Toitoi - giving writers (& illustrators) a real purpose

Have you seen this excellent NZ resource? It contains a wide range of writing by NZ kids - from 5 years and up. There are also teacher support materials. They are also on Facebook at this link. If you sign up for their quarterly newsletter you get a free copy of the first issue.

This links really well with some reading I have been doing about giving children a variety of audiences and real purpose for their writing by Mem Fox. I highly recommend 

this book for making you think and re-inspiring you at the end of a stressful term.

And this will be my next!

The Best Part of Me

Another cool idea that I intend to try.

Once Upon A Picture

Found this cool site on Facebook. It has some great images for inspiring writing along with question starters and lesson ideas.

Story Stones

Found this idea on Facebook at Relief Teaching Ideas. (Link to site on the sidebar of this blog). There are heaps more on Pinterest - you can even buy them if you are 'drawing challenged'. Looks like I'm going to be busy collecting stones. I think the kids in the class will enjoy making their own stones for the class resource which will make it even more meaningful for them.