Red Cedar Writing Project

Interested in exploring professional development opportunities present in the local community? Check out the link below which details the MSU W.K. Kellogg Biological Station's (KBS) K-12 partnership program.

The KBS website notes that the "KBS K-12 Partnership provides teachers in-depth exposure to research topics in environmental science and training to teach inquiry-based science at the elementary and secondary levels. The Partnership is a joint effort among KBS scientists, MSU College of Education faculty, science teachers and administrators in southwest Michigan school districts."

This program is a great opportunity for educators (science educators in particular) to build out their professional network and develop their pedagogy.

www.kbs.msu.edu

Looking for literacy activities that promote global connections for this upcoming school year?

Check out this informative Edutopia article which details eight different activities for the Global Read Aloud (GRA) program that kicks off on October 5th of this year.

More details about this Global Read Aloud project can be found in the article linked below:

8 Activities for the Global Read Aloud Fun, easy ways to connect with another classroom across the world, including a virtual school tour or postcard exchange.

Today is a beautiful day to take a deep breath, find a quiet space, and write.

Linked below are some National Park-inspired writing prompts from Write Out 2021: Palettes, Storyboards, and Cadences.

Daily Sparks: Writing Prompts with Rangers National Park Service Rangers created these writing prompt videos to inspire your writing and can’t wait to ‘visit’ you in your classroom, your home, or your office! Respond to the prompts online v…

Wanting to stay informed regarding recent research about learning strategies?

Check out this brief article that details MSU Assistant Professor Elizabeth Cloude's research which found that successful learning depends less on the number of strategies students use and more on how effectively they adapt their thinking, emotions and learning approaches over time.

MSU research uncovers the processes that lead to learning outcomes MSU research reveals that effective learning depends on adaptable self-regulation, balancing stability and flexibility in how students think, feel and respond to challenges.

Looking for a quick, fun priming activity for the beginning of the year? Check out this article that details a "word-sort" activity whereby students work together to group related vocabulary words or concepts.

The video linked in the article provides a clear breakdown for putting this activity into practice. While the article focuses on this activity's usage in a science classroom, it can be implemented across content areas as a means to activate prior knowledge and prime key concepts for an instructional unit.

60-Second Strategy: Science Word Sorts A flexible warm-up where students work together to group related vocabulary words or concepts can cement their understanding—and help teachers assess prior knowledge.

The school year is right around the corner, so it is a great time to starting building up students' writing stamina. Check out these various writing prompts from Write Out 2022 that were developed by National Park Service Rangers and educator from across the country.

Spark Your Notebook “Spark” your writing via prompts developed by National Park Service Rangers and educator colleagues from across the country. Don’t forget to share your creation using the hashtag …

As we head into this early-August weekend here in Michigan, we encourage you to check out this cool article that discusses how parents and educators can use singing to support students’ literacy development.

Foster literacy: Sing today, read forever Minnesota can launch a musical fitness effort to help kids become ready to read by kindergarten through singing and early childhood education

As we celebrate Arts, Culture, and Humanities Day here in Michigan, we at the Red Cedar Writing Project encourage you to read this article published today by Michigan State University’s College of Arts & Letters.

The article highlights how MSU students, faculty, alumni, and community partners are putting the arts and humanities into action through strengthening education, preserving cultural heritage, and building more creative and connected communities across our state.

We are especially proud to see our director, Dr. Trixie Smith, recognized for her ongoing work supporting teachers and advancing literacy education throughout Michigan. As the article reminds us, investing in educators has an impact that extends across classrooms, communities, and generations.

Read more about how MSU's College of Arts and Letters is shaping Michigan’s future by clicking the link below:

Arts and Humanities in Action: How MSU’s College of Arts and Letters Is Shaping Michigan’s Future The impact of Michigan State University’s College of Arts and Letters extends far beyond campus. Across Michigan, students, faculty, and alumni are putting the arts and humanities to work through…

As you enjoy these beautiful early August days in Michigan, we encourage you to check out this "Poetry for the Planet" Choice Board from Write Out 2024 that offers various nature-inspired writing activities for different age levels. These activities could serve as great writing warm-ups as we approach the school year.