009. How to Build a Writing Block That Actually Works
Let’s be honest—writing blocks are one of the first things to get pushed aside when the schedule gets tight. And if you’ve ever tried to teach writing while juggling pull-outs, behavior needs, and a jam-packed calendar, you’re not alone.
In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes to share one of the most important lessons I learned while teaching a multiage classroom: how to make a writing block work even when time and space are limited.
We’re cutting through the chaos to show you how to create a writing block that is consistent, manageable, and actually doable—no 60-minute uninterrupted time slot required.
🧠 What You’ll Learn:
➤ Why Writing Blocks Often Fall Apart
- The myth of needing a perfect schedule
- Common mistakes like bloated mini-lessons, inconsistent routines, and unclear expectations
➤ The Writing Block Formula That Works
- A five-part structure: Routine, Mini-Lesson, Independent Writing, Embedded Feedback, and Reflection
- Why short, skill-based lessons are your secret weapon
➤ What It Looks Like in Real Classrooms
- How I structured a 30–45 minute block with warm-ups, lessons, writing time, and student sharing
- Differentiation tips for struggling writers and high-flyers
➤ Troubleshooting the Most Common Roadblocks
- “They’re done in 5 minutes.”
- “I never have time to conference.”
- “They don’t know what to write.”
You’ll get mindset shifts and practical strategies you can use tomorrow.
🛠️ Resources & Links:
➡️ Grab your free Literacy Time Blocks
➡️ Want more help? Check out The Writing Bridge—your roadmap for teaching writing simply and effectively.
➡️ Join Bridging Literacy Hub for access to resources, training and support
💬 Let’s Keep It Simple:
Writing blocks don’t need to be perfect.
They need to be predictable and purposeful.
Start small. Stay consistent. And don’t forget—you’ve got this.
📢 Call to Action:
If this episode gave you a fresh perspective or helpful tip, please:
✅ Share it with a teacher friend
✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
✅ Follow for more no-fluff, real-talk support
