episode will inspire educat…
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The Salad Bowl Game is one of our family's favorite games to play when we're all together, and it's also a great game for building students' vocabulary in writing, as well as any other content area. Give it a try with friends when you have some time, and have some great laughs and learning in classrooms with students. Send us a text Please subscrib…
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Meet the Featured Writers in This Year's Author Spotlight Series: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey
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Introducing the 10th Annual Author Spotlight Series on the Two Writing Teachers blog, featuring daily interviews with children’s authors and illustrators who share their creative journeys and writing processes. Listeners get a preview of the week’s lineup, including stories of resilience, identity, and collaboration from Tim Donohue, Tyler Gordon, …
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Support Family Advocacy and Empowerment: A Digging Deeper Dialogue
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34:05In this special episode, Melanie turns the tables as she interviews Stacey about her forthcoming book, which helps parents understand how to make the school system work for their child with disabilities. Hear about the personal passion that fueled this project, get an overview of the book’s three-part structure, and demystify the language of specia…
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In this Tip for Tomorrow, Melanie provides three ideas for differentiating that can work across grade levels and across genres. Send us a text Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform. You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. Melanie Meehan: meehanmelani…
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Let’s revisit the Spring 2017 blog series "Keep Learning Going Throughout the Summer," which explored various strategies to maintain children's writing skills during the summer break. Stacey highlights key ideas from the 2017 co-author team, including creating personalized writing spaces, gamifying the writing process, and using books to inspire wr…
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The Evolving Landscape of Writing Instruction: The Writing Roundtable
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45:44In our second Writing Roundtable episode, renowned literacy expert Lester L. Laminack joins us to discuss his Ferris wheel of education concept, providing a fresh perspective on educational trends. Lester examines the current state of writing instruction, investigating how recent developments influence students' writing experiences and skills. List…
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Fun test prep may seem like an oxymoron, but in this tip for tomorrow, Melanie shares a few ways you can bring movement, collaboration, and agency into getting students ready to take assessments. Send us a text Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform. You may contact us directly if you want u…
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183. An Interview with David “MacSparky” Sparks
1:03:21
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1:03:21David is the creator of many online tutorial videos, the Field Guide series, and the cohost of the MacPower Users podcast. Tony and Charles talk with David about his journey from engineer to lawyer to Mac nerd to educator. We discuss teaching tech, tech for teachers, and, of course, Stoicism and arete. Macsparky: https://www.macsparky.com/ Stephen …
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Foundations of Written Expression: Digging Deeper Dialogue
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32:59In this episode, Stacey interviews Melanie about her upcoming book (co-authored with Maggie Beattie Roberts), tentatively titled THE WRITING BRAIN: FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS OF WRITTEN EXPRESSION. The book emphasizes developing foundational writing skills through research- and evidence-based instructional methods. We discuss the five guiding principles f…
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There is a lot of research about spelling and how students learn to spell words, and there are important connections between how students spell and how they learn to read. In this episode, Melanie shares a few changes she's made as she works with students who ask how to spell words. RESOURCES MENTIONED: How Words Cast Their Spell Rebecca Treiman Se…
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Igniting a Passion for Poetry: The Writing Roundtable
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48:36Welcome to The Writing Roundtable, where we explore writing topics with guest authors. In this inaugural episode, Stacey discusses poetry’s significance in elementary education with poet Amy Ludwig VanDerwater, who describes poetry as "offerings of beautiful words by beautiful people that I don't know." Amy shares the benefits of poetry and strateg…
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Explore the transformative power of process logs in writing instruction. Stacey reveals how process logs provide accountability, track progress, and offer authentic glimpses into the writing process. Discover how sharing these logs can make writing instruction more transparent and supportive for students. Whether you're a writer or educator, this e…
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The Importance of Oracy in Language Development: A Conversation With a Colleague
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33:18Shawnda Fukano, a literacy coach and contributing writer to TWTBlog, chats with Stacey to expand on her blog post about oracy and its importance for multilingual learners. The discussion covers various aspects of oracy development, including success stories, challenges, and practical classroom implementation strategies. Shawnda shares her experienc…
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182. The teacher and AI ethics (What about YOU, Sensei?)
