“No Dropped Quotes”
“What do we want?” “No dropped quotes!” “When do we want it?” “Now!” This is a frequent exchange I have with my students. As an essay teacher, dropped quotes are one of the banes of my existence. A dropped quote…
Let’s SPRING!
winter SPRING, summer, fall Welcome Spring! John Muir reminds us: “Spring work is going on with joyful enthusiasm.” Think about it. Every time a child picks up a pencil, this is a courageous act. And like John Muir, I believe…
When You Don’t Know How to Write
I’ve never met a child who doesn’t have imagination. But, tragically, I’ve met many a child who is deprived of the tools that allows the imagination to play via pencil on paper. I occasionally cross paths with older students struggling…
Why the Writer’s Checklist
“What’s your big idea?” The purpose of writing is to communicate an idea. In order to accomplish this goal, students need to develop the skills and confidence that will prepare them to communicate that idea well. Teach your students early…
Spring into Writing: Introducing The Writing Mentor
Style is one of the most important elements of writing—but how can you teach something that’s so personal, so impossible to quantify? It can feel like trying to explain Yosemite to someone who’s never seen a mountain or forest. Or…
Just Sit Down and WRITE!
“The BEST thing is just to write; to sit down and write, to begin doing it and not to be scared by the blank page.” …
Let’s Spring into Writing
During the month of March we will be offering strategies to support and inspire your writing students. Our spring stories bundle for 2nd grade is a wonderful place to begin. As is the case with all the Earlybird units, your…
Submit Soon!
Submissions are open NOW through June 5, 2026. Writing is an artform that is meant to be read by a reader! Blackbird & Company Educational Press is proud to announce a call for submissions to student writers, Kindergarten through 12th…
Great Sentences Begin Here
Beginning Sentences One of the challenges of writing sentences is creating variety. Sometimes a short, simple sentence will do just fine, but there is something wonderful about a long luscious sentence! Let’s practice writing concise sentences with a punch of…
Valentines and Letter Writing
Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to craft a letter by hand! A card and letter—the kind that is written by hand—is a true kindness, a keepsake. This offering can take many forms. Original poems are little gems that pair…