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1:15:18Much is being written about students, ethics, and AI. What about teachers? What are the ethical issues regarding teachers and their use of AI? We do our best to determine where some of the lines are. (Yes, AI was used in preparation for this podcast.) Mentioned: Stephen Fry https://youtu.be/-Cw37g39g00?si=SyqZw4RduQUqSJW- Are you conscious? A conve…
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Motor skills are fundamental for written expression. In this Tip for Tomorrow, Melanie shares some strategies for building and leveraging large and small motor skills. Send us a text Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform. You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your schoo…
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Research Around Writing Instruction: A Conversation with Colleagues
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34:12In this episode, Melanie talks with Two Writing Teachers co-authors, Leah Thomas and Lainie Levin, about their presentation from NCTE 2025. The presentation and discussion focus on important research supporting fundamental writing instruction practices. Go Deeper: Check out the Build Your Expertise Blog Series on TWTBlog. Thanks to our affiliate, Z…
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Stacey explores how sticky notes enhance writing workshops through three key uses: spelling assistance, sentence revisions, and personalized mini-charts. These practical ways promote student independence and offer non-intrusive feedback for customized learning, positively impacting writing skills. With these easy-to-implement ideas, you can make a …
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The Two Writing Teachers co-authors shared ideas for modernizing mentor texts in the most recent blog series. Melanie summarizes some of the ideas she has already implemented with children and teachers within her work. Go Deeper: Click here to read through all of the posts in the series. Thanks to our affiliate, Zencastr! Use our special link (http…
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181. Tony, Spanish, and El Bújo Verde (Duolingo)
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1:04:00The teacher gets the desks turned on him. Tony talks about the challenges he faces in his efforts to learn Spanish, with a focus on his use of Duolingo. Links Duolingo Duolingo Guides Duolingo Languages Supplemental Resources Full notes can be found here: Two Teachers Talking: twoteacherstalking.orgVon Tony Silva and Charles Wiz
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Unpacking and Implementing Insights from the 2024 NCTE Convention: A Conversation With Colleagues
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33:00Jess Carey and Sarah Valter, Two Writing Teachers Co-Authors, join Stacey to unpack the transformative insights from the 2024 National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Annual Convention, diving deep into the conference's "Heart, Hope and Humanity" theme. The conversation explores reimagining scripted curriculum into student-centered teaching a…
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Writing tools are deeply personal, with each individual having a preferred instrument that feels comfortable and enables smooth writing. For children, selecting the right pen or pencil can significantly impact their writing experience and learning, with options like flair or gel pens offering easier grip and more enjoyable writing. While pens provi…
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This week, Stacey explores the concept of planning and implementing a series of small group lessons to enhance students' writing skills across different genres. Drawing from her books Craft Moves and Welcome to Writing Workshop, the episode provides practical examples of teaching points that can be applied to various writing types to emphasize the …
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Alternatives to Marking Up Student Work: A Digging Deeper Dialogue
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39:19We explore the reasons against writing directly on children's work in progress, including potential negative impacts on learning and agency. The episode discusses why educators might feel compelled to write on student work and offer alternative approaches. We delve into considerations for digital writing and introduce new thinking about orthographi…
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180. Tech tools for serious learners
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1:14:32You’ve got a couple of students who have the hunger, the drive to learn. What tools can you recommend to help them up their game? Have a listen.Tools MentionedAnkihttps://apps.ankiweb.net - free flashcard creation toolCitation Machinehttps://www.citationmachine.net - citation generator and moreClaude AI https://claude.ai Duolingohttps://www.duoling…
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In our final episode of 2024, Melanie shares three ways to streamline your record-keeping using Google Forms. She explains how to use Google Forms to have students share something specific, reflect on conferences, and sign up for small group instruction. You'll learn to collect helpful information about, from, and alongside students. Plus, links to…
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Your Small Group Instruction, Your Records: A Tip for Tomorrow From Stacey
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12:26This week, Stacey chats about the critical role of record-keeping in small-group instruction within the writing workshop. The episode highlights five key reasons why educators should prioritize record keeping. We’ll explore effective record-keeping methods, emphasizing the importance of real-time note-taking during conferences and discussing physic…
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Celebrating Student Writers: A Digging Deeper Dialogue
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34:13This week, we explore the transformative power of writing celebrations in elementary classrooms. Discover how these joyful events showcase student work, nurture young writers' identities, strengthen classroom communities, and foster a sense of pride and accomplishment. From minor celebrations that acknowledge daily progress to grander events involv…
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179. Old Hands - Part Two
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1:10:47Part two. The two old farts are in their rocking chairs on the front porch, watching the sun go down. Pull up a chair while they talk about the lessons they’ve learned and the wisdom they have accumulated over the years…and all the ways they’ve screwed up. Full notes can be found here: Two Teachers Talking: twoteacherstalking.org…
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Melanie shares three practical strategies for maximizing classroom time. She emphasizes managing transition times to maintain student engagement and minimize downtime. In addition, she suggests creating a collection of valuable and doable activities that students can choose from, fostering independence and motivation. Finally, she suggests training…
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Stacey explores the vital executive functioning skill of time management as it applies to the writing workshop. She identifies common challenges students face, from grasping time concepts to meeting deadlines, and offers practical strategies to enhance their skills. Listeners will learn about tools such as visual aids, organizational checklists, an…
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Tackling Tricky Topics: A Digging Deeper Dialogue
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37:20We delve into the challenging subjects that often arise in elementary school writing workshops, ranging from bodily functions and violence to mental health issues. We explore the non-negotiable aspects of topic choice and discuss establishing clear boundaries in the classroom, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe space for young writers. T…
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Writing complete sentences is tricky for most elementary school students. This week's Tip for Tomorrow provides concrete ways to make sentence construction sticky for students. From a visible, tactile teaching method to progressions of examples, Melanie shares various strategies to help kids gain a more concrete understanding of sentence structure …
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178. Old Hands - Part 1
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1:05:50The two old farts are in their rocking chairs on the front porch, watching the sun go down. Pull up a chair while they talk about the lessons they’ve learned and the wisdom they have accumulated over the years…and all the ways they’ve screwed up. They go so deep, it will be a two-parter. Full notes can be found here: Two Teachers Talking: twoteache…
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Prepping for Fall Conferences: A Conversation with a Colleague
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36:14Leah Thomas, a co-author of the Two Writing Teachers Blog, chats with Melanie to reflect on her recent experiences with parent-teacher conferences, discussing the challenges and rewards of connecting with families. She shares effective note-taking strategies, what assessments to present, and the impact of showcasing student writing samples. Leah al…
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In this podcast episode, Melanie will share creative strategies to make the editing process engaging for students. Discover how to infuse fun into editing by using gamification techniques and various tools. You will also learn how to integrate editing into the drafting process and support students with scaffolds, checklists, and reminders to streng…
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Refine Your Writing Conferences: A Digging Deeper Dialogue
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35:56Discover the art of building meaningful writer-to-writer relationships and managing time effectively in brief, impactful sessions. The discussion delves into the importance of individualized focus, highlighting how concentrating on a single aspect of writing per conference can lead to more manageable and absorbing lessons for students. Additionally…
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In our 100th episode, Stacey explores the power of tangible artifacts in writing conferences. She discusses five essential tools to enhance the writer-to-writer relationship: mentor texts, demonstration texts, mini-charts, personalized word walls, and individualized checklists. Learn how to introduce and utilize these artifacts to support student w…
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177. Smartphones in the classroom
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1:10:29This month we wrestle with the smartphone controversy. What are the issues? What are the upsides? What is the most sensible way of dealing with this bit of tech in your classroom? Plus, a big announcement. Full notes can be found here: Two Teachers Talking: twoteacherstalking.orgVon Tony Silva and Charles Wiz
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Melanie shares four ways to reenergize student writers whose enthusiasm and stamina dwindle during more extended writing units. Her ideas are sure to reinvigorate students in engaging and meaningful ways. Go Deeper: Keeping the Energy In a Unit of Study Writing as a Gift Thanks to our sponsors! Book Creator: Listeners can get 3 months free premium …
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Help K-8 Students with Executive Functioning Needs: A Conversation with a Colleague
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37:32This episode features Betsy Hubbard, an experienced educator and co-author at Two Writing Teachers. The discussion explores the critical role of executive functioning skills in writing and how deficits in these areas can impact students' performance. Betsy shares practical strategies for teachers to support executive functioning in writing workshop…
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In this week's episode, Melanie shares six innovative strategies for using verbal rehearsal to empower young writers. She discusses techniques such as purposeful storytelling, visual cue cards, and fostering student collaborative partnerships. Enhancing oral language skills aims to strengthen writing abilities, demonstrating the powerful connection…
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In this episode, Stacey explores the "Ready, Do, Done" model by Sarah Ward and Kristen Jacobsen to help students with executive functioning challenges become confident writers. She discusses the importance of setting clear intentions and gathering necessary materials ("Ready"), breaking down tasks and using visual aids ("Do"), and celebrating accom…
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Get to Know Writers: A Digging Deeper Dialogue
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44:22This episode delves into the importance of understanding students as writers and its benefits to educators and learners. We explore how this knowledge fosters a stronger classroom community and informs more tailored instruction. Tried-and-true methods such as kid-watching, utilizing writer's notebooks, and conducting effective one-on-one conference…
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176. Listener Questions
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1:06:55We open the mailbag and field questions from listeners. Be sure to listen through to the end for the big reveal. Apologies for the audio not meeting our usual standards. 猿も木から落ちる! Full notes can be found here: Two Teachers Talking: twoteacherstalking.orgVon Tony Silva and Charles Wiz
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175. Digital Surveillance
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1:05:30Digital Surveillance: Who’s watching you and your students? We discuss some of the ways we are tracked daily, by both human and non-human agents. 👀 Better read those Terms of Service agreements. Full notes can be found here: Two Teachers Talking: twoteacherstalking.orgVon Tony Silva and Charles Wiz
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174. Graduation. Now what?
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58:57Charles again talks with his daughter, this time about university graduation, future plans, how it feels to set out on a new phase in life, and some of the things learned while studying to become a teacher. Full notes can be found here: Two Teachers Talking: twoteacherstalking.orgVon Tony Silva and Charles Wiz
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Exploring Best Practices and Research in Writing Instruction: A Digging Deeper Dialogue
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39:02It's the final episode of season two, so we're discussing some of the best practices for writing instruction. We cover the importance of a thriving writing community and the writing process, and we explore the role of oral language in boosting writing stamina. We also discuss the importance of dedicated and intentional writing time, the reciprocity…
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173. Professional Suicide Intervention
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1:23:54As a non-Japanese English teacher in Japan, there are a million ways to shoot oneself in the foot…or worse. We look at some of the pitfalls that lie in wait when dealing with administration, staff, colleagues, and students. Full notes can be found here: Two Teachers Talking: twoteacherstalking.orgVon Tony Silva and Charles Wiz
